Like MRAP development, APC design is accelerating just as rapidly. Many of the technologies found in the MRAP are finding their way into APC designs currently available and in the future. These are to include but not limited to modular construction, new hull designs, mine and IED resistant, reactive and hybrid armor packages with on-board Battlefield Management Systems (BMS). This is to show what is available and coming to both inform and hopefully get into SPMBT. So for your review first up:
British MOD evaluates two foreign designs for their Future Rapid Effect Systems (FRES) program. FRES Scout Vehicle will be made for recon, Med. armor & maneuver support. Two bids will be submitted in Nov. with a possible 2 Billion Pound contract awarded by the first quarter of 2010. MOD plans for 1300 FRES variants with the first 270 being scout vehicles. Vehicles to enter service in 2015 made in the UK to replace the Scimitar and Spartan. BAE Swedish Op to submit CV90 chassis vehicle. With a British designed new turret that utilizes a new auto 40mm CT40 Case Telescoped Weapon System (CWTS) developed by CTA International in joint venture with BAE and Nextar Industries. Turret designed for accurate firing on the move which will be a first for a Med. armored vehicle in British service. Max combat Wt. 32-35 tons speed 70km/h on road and will have ADS for active protection system. Will be similar to Swedish and Dutch CV9035 MKIII. Note picture on the right shows the MOD version test firing in Sweden with the British turret. Pictures as follows:
General Dynamics UK to submit ASCOD-2 an upgraded version of the Austrian ULAN and Spanish Pizarro. Max combat Wt. 31 tons speed 70km/h with 33km/h in reverse. And is fully battle field integrated. Note ASCOD-2 is in service with the Spanish and German armies now. Pictures as follows
Sources: defence-update.com and Jane's armored vehicle online edition. Will have news from Singapore later.
Regards to all!
Pat
APC Development and related topics.
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