Re: GB Viking being Upgraded to Warthog in 2010
Yes. The original Bandvagn (Bv) was designed by the Swedish military and Volvo as a tracked snow vehicle. Hägglunds (who are now part of BAE Systems) have since developed BVs as amphibious ATVs that can be used in any climate.
I looked up Unit Class 167 in the manual and it mentioned their snow movement bonus. I don’t think they are better over sand, mud and swamp.
BVs have been used by the militaries of at least 16 countries: including Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US (i.e. the M973 SUSV). Many of the troop carrying BVs in the game have been classed as snow vehicles, but I’ve noticed that weapon carrying BVs are usually classed as something else (i.e. SP Mortar, Light SP ATGM etc). Presumably they won’t get Unit Class 167 snow terrain abilities.
The Warthog is basically a Bronco with British modifications. One of the main modifications will be extra armour. The MoD have obtained test hulls from the manufacturer and some boffins have been testing them by blowing them up with IEDs and mines. The tests will show how the vehicles can be uparmoured without losing their mobility. The Warthog may also be given TARIAN protection against RPGs – now that the kits are being rolled out.
The Warthog will undergo extensive Army trials in the UK before it is deployed to A-stan in the second half of 2010 – to iron out any problems.
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