IFVTactics

IFV Tactics (cont.)

It must not be forgotten that IFVs still operate in close proximity to, or in co-operation with, tanks. Thus the old infantry-armour associations and working methods have also come under scrutiny to make the best possible use of their combined shock tactics and firepower.

In a similar manner few armoured operations can take place without artillery support so they too have been drawn into what seem the most routine infantry operations.

The key as always, is inter-communication to an extent that past foot soldiers would not have dared contemplate.

While such situations are familiar to tank crews, much of this is quite novel to the infantry for whom the only solution is a course of thorough retraining and subsequent experimentation to discover how best to go about their tasks in the future.

Campaigns such as that in the Persian Gulf in 1991, during which IFVs were deployed by the West for the first time on any significant scale, could provide only an inkling of how to proceed.

In a similar manner, during the deployment of BMP-1 IFVs in Afghanistan the changed tactical approaches mechanised infantry commanders now have to adopt were highlighted.

The 1994-1995 close-in fighting in Chechenya provided an indication of how the Russian Army failed to heed those indications.

The future for the infantry seems to indicate more time in gunnery and mission simulators as new skills are assimilated and less time spent in pounding around training areas.

Training armoured combat vehicle personnel is becoming increasingly expensive, so electronic simulators are assuming an ever more important role in training for all tasks from driving and gunnery to inter-vehicle fire command and control.

Above; One of the most advanced IFVs in service, the Swedish CV90. Below: APC versatility, a Canadian Ml 13 equipped for the combat engineer role.

Thyssen Henschel Condor APC Germany

Having witnessed the sales success of their UR-416 series of vehicles (see previous entry), Thyssen Henschel completed a prototype of their Condor APC in 1978. Their UR 416 technique of employing commercial components wherever possible was followed (the Condor engine and drive train are also installed on some Unimog all-terrain trucks). The first order, placed by Malaysia and for 459 units, was announced in late 1981. Production has continued ever since, with over 600 vehicles having been manufactured by mid-1994, By comparison with the earlier UR 416 the Condor is a much larger and heavier vehicle with a more aggressive appearance. It is also fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by a steerable propeller under the hull. The ballistic protection is also improved and there is more internal space for either troops (up to 12) or supplies. The internal layout has also been revised, with the driver seated well forward next to the engine, which is located on the righthand side of the hull. The vehicle commander is seated behind the driver, with access through a roof hatch to a weapon station which may be protected by a small turret.

Optional weapon mountings include a 20 mm cannon with a coaxial 7.62 mm MG, while some of the troops carried can fire their personal weapons through weapon ports in the upper hull sides. Some APCs produced for the Malaysian contract have the 20 mm cannon one-man turret. Other models produced for the same order including command vehicles, an ambulance, and a fitter's vehicle provided with a light crane. Other proposed Condor variants include ATGW carriers and models with various types of weapon turret.

Air conditioning is optional on all models, as are a collective NBC system, an intercom, night vision systems and a recovery winch, Apart from the vehicles supplied to Malaysia, Condor sales have also been made to Indonesia, Portugal, Turkey, Uruguay and some other undisclosed countries.

Condor APC

Specification

Crew: 2

Seating: 12 Weight: (combat) 12,400 kg

Length: 6.13m Width: 2.47 m

Height: (hull top) 2.18m Ground clearance: 0.475 m Track: 1.84m Max speed: (road) 100 km/h Fuel capacity: 280 litres

Range:900 km

Fording: amphibious

Vertical obstacle: 0.55 m

Engine: Mercedes-Benz OM 352 A diesel Power output: 168 hp Suspension: coil springs Armament: 1 x 20 mm cannon; 1 x7.62mmMG Variants: See text

The Condor wheeled APC undergoing German Army trials.