Special Operations Compendium - Armada Apr May 2014

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Land Mobility Special forces used to be called upon to operate behind enemy lines. In today’s scenario they are still required to move stealthily, although the term “enemy lines” no longer means much in asymmetrical warfare conditions.

This being said, and depending on their method of insertion, operational detachments still have to move over long distances carrying heavy equipment. The method of insertion is definitely a key element in the choice of land mobility vehicles. An operation can be conducted without any land mobility support, such as in a “HAHO” insertion, with limited assets when medium helicopters are used, or with more capable vehicles if heavy rotarywing or fixed-wing aircraft are involved.

Paolo Valpolini

T

he same principle applies in case of insertion from waters (whether below of surface). When deploying directly through land such limitations do not exist to the extent that, in some situations, special forces can even use heavy armoured vehicles.

By definition therefore there is no such thing as a typical “special forces vehicle” although in people’s mind it should look like those stripped down vehicles seen in WW II films. Vehicles used by special forces, often derived from different existing nonarmoured or armoured vehicles, are still part of some special forces inventories, although many more other types are in use: some lighter, such as “quads” and buggy-type vehicles, and others heavier, as exemplified by the Oshkosh M-ATVs, BAE Systems RG33s, etc., used by the American forces.

In 2013 the United States placed four contracts related to special operations mobility, one in January for Guardian Angels Air Force Combat Search and Rescue units that will succeed the R-1 Rescue All-Terrain Transport (RATT), one in March for the NonStandard Commercial Vehicle, one in August for replacing Socom Humvee-based Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 1.0 and finally one

in October for fulfilling the new requirement for an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) that fits inside the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft. Let us consider them in timeline order.

I THE GAARV

Although many do not consider Combat Search and Rescue as a special operation, under many aspects it is. It thus requires similar equipment, including mobility assets.

These come in the form of light and highly

mobile vehicles as most of C-SAR operations are heliborne. Vehicles must be transportable either inside helicopters or under a sling. In early 2013 the US Air Force Guardian Angels selected a derivative of the HDT Global Storm to meet the Guardian Angel AirDeployable Recovery Vehicle requirement.

This was publicly released (which seldom happens with special forces equipment) and it is thus interesting to sum up some of those requirements, as they could stay as a reference for highly mobile strike vehicles.

The April 2010 System Requirements Document stems from the conclusion that the currently used R-1 RATT has extremely limited capability to move the rescue team and equipment to the incident location, something that worsens on the way back with the addition of the rescued personnel.

A new vehicle was clearly needed to offer not only better off-road performance, but also the ability to operate in hurricane or other humanitarian relief operations, allowing team members to cross streets swept by 76 cm of water dragging piles of debris.

The new Gaarv should be transportable internally on M/HC-130P/N, HC-130J, C130 and C-17 fixed-wing aircraft, in CH-47 CH-53 helicopters and in the CV/MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. According to Navair’s “Transportability of wheeled vehicle systems in the V-22” document, a vehicle must be shorter than 4.44 metres, lower than 1.5 metres at centreline, and narrower that 1.52 metres to fit into an Osprey. The analysis

Designed in the early 1990s, the Rescue All Terrain Transport (RATT) is the high-mobility vehicle currently used by Air Force special operations to transport and treat casualties, but it currently lacks the required mobility. (USAF)

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The Storm Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle was selected for the Guardian Angel AirDeployable Recovery Vehicle that will equip US Air Force C-SAR teams. (HDT Storm)

carried out in the subsequent period must have shown that such a vehicle was not able to answer payload and range requirements, thus the CV/MV-22 requirement was dropped from the document published two years later. This obviously eased constraints and allowed to review some of the key parameters. The primary one was the payload: the Gaarv must be able to transport the components of the four-man rescue team, their weight with equipment being estimated at 677 kg. But the heavy Rapid Extraction Deployment System (REDS), ammo, water, vehicle-mounted weapons and cargo that tilt the scales at 684 kg, plus two litters with patients at 113 kg each bring the grand total to 1,587 kg, for a maximum curb weight of 2,268 kg. All personnel, including the two littered patients, must stay within the rollover protection frame. Target operational range was given as 280 km (that is 560 km

autonomy) with a two-hour loiter time with engine running on incident site, though the objective was double (still with two-hour loiter time), in both cases with the vehicle running at 72 km/h on primary roads at full operational weight. Required top speed required was over 135 km/h. The Gaarv must be able to cope with slopes of 100% and side slopes of 80%. As for propulsion, the engine is to run on standard petrol, 80 octane or higher, though a diesel engine is optional.

As for weaponry, the vehicle must be able to accommodate weapon with interchangeable mounts for the M-249, M-240 or similar weapons, crew-served weapons with a 360째 coverage with no internal litters carried, or no less than 270째 coverage with two litters. It is impossible to draw the entire list of requirements here, or to make a comparison between the 2010 and the 2012 documents.

What can be said is that probably no vehicle

was able to answer all the original document requirements, and even that some requirements were contradictory, thus the Guardian Angels decided to go for an existing solution that could fit their mission at best while remaining within budget.

On 21 January 2013 the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) awarded HDT Global the Gaarv contract by selecting the Storm company. Unveiled in Fall 2012, the Storm Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle is a derivative of the SRTV-5 designed by BC Customs, the company having also developed a version of the vehicle that could be fit into a V-22. Developed in cooperation with Special Operations Forces the Storm fulfils most of the Gaarv requirements, and is based on a tubular chassis powered 430 hp General Motors LS3 petrol engine. The latter is centrally mounted to provide good weight balance. With a gross weight of 3.6 tonnes and a curb weight of 1.96 tonnes, the Storm is well within the imposed limits, and its nearly 120 hp/t power-to-weight ratio allows a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in slightly more that 15 seconds, and a maximum road speed in excess of 160 km/h. Off-road mobility is ensured by the 576 Nm torque engine and long travel suspensions. The standard vehicle is 4.90 metres long, 2.03 wide and 1.68 high, and can carry up to three litters, all within the rollover protection system while maintaining a 360째 field of fire with the top-mounted machine gun. The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract included the acquisition of a first batch of five vehicles for test and evaluation, production having started in early August 2013 with deliveries on 12 November 2013.

Upon test completion US Air Force will be able to acquire up to 61 vehicles. A version of the Storm is also in service in small numbers with the US Border Patrol.

I NSCV

Developed and manufactured by HDT Storm, the SRTV is based on a racing buggy designed

by BC Customs. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

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In December 2012 the General Services Administration filed a Request for Quotation for non-standard commercial vehicles (NSCVs) aimed at special operations command. Not only are non-standard commercial vehicles a cheap solution to provide mobility to military assistance teams, but they can also be used by undercover teams to inconspicuously merge with local traffic.

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Special forces operators nevertheless need some form of protection and extra mobility, thus the need to adapt those pick-up trucks, sport-utility vehicles, sedans, or vans.

The US Special Operations Command will require some 300 such vehicles in the next three years, and contracted the Battelle Memorial Institute in March 2013. Battelle Tactical Systems produced such type of upgrades for nearly a decade and will modify Toyota Land Cruisers and Hi-Luxes according to requirements. These include armour, C4ISR wiring, mounts and antennae, upgraded automotive elements such as chassis reinforcement and upgraded suspensions, heavy duty brakes, run-flat tires, infrared lighting, winch, roof rack and additional power outlets. Battelle works in co-operation with a series of subcontractors, mostly small businesses (including veteranowned). The contract runs from March 2013 to March 2016, to the tune of $69 million, that is some $23.7 million per year for 90 to 100 vehicles, the mix among the two models remaining undisclosed to date. Tests started in July 2013 on three vehicles per model, and should run until February 2014, when first deliveries start.

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Indigenous Armor proposes a wholly different approach to the NSCV concept, developing a brand-new vehicle based on automotive and protection requirements and then “disguising” it as a commercial vehicle.

Known as Non Standard Tactical Truck (NSTT), its power is provided by Navistar in the form of a 325 hp turbodiesel engine. The 1.93-metre wide vehicle can easily be transported in a CH-47 helicopter, reach a maximum speed in excess of 135 km/h on paved roads, and can climb 60% slopes or travel on 40% side slopes. It features independent suspensions, with semi-trailing arms at the back and double A-arms in the front. The belly is protected against an M-67 hand grenade explosion while ballistic protection is at B6 level, that is Nato 7.62 mm ball. According to PEO-SF documents a purpose-built armoured vehicle such as the NSCVs is part of the command’s needs.

I GMV 1.1

The lucrative contract for the GMV 1.1 programme led numerous companies to develop high-mobility vehicles. In the end, the special ops command announced its choice on 22 August 2013 (with a six-month

Derived from the Force Protection Jamma, the Spectre Wide Track Configuration was used to develop GDLS proposal for the GMV 1.1 bid. A narrow track version was proposed for the ITV programme. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

delay) for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems teamed with Flyer Defense LLC (the other known bidders were AM General, General Dynamics Land Systems, Lockheed Martin, Navistar, Oshkosh and SAIC. With a shrinking American market

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Narrower than the GMV 1.0, which was a direct derivative of the Humvee, the AM General GMV 1.1 maintains nonetheless a high degree of commonality with its brethren. (AM General)

AM General’s GMV 1.1 is powered by the Optimizer 3200 engine produced by the company itself and also used in the BRV-O offered for the JLTV programme.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

some competitors decided to protest the selection, with the GAO being called upon to examine the protests filed by AM General and Navistar; on 19 December 2013 the GAO denied the protests, but in early January AM General took the Special Operations Command to the Court of Federal Claims).

The GMV 1.1 indefinite-delivery/indefinitequantity contract can reach $562.2 million and a total of 1,297 vehicles that will be fitted with GFE C4ISR systems.

The new vehicle will replace the Humveebased GMV 1.0 of which 1,072 are in service with the command. A derivative of the M1165A1 ECV, this vehicle retains a 2.21metre width that makes impossible to fit into Chinook. Its payload capacity varies from 2.2 to 1.1 tonnes whether it is fitted with a B3 level protection or not.

According to the latest briefings, GMV1.1

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requirements called for a vehicle capable to roll into and out of a C/MH-47 with weapons ready to fire in less than 60 seconds. The gross vehicle weight threshold (that is curb weight plus flight-critical payload), was set at 5.9 tonnes, the vehicle being required to transport four primary passengers plus gunner, with provisions for two secondary passengers. The forecast operational profile call for 70% use on secondary roads and trails and 30% on primary roads. The GMV 1.1 has to be capable of over 100 km/h speeds on improved roads and overcome a 46 cm vertical step. The minimum range on 75% of a full tank was set at 400 km. The vehicle should be equipped with a roll cage capable of withstanding four times its gross weight. Other requirement capabilities include modular, lightweight armour solutions, signature minimisation in a variety of environments, 360° crew visibility with minimum dead angles, continuous 360° traverse for the primary weapons station.

Also, the vetronic architecture must allow easy integration of evolving C4ISR systems.

Future growth potential requires multi-fuel capability, the availability of simulators to save costs, next-generation enhanced situational awareness tools, and maintainability in austere environments with minimal assistance. V-22 internal transportability was not required.

The GMV 1.1 is a derivative of the Flyer vehicle developed in mid-1990s by the Flyer Group LLC, now Flyer Defense, part of the Marvin Group. The company teamed with what is currently General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – actually the prime bidding contractor. Strangely enough details of the winning vehicle were not unveiled. Although based on a well known vehicle, it should at least be wider (as

required), the original Flyer being designed to fit into the V-22 rather than in the CH-47.

Apparently the manufacturer is waiting for of all legal issues to be settled before announcing the contract and Flyer GMV 1.1 details. The V-22-compatible version is described later in this article.

At AUSA 2012 General Dynamics exhibited a version of its Spectre, a derivative of the Force Protection Jamma (Force Protection was acquired in late 2011).

Purposely developed to fit into the V-22 tiltrotor the Jamma, subsequently renamed Spectre, was declined in a wider version transportable inside the CH-47. Known as Spectre WTC, for Wide Track Configuration, it is based on a high modulus skateboard with a 427 mm ground clearance, on which the modular body is installed. It is 5.53 metres long and 1.98 metres wide, compared to the 1.52 metres of the V-22 version, due to larger wheels and longer arms suspension geometry.

The Spectre WTC is powered by a 3.2-litre 6cylinder in-line turbodiesel producing 180 hp and 540 Nm of torque, and reaches a top speed of over 135 km/h on paved roads. Two operators are seated behind the driver and commander, the rear platform hosting the machine gunner and eventually at least two other personnel (maximum seating is for seven). The rear platform carries a roll-over cage that is much taller than the front part of the vehicle (for air transport the cage can be collapsed by hand in less than 90 seconds from 2.80 metres to 1.82). The Spectre WTC

Though it looks like a plain light truck, Navistar’s Special Operations Tactical Vehicle is in fact a purposely designed vehicle, disguised as a pick-up. (Navistar Defense)

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The SOTV designed by Navistar Defense can be fitted with add-on armour kits to increase crew protection. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

has a curb weight of 3.3 tonnes and a 1.37tonne payload capacity, that can be partly used to add some degree of protection.

AM General proposed a vehicle that leveraged the GMV 1.0 currently in service and maintained a 70% commonality with the M1165A1, to significantly reduce running, parts, maintenance and training costs. If commonalities were considerable, the GMV 1.1 was however a wholly new vehicle, as it had to meet the CH-47 transportability

Oshkosh Defense Special purpose All Terrain Vehicle is fitted with intelligent suspensions and can be equipped with engines of different outputs, according to the mobility required by the customer. (Oshkosh Defense)

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requirement—a width shrink of 18 cm, (the vehicle being also transportable into a CH53 helicopter). In addition, the engine adopted is a derivative of the one offered by AM General for its BRV-O as its JLTV solution. The Optimizer 3200 was thus adopted, derated by 10% compared with the JLTV’s to improve fuel consumption and allow the use of a lighter transmission (the same proposed for the upgraded Hummer chassis); the 270 hp output translates into

more than one horse-power per engine kilo (it weighs 250 kg). AM General focused on weight reduction, resulting in a 3,175 kg payload capacity, which is more than the 2,812 kg vehicle’s curb weight, and a power-toweight ratio of 45 hp/tonne. The vehicle also features a range of over 480 km and a top speed of 130 km/h on highways, while full independent suspensions taken from the racing world ensures good cross-country performance. A modular rack system allows to change seating and load configuration (seating for four to seven and six weapon mount locations). Passengers are all protected by the modular roll cage, which according to the company proved to be able to withstand 150% the specified load. AM General is proposing its GMVs on the international market where they are attracting a considerable interest.

Navistar’s GMV 1.1 bid followed the approach adopted by Indigen Armour, with whom it co-operates on the already mentioned NSTT. Its SOTV (Special Operations Tactical Vehicle) is thus a lookalike of the Toyota Hi-Lux, one of the most widespread pick-up trucks that can be found in many potential areas of operation.

Resemblance is limited to the outside look though, the vehicle itself being purposely built to meet GMV 1.1 requirements. The vehicle is 5.33 metres long, 2.01 metres wide and 1.83 metres high, which is 10% larger than the Hi-Lux. It has a 3,312 kg curb weight, a 3,084 kg payload capacity and four plus one seats within the protected cab. It sits on Baja suspensions with double wishbone and coil-over shock absorbers in the front and semi-trailing arms with coil-over shock absorbers in the rear. The engine is based on a Navistar MaxxForce six-litre inter-cooled V8 turbo kicking 325 hp with a maximum torque of 773 Nm driven into an Allison 2550SP 6-speed automatic box. The main weapon station can accommodate a 12.7 mm machine gun or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher that can be quickly lowered by pulling off only two pins and hosted in the rear flatbed when the vehicle must be loaded onto a Chinook. Navistar offers the vehicle as an armoured platform, protected against 7.62x51mm Nato ball according to EN 1063 standards. Additional armour kits can also be installed.

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Northrop Grumman’s Medium Assault Vehicle – Light was designed in conjunction with Pratt & Miller Engineering, BAE Systems coming into play for the armour kit. (Northrop Grumman)

Modularity was top priority when Oshkosh Defense engineers started to work on a clean sheet of paper to develop what is now known as the S-ATV, the Special purpose All Terrain Vehicle unveiled in September 2012. The base is equipped with a roll-over protection structure with a fourdoor cab the protection level of which can be tailored to customers’ requirements (hence a curb weight varying from 2.7 and 4.5 tonnes over a gross weight of 6.35 tonnes). Standard width is around two metres, but this can be

built in a CH-47-transportable configuration as required by the GMV 1.1 bid, or in a wider configuration if larger volumes are needed.

To answer different mobility requirements the turbodiesel engine is also a customer choice, outputs ranging from 225 hp to over 300 hp, with torques in excess of over 815 Nm. The engine is multifuel and can run on diesel, JP-8 or Jet-A. Maximum road speed is 120km/h while range exceeds 500 km. The driver is seated centre, the S-ATV seating from two to seven according to

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configuration. To suit 24V power demands, 200 to 300 Amp alternators can be fitted. A specialist in suspension systems, Oshkosh of course adopted its TAK-4i independent intelligent suspension that allows it to nimbly travel across rugged, remote and urban terrains at high speed as ground clearance can be tailored to meet terrain harshness – and reduced to a bare minimum for air transportation. A cold-weather kit allows to decrease the minimum operating temperature to –45°C, standard operating range being between -32°C and +49°C. At AUSA 2012 Northrop Grumman unveiled its proposal for the GMV 1.1, known as MAV-L for Medium Assault Vehicle – Light, which was developed in conjunction with Pratt & Miller Engineering from a clean sheet. The Pratt & Miller choice was to go for a tubular frame powered by a 4.4-litre Caterpillar engine developing 220 hp and 700 Nm of torque, while cross-country mobility is allowed by Meritor independent suspensions with short-long arm at the front and trailing arm at the rear, with respective strokes of 46 cm and 51 cm. The MAV-L is 5.32 metres long, 2.02 metres wide (which allows it to fit into the Chinook), while its

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The Lockheed Martin’s proposal for the GMV 1.1 programme was heavily based on British Supacat HMT series, derivatives of which are in service with the British Army. (Lockheed Martin)

2.09-metre height can be lowered to 1.85 metres air transport mode in only three seconds, to make it compatible with the CH47 ramp movement. Grossing at nearly 5.9 tonnes, the MAV-L has a power-to-weight ratio of over 37 hp/t and can hit 130 km/h on paved roads and over 95 km/h on country trails, its 140 litres fuel tank providing a range of over 420 km in a mix of 30% paved roads, 30% secondary roads and 40% cross country.

Six can be seated under the roll-over protection, with a seventh manning the machine gun. To seat extra people, however, the MAV-L is fitted with a rail under the vehicle and one on the top to allow four men to hang up externally for the last movements during an assault, bringing the total up to 15 men. Northrop Grumman proposes an enclosure kit, protecting only against bad weather, as well as an arctic kit for operations at lower than standard temperatures. A third kit is also available, developed by BAE Systems, to provide ballistic protection (of undisclosed level). When used in closed up configuration the MAV-L seats four. A top ring mount can accommodate a 12.7 mm machine gun or even a remote control weapon; however this can be replaced by an ISR suite should the vehicle be used for recce purposes, the 400 A alternator ensuring sufficient juice for most mission packages.

Northrop Grumman intends to pursue the MAV-L marketing effort and looks at other US Army, Marine Croprs and Air Force requirements as well as at the export market.

In co-operation with British Supacat, Lockheed Martin developed a version of HMT series and named it Common Vehicle Next Generation. The CVNG is available in both 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. Both are 2.03 metres wide, 5.50 and 6.75 metres long

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respectively, which is slightly shorter than their British counterparts but keep the same wheelbase. The respective 4x4 vehicle curb and gross weights are 4.4 tonnes and 7.0 tonnes, the 2.6 tonnes payload capacity allowing for the adoption of some degree of protection. The 6x6 grosses at 10.5 tonnes for a payload capacity of 5.4 tonnes. Lockheed Martin teamed with British Jankel to propose three armour kits, a Level 1 blast and ballistic, a Level 2a blast and a Level 2 ballistic.

Powered by a 185 hp, 6.7-litre Cummins ISBe, the CVNG has a top speed of 130 km/h and a range of 500 km, that can be extended to 700 km with an auxiliary tank. It retains the HMT’s adjustable air bag suspension system that allows vehicle ground clearance to be varied from 180 to 485 mm, and consequently overall height from a minimum of 1.89-metre transport position to 2.39 metres. Its modular cab can accept different mission packages and can seat up to five, and accept a machine gunner.

equipment and spares. Acquisition costs are forecast for FY15. The RfP was issued in March 2013. On 21 October 2013 the Command awarded General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems a three-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract worth a maximum $5.8 million for 10 Flyer ITVs. Draft requirements called for a 4x4 V-22 transportable vehicle able to carry two/six (threshold/objective) litters, with a maximum speed of 105/120 km/h and a range of 560/725 km. The typical mission profile was established at 40% cross country, 30% trails, 20% secondary and 10% primary roads, with an ability to cope with 60% slopes, 30/40% side slopes and a curb-tocurb turning circle of less than 15/11 metres.

The required payload capacity in flight was 900/1,590 kg with a ground payload capacity of 1,590/2,040 kg. Weaponry should include machine guns up to 12.7 mm calibre and 40 mm automatic grenade launchers. A comprehensive list of the companies bidding for the ITV programme has apparently never surfaced; however while obviously starting our listing with the winning vehicle, some other vehicles manufactured with the “narrower than 60inch” concept should have been definitely part of the contenders.

The winning vehicle, the Flyer, leverages experience garnered with earlier models, but has now been considerably upgraded to further improve performances and reduce costs and logistic footprint. When external stowage boxes are removed the Flyer width shrinks to 1.53 metres. Height remains unchanged, but at 4.6 metres length is three

I ITV

In terms of numbers, the Special Operations Command V-22 Internally Transported Vehicle (ITV) programme is dwarfed compared with the other ones. However, with the increasing use of the Ospreys by the services and the initial successes of the BellBoeing tiltrotor on the export market, vehicles offering good mobility as well as compatibility with the 1.52 metres width limit stated by aforementioned Navair Serair 435DM/5.5147 document might find an interest elsewhere. The plan involved a total procurement of 34 ITVs, with a combat evaluation phase to be run from January to December 2014 at a cost of $2.4 million that includes two vehicles, logistic support,

A Flyer II with the armoured kit installed; the Flyer, proposed by General Dyamics OTS and the Flyer LLC has been selected by Socom as the V-22 transportable vehicle.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

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The Phantom Badger has been developed at Boeing Phantom Works and although not selected for the ITV programme is being strongly marketed by the company. (Boeing)

times its width. Once it has cleared the Osprey ramp the boxes are refitted within minutes, as is the pintle-mounted main machine gun. Developed by GD OTS teamed with Flyer Defense LLC, the vehicle is powered by a 150 hp, 1.9 litre rear-mounted engine coupled to a six-speed gear. It can reach over 135 km/h and at a cruise speed of 65 km/h it can cover 56 km with one litre of fuel, that is a total range of more than 720 km.

Maximising the use of Hummer components to lower the logistic footprint and acquisition costs, the Flyer ITV has a curb weight of 1.8 tonnes and a payload capacity of nearly 1.59 tonnes. Part of the payload can be exploited to install the armour kit developed by 3M Ceradyne that ensures B6 ballistic protection to the four occupants against 7.62 mm ball ammunition by adding armoured doors and transparents on the sides, front windscreen, rear cab protection, floor add-on armour, as well as an armoured roof. In casevac guise it can transport up to five litters, four of them on the roof, as an additional roll-over bar can quickly be mounted on top of the existing roll-over cage ensuring casualty protection should the vehicle capsize.

The aforementioned wider track Spectre being named WTC, the original Spectre became the “NTC” for Narrow Track Configuration. It maintains the high modulus skateboard configuration, but ground clearance was reduced from 427 mm to 305 mm to lower the centre of gravity. At 4.71 metres the NTC is 0.8 metres shorter than the WTC while the maximum height of 1.53

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metres is dictated by a roll-over structure that runs from the cabin to the back of the Spectre.

The automotive features remain the same as Spectre WTC’s, the power-to-weight ratio being much higher as the NTC is lighter at 1.96 tonnes curb weight. With a 1.45-tonne payload, it grosses at 3.4 tonnes. The 95-litre fuel tank has two thirds the capacity of the WTC. As on the Spectre WTC front and rear differential locking, winch, air compressor and a 100 Hp hybrid-electric drive are on option.

Although disappointed by the outcome of the V-22 ITV bid, Boeing is still committed to market its Phantom Badger unveiled in May 2013. Developed with North Carolina MotorSport Innovations (MSI), it is powered by a commercial multi-fuel 240 hp engine and can reach 130 km/h on paved roads, with a maximum range of over 700 km. A

peculiarity of Boeing’s vehicle, developed at the company Phantom Works’ Special Pursuit Cell in California, is the four-wheel steering system that reduces the turning radius to 7.6 metres. It can climb 60% slopes and ford through nearly one metre of water.

The declared payload capacity is of 1.36 tonnes and the vehicle can host two men in the front seats and two more in rear facing seats installed on the flatbed, one acting as the machine gunner for the weapon, which can be a 12.7 mm machine gun installed on a collapsing structure, to ensure air transportability and quick in-action time.

The rear section is designed to host a range of mission packages, including littered casualties. Smooth ride is provided by MSI hydraulic suspensions to reduce passenger physical tiredness and provide height adjustability. The vehicle runs on 35 inch BF Goodrich all terrain mud tires.

The ITV winning company already has another Osprey-compatible vehicle in its portfolio. It is already in service with the US Marine Corps and thus deserving description in this section: the Light Strike Vehicle. A Jeep-like 4x4, it is powered by a Navistar 2.8-litre four-cylinder SOHC turbodiesel developing 132 bhp and 312 Nm of torque coupled to a GM 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission and a Chrysler twospeed manual transfer case. It is equipped with Air Ride gas bladder suspension that allow adapt vehicle height to running surface.

This, coupled to a foldable roll-over protection system, allows to reduce the LSV’s height to 1.19 metres when loaded into the V-22 while on road the fully rigged vehicle is 1.84 metres high (or 1.92 metres when suspension is trimmed to maximum setting).

The LSV is also equipped with CTIS and four-wheel steering system. Its 900 kg

The US Marine Corps selected the GD-OTS Light Strike Vehicle some years ago, the LSV being also transportable inside the Osprey; a mortar variant has also been acquired. (USMC)

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payload capacity allows it to transport a crew of four on padded Kevlar fragment-resistant armoured seats, three-day supplies and a main weapon that can range from a 7.62 or 12.7 mm machine gun to a 40 mm AGL. Gross vehicle weight is just under three tonnes and maximum road speed is 105 km/h. The car has been adopted in two configurations by the US Marine Corps, the M1161 light strike vehicle and the M1163 prime mover, the latter being the tractor of the Expeditionary Fire Support System based on a 120 mm rifled mortar.

I NON-US APPROACH: SMALLER NUMBERS, DIFFERENT VEHICLES

Not many nations have anything comparable in size with the United States when it comes to special forces. Inevitably the number of vehicles they acquire to ensure their mobility is much smaller. This being said, and whatever their size, special forces have similar approaches when they look for equipment, with specific requirements that call for systems built either from scratch (extremely expensive), or heavily customised existing items, which is generally the case where vehicles are concerned, as seen below.

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I THE ZIBAR MK.2

Although produced by an American company called ZibarUSA, the Zibar Mk.2 is a development of the Ido Off Road Centre from Israel, specialised in vehicles for extreme terrain. Based on a specific requirement of the Israeli Defence Forces, it has an exceedingly powerful engine that yields a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 150 hp/t. Based on a tubular chassis it is powered by a 7.4-litre GM LSX 454 petrol V-8 churning out 620 hp and a torque of 800 Nm into a 3-speed TH400 race grade autoshifter. A B&W transfer case allows to switch from 2x4 to 4x4 mode, with a 1:2.75 low gear ratio. Front and rear axles are equipped with active coil over shock absorbers suspensions with dual-spring air shock. The vehicle uses 42x13.5 R17 tyres, which when deflated to the minimum pressure ensure a very low ground pressure and optimal mobility on soft grounds.

The massive power not only endows it with a top speed of 200 km/h but also with a time from 0 to 100 km/h of five seconds. The Zibar Mk.2 can climb a 100% slope and cope with a 60% side slope. Its 2.13-metre width

Derived from the experience in off-road race cars of its designer, the Zibar Mk2 has definitely one of the highest maximum speed among high mobility 4x4 vehicles. (Ido Technologies)

does not allow it Chinook access, but is 4.95 metres long over a 3.25-metre wheelbase, and 1.9 metres tall. Payload capacity is 1,500 kg over a 4,200 kg gross weight and it can accommodate four in a double cabin. A long wheelbase with a triple cabin seats another two men.

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A lightly armoured version is available, the V-shaped under body and 530 mm ground clearance (370 mm under axles) providing good anti-mine protection. The model described here is currently defined as the Zibar Mk.2 620, though a Zibar Mk.2 430 powered by a 430 hp GM 6.2 LS3 V-8 petrol engine with 574 Nm of torque is now available; it only differs in its lower top speed (180 km/h) and acceleration (eight seconds to 100 km/h), and is also available in a stretched pick-up configuration, with a 2,800 kg payload capacity due to its increased 5,600 kg gross weight. The wheelbase grows from 3,250 to 3,600 mm, and length to 5,280 mm.

In fully loaded condition all three Zibars are given with a range of 700 km.

I THE SPIDER

ST Kinetics of Singapore is currently delivering an undisclosed number of Spider Light Strike Vehicle to the national Ministry of Defence under a $55 million contract. The Singaporean Army already fielded the Spider LSV in the late ‘90s, but the new vehicles are defined as “new generation” Spider. A buggystyle vehicle with a tubular frame chassis, it can carry four plus two passengers. Curb weight is only 1.6 tonnes and payload capacity 1.2 tonnes. The Spider, with a powerto-weight ratio of over 46 hp/t, is powered by a 130 hp 4-cylinder Peugeot turbocharged diesel yielding 410 Nm of torque, giving it a top speed of over 125 km/h. It is fitted with

In service with the Singaporean Army, a second batch of Spiders is being delivered, apparently in an updated version. (STK)

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semi-automatic transmission and power assisted steering, while suspensions are double wishbone front and trailing arms rear.

The very low centre of gravity allows it to cope with side slopes of 50°, the climb 60° slopes. Range is said to exceed 700 km. The driver is installed in the centre of the vehicle, with two more seats on either side but slightly setback. A row of three more seats is fitted behind and individual weapons can be swept over a 360° arc. Designed to cope with maximum width requirements for internal CH-47 transportation, its foldable roll-over structure allows two vehicles to be stacked for air transport and thereby enable a C-130 Hercules to carry six. Different versions of the Spider have been developed, among which is one mounting a 120 mm Srams smoothbore mortar, also developed by Singapore Technologies. The firm is also offering a hybrid propulsion version fitted with a motor-generator, that allows for stealth creeping when close to opponents.

reaches 90 km/h and has a range of 500 km.

Grossing at 5.3 tonnes, it has a 1.85-tonnes payload capacity and can accommodate up to 10 soldiers. Three Mungos can be airlifted in a C130, aC160 or an A400M.

At DSEI 2013 Supacat unveiled its LRV 400 (Light Reconnaissance Vehicle) based on QT Services Wildcat’s race vehicle chassis. The military version is powered by a 236 hp 5cylinder 3.2-litre turbodiesel (the race version has a 430 to 640 hp petrol V-8) driving a choice of automatic or manual gearbox. The LRV 400 features 2-wheel/4wheel drive with central differential locking.

Beam axles and 300 mm travel race-bred shock absorbers are used, while steering is power assisted. Its size – 1.8 metres wide and

I THE MUNGO

The German Airborne Division is equipped with 420 Mungo 1 squad carriers. Those vehicles have seen missions in Afghanistan and Congo. The German Army signed a second order for 50 Mungo 2 support vehicles that were built and delivered in 2013.

These provide logistic support to infantry units and mobility to decontamination platoons of the airborne NBC units.

Internally transportable inside CH47s and CH 53s, thanks to its being 1.94 metres wide and 4.47 metres long, the Mugo is transportable inside CH47s and CH 53s once the 2.44-metre tall roll-over protection is lowered. Powered by a 105 hp engine, it

In service with the Bundeswehr in Airborne and Special Forces units, the KMW Mungo has also been developed into support variants. (KMW)

Another off-road racing vehicle offshoot, the Supacat LRV-400 was unveiled at DSEI 2013.

The vehicle can fit inside a CH-47 Chinook, even under British standards. (Supacat)

high – allows it to fit in a Chinook even under the stringent British limits. The 160-litre fuel tank allows for a 1,000 km range. A roll-over bar structure, which can receive a machine gun, protects the three occupants. With a 1.4tonne payload gross weight reaches 3.5 tonnes allowing some form of ballistic protection to be mounted. Other options include a winch that can be easily transferred from front to rear by simply pulling a pin.

Bremach of Italy developed a utility crosscountry vehicle, the T-Rex, on a threedimensional tubular spaceframe chassis resulting in a much tougher structure. Two different chassis are available, one made of

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three millimetre-gauge tube producing a 3.5tonne gross weight vehicle and the other using five millimetre-gauge resulting in a six tonner. Four different wheelbases – 2,600, 3,100, 3,450 and 3,700 mm – are available, all offering extreme forward wheel positions to ensure a front approach angle of 48°. Three powerplants are offered – all 4-cylinder turbodiesel common rail multijet engines part of the Fiat Power Train family, namely the F1A 2.3-litre 116 hp and the F1C 3-litre engine itself with 146 hp and 176 hp outputs.

Two transmissions are available, a ZF manual 6-speed with overdrive or an Allison automatic transmission, the reduction box being designed and produced by Bremach as well as the live front and rear axles equipped with parabolic leaf springs and telescopic double-action shock absorbers. The T-Rex has permanent four-wheel drive with three differential locks. For off-road use 255/100R16 Michelin XZL are proposed, other solutions being available for specific terrains. The cabin can withstand over 5G accelerations. The 6-tonne T-MAX chassis has been considered by numerous vehicle manufacturers, its main advantage being a gross weight and a payload capacity that are double compared with similarly sized vehicles based, for instance, on Defenderclass chassis. In single cab configuration

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payload capacity reaches 3,520 kg (4,000 kg with heavy duty axle), but the double cab reduces this by 200 kg. With floor and bonnet armour, over two tonnes are left for payload. Moreover the Bremach-based chassis width falls well within the CH-47 transportability limit – 1,770 mm versus the required 80 inches (2,032 mm), which is less than most competitors.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann showed interest in the Bremach chassis in the mid-2000s, as German Special Forces had a requirement for a compact, CH-47-airliftable long-range patrol vehicle. In 2008-09 the Italian company carried out an 11-month test and qualification phase at the WTD 41 proving ground in Meppen, during which the vehicle covered over 10,000 km and demonstrated its capacity to cope with 100% slopes and 58% side slopes, 900 mm fords without preparation and turn in less than 13 metres.

Bremach engineers have since worked closely with KMW designers, a prototype vehicle being expected to appear at Eurosatory next June. An open top vehicle, capable to be quickly reconfigured according to the mission, it will be capable to fit inside the principal transport helicopters. The KMW special operations vehicle based on the Bremach chassis should be the first of a family of vehicles based on that particular chassis.

Specialised in off-road industrial vehicles, Bremach of Italy developed a chassis known as the T-Max. An upgraded 7.5- tonne version is being used for a derivative aimed at SF units. (Bremach)

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Here shown in fully open configuration, Bremach’s special forces vehicle can be quickly converted into a fully closed vehicle, with some degree of protection. (Bremach)

In Poland AMZ-Kutno builds a high-mobility vehicle on the Bremach chassis. Known as the Swistak (groundhog in Polish), it sports an open top and is protected up to its waist height at Level 1, mine protection being at Level 2a. In that configuration 2,100 kg are left for payload, including personnel. Unveiled at MSPO 2011, the Swistak featured a tubular rollover structure which carried a ring mount equipped with a 7.62 Minigun, while a 5.56 mm machine gun protected the rear.

Bremach is working on a vehicle aimed at Italian special forces. A first prototype was developed with a tubular upper structure on which panel kits transform the wholly open vehicle into a fully closed one when needed. A foldable main weapon ring is installed to allow the height to be reduced to fit into a CH-47. Tests have shown that the cabin layout was good, though automotive performances had to be improved. A second prototype is being finalised, with strengthened axles, the front one being rated at five tonnes to cope with bonnet protection while the rear one will be at 5.5 tonnes. The engine will be based on a 240 hp Iveco Vector 6-cylinder 5.9-litre unit. The vehicle is nearly two metres wide, has a 3,500 mm wheelbase and is aimed at endowing the Italian Army

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British Army Jackals on the move in Afghanistan; based on Supacat’s HMT 400 these vehicles are used by special forces as well as by conventional units. (British Army)

special forces with a long-range patroller capable of a 10-day mission; to ensure maximum water availability the lower part of the roll-over structure made of squaresection aluminium tubes can contain up to 200 litres of water. Tyre dimension has been increased to 2555/100 R16.

Bremach further developed its 6-tonne chassis in a less extreme version, maintaining the T-Rex driveline and the 176 hp engine coupled to an Allison 1000SP transmission, but increasing the gross weight to 7.5 tonnes by virtue of a 3.5-tonne forward axle.

Leveraging experience acquired with the HMT 400 High Mobility Transporter (the Jackal and Jackal 2 in the British Army), and the HMT 600 known as the Coyote in Britain, Supacat has developed the Extenda in

With its HMT 400 already in service in Australia where it is known as Nary, Supacat was also selected for the Redfin programme, the prototype is here seen just before delivery. (Supacat)

4x4 and 6x6 configurations. The Extenda was further developed in co-operation with Lockheed Martin for the Americans as the Common Vehicle Next Generation described earlier. The HMT Extenda is either 5.93 or 7.04 metres long depending on the drive (4x4 and 6x6) chosen and is transformable by fitting or removing a selfcontained third axle unit. Although due to its 2.05 metres width the vehicle does not fall within the British regulations for air transport into a CH-47, it fits in the helicopter, providing some concessions are made, which often happens with special forces. Curb weights with fuel and armour respectively are 5.5 and 6.6 tonnes, while payload capacity range from 2.1 to 3.9 tonnes. The independent suspensions with air-adjustable ride height and the 335/80 R20 tyres provide optimal cross-country mobility. The HMT series of vehicles is in service with various, generally undisclosed, special forces around the world. Australia is an exception, its SAS having publicly announced the acquisition of 31 HMT 400s (renamed Nary after an Australian SAS Warrant Officer who died in service in Iraq), and the subsequent choice of the Extenda as preferred bidder for Australia’s JP2097 Ph 1B (Redfin) programme. Supacat received an initial contract for the project definition and evaluation phase. The company delivered a prototype vehicle in December 2012 that added improved capabilities, particularly in terms of crew protection.

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The Art of Adapting Numerous light armoured vehicles have been redeveloped for special forces, usually by reducing armour to allow free use of individual weapons in special force style, while maintaining some mine protection. Descriptions below are limited to these adaptations, as most vehicles have been extensively covered in Armada’s recent Light Armoured Vehicles Compendium.

Based on the G-Wagen chassis, the Panhard VPS has been issued to the French Air Force Special Forces units. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

Renault Trucks Defense developed Special Forces variants of the Sherpa with different engines. (RTD)

R

enault Trucks Defense and sister companies Acmat and Panhard have developed numerous special forces versions from their portfolio of vehicles. The Sherpa Light is available in two versions, light with an eight-tonne gross weight, and a heavy at 10.4 tonnes, with cabins respectively seating four of five. Two engines – 215 and 240 hp – are proposed.

The Panhard VAP (Véhicule d’Action dans la Profondeur) has been purposely developed for special forces operating in desert regions, being completely open top with roll-over cage protecting the four occupants. Grossing at 4.1 tonnes it has a 1.5tonne payload, and its 2.02 width allows it to be transported inside a Chinook.

In 2005 the French Délégation Générale pour l’Armement filed a contract for 51 VPS –

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Véhicule Patrouille SAS – built on the Mercedes Benz G.270 chassis G-Wagen chassis fitted with an anti-mine floor. The rear section is longer than the standard one to increase capacity. With a width of 2.22 metres, the VPS cannot be transported on board the Chinook. It has a crew of four, a payload capacity of four tonnes and a fourtonne gross weight. They have been delivered to the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales and is in service with the Commando Parachutiste de l’Air n° 10 based in Orléans (CPA 10.566), a French Air Force special force unit specialised in direct action, anti-terrorism and intelligence gathering.

Another derivative of a foreign vehicle was produced by Acmat in the form of the ALTV 4x4 Torpedo FS developed on a Nissan chassis. It has a Level 1 anti-mine protection and seats three (a fourth seat is available on option). It fits inside a CH-47 and can top 165

Another vehicle from the Renault Trucks Defense group, the ALTV has been developed

by Acmat on a Nissan chassis.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

VLRAs (Véhicule de Liaison, de Reconnaissance et d’Appui) are a common sight in Africa; here French Army vehicles photographed in Mali during “Opération Serval”. (RTD/P. Robert)

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The “Patrouille SAS” version of the Bastion in action in the hands of Chad Special Forces.

Numerous such vehicles have been sold to African countries. (RTD/P. Robert)

km/h. Looking at heavier vehicles, beside the classic VLRA 4x4 STL commando truck, Acmat has the Bastion Patsas, an armoured vehicle with ballistic protection up to Level 3 and Level 2 anti-mine protection. Open top, it has a 10.5 tonnes gross weight and a payload of between one and two tonnes, depending on the ballistic protection level fitted. Over 350 Bastions have been sold, mostly in Africa, Chad having received 22 of which some have seen action in Mali during “Opération Serval”. A special forces version of the Bastion APC is currently being developed for an undisclosed European country, preproduction vehicles delivery being scheduled in 2014. A new version with a 340 hp engine is expected to be unveiled at Eurosatory next June.

Iveco DV has introduced a Special Forces version of its Light Multirole Vehicle, which until now had progressed beyond prototype status. In pure special forces fashion the LMV SF has an open top but retains some form of anti-mine and ballistic protection up to waist level and adds a roll-over structure which also is a golden opportunity for weapon mounts.

The automotive components remain those of the LMV, although the smaller armoured surfaces enable payload capacity to increase from two to 2.5 tonnes, depending on the protection level left. The rear compartment can be adapted according to the mission, and a casevac stretcher can even be carried. The prototypes boast a front winch, four front

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Following the trend, Iveco DV has developed an open version of its Light Multirole Vehicle for special forces, which can be trimmed to customer requirements. (Iveco DV)

smoke grenade launchers, a two-piece foldable ballistic windscreen, racks for three jerrycans on each rear side, the spare wheel being installed at the back of the vehicle. All those solutions are however only notional as Iveco DV is ready to tailor the vehicle to customer requirements. Norway seems to be interested, although requirements have not been issued and issues such as air transportability and long patrol capabilities, which might require a long wheelbase chassis, are yet to be defined.

Force Protection Europe’s Ocelot, 400 of which have been acquired by the British Army where these light patrol protected vehicles are known as Foxhound, has now become a GLDS product following the acquisition of Force Protection. The company developed a WMIK (Weapon Mounted Installation Kit) module that can easily be installed over the “skateboard” chassis, this open top version being

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external c-rails for personnel gear and other mission equipment are fitted, as well as helicopter lift brackets. Personnel enters and exits the vehicle via two side doors, located behind the driver and commander seats, and from the rear door. Two spare wheels are carried externally, one on each side. In the rear, two racks can each carry four 20-litre jerrycans, usually four filled with fuel and four with water. The Cobra SOV is equipped with a central tyre inflation system, hand throttle, and its engine air intake is raised compared to standard models. Automotive components remain those of the Cobra, including the 190 hp engine.

Developed by (then) Force Protection Europe, the Ocelot won the British Army LPPV bid; here the WMIK version unveiled at IDEX 2011.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

designed with special forces in mind, although no contracts for that version have been announced.

Another derivative of a light armoured vehicle aimed at special forces was developed

by Otokar of Turkey from the Cobra 4x4.

Known as the SOV (Special Operations

Vehicle) it features a waist-level ballistic personnel protection for the four-man crew, a fold-down hinged type removable two-piece front ballistic windscreen, and a reconfigurable rear cargo compartment. The soft top can be partially folded or removed if required. A 12.7 mm weapon mount can be fitted on the tubular superstructure while three smoke grenade-launchers can be fitted on each side of the bonnet. Internal and

The Hawkei SOV developed by Thales Australia maintains part of the mine protection capacity of the standard version but can be “built to measure�, with an open roll-over bar (so handy for a heavy machine gun or a grenade launcher). Two more pintle-mounted medium machine guns can be mounted front and rear together with three smoke grenade launchers per side on

For the time being the Special Forces version of the Thales Hawkei light armoured vehicle remains at prototype stage, the company being busy marketing the vehicle in Australia and abroad. (Thales)

The Special Operations Vehicle derived by Turkish Otokar from its well known Cobra 4x4 light armoured vehicle with raised engine exhaust and numerous fuel and water jerrycans. (Otokar)

the bonnet, for example. With less armour curb weight decreased to 6.8 tonnes boosting payload capacity to 3.4 tonnes. The vehicle is available with half-doors or full doors, and maintains all the automotive characteristics of the standard Hawkei. At present, the Hawkei SOV is not part of any procurement programme in Australia, but rather remains an option for local and international customers.

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The 2- and 4-Polaris have foldable roll-over bars that allows them to fit into the V-22 Osprey. (Polaris Defense)

Micromobility Besides the mobility assets described above, special forces also use much smaller vehicles to carry just a few men and their equipment. Mostly used to provide some degree of mobility in airborne operations, when bigger vehicles cannot be transported or mobility is a lesser priority compared to other types of payload, they are usually close derivatives of commercial systems and have a limited operational span life, services preferring to replace them after a few years rather than investing on long-lasting systems.

W

e shall here first analyse the requirements and programmes of the American Special Operations Command to define a yardstick. Two categories are considered, All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, and Light Tactical AllTerrain Vehicles, or LTATVs, the latter being bigger, with side by side seats, and featuring higher performances.

In 2012 the Special Operations Command filed a contract to renew its ATV inventory.

The requirements included a target curb weight of 545 kg and a capacity of 225 kg (though “objective data” looked for a payload

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capacity higher than curb weight, namely 365 versus 315 kg). Stirred with a motorcycle handlebar and internally transportable in CV22s and CH-47s, the new 4x4 ATV should have a 120 km range, possibly 160 km, and hit 48 km/h in seven seconds and a top speed of 72 km/h, possibly 105 km/h, on hard surfaces at full load. The contract, to the tune of $6.1 million, runs from May 2013 to April 2018, and the total number of vehicles involved is given as 470, with an average economical expected useful life of three years.

Elected was the Polaris Defense Sportsman MV-850, a single-seater powered by an 850 cc single overhead camshaft twincylinder liquid-cooled four-stroke petrol engine feeding 77 hp into an automatic PVT

transmission with reverse gear. The standard version is a full 4x4 drive vehicle, though a 2wheel/4-wheel drive is available as option. It is fitted with electronic power steering, suspensions are of the dual A-arm type, while wheels are shod with 26 x 8-14 tyres. A rigid exoskeleton at the front protects the operator in case of roll-over, while two racks, one at the front and one at the rear, can bear 91 and 181 kg loads respectively. The MV-850 is fitted with two fuel tanks of 19.9 and 24.6 litres each.

The vehicle can tow up to 680 kg and can be equipped with mounts to allow litter transport. No diesel version seems to be in the pipeline, as this would impact performances.

With the acquisition of Resilient Technologies in 2012, Polaris is now proposing its Terrainarmor Non-Pneumatic Tyres (NPTs) on some of its products, notably the MV-850. A total of 48 such vehicles were sold with Polaris NPTs, to the Special Operations Command and other undisclosed customers for testing. According to Polaris NPTs ensure the same comfort as standard pneumatics but provide much greater durability. Tests showed a duration of over 8,000 km at full combat load, over 1,600 km after being shot at by M4 and AK-47 rounds, and over 550 km after being hit by a 12.7 mm round, which eliminates the need for a spare wheel. Made in polymer, the web configuration and the material are adapted to the type of vehicle, NPTs featuring an eight-spoke cast-aluminium rim and a heavy-duty steel belted tread band.

In addition to a lucrative contract in the United States, 2013 also marked a major export success for Polaris, the company having sold an undisclosed number of MV850s to the German Bundeswehr, mostly aimed at the Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK). These will be duly customised, although no details were provided on those modifications or on the type of tyres that will be used. Export is becoming more and more important for Polaris following home budget cuts and the end of the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company has scored hits in Africa, Asia, and some European countries.

Another company whose products have been adapted to the military market is Yamaha, as exemplified by its Grizzly 450 acquired by the British Army. How much those 4x4s are also used by their Special Forces is matter for conjecture, as the type was earmarked as a replacement for the Honda 450TRX ATVs

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Following the acquisition of Resilient Technologies Polaris Defense entered the world of nonpneumatic tyres; here an NPT-equipped MV850, some vehicles in this configuration being tested by some special forces units units. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

and Logic SMT120b trailers in service with the 16th Airmobile Brigade. Two contracts were filed, the first in 2005 for 250 and the second in 2009 worth around €5.8 million, covering 200 quad bikes and an undisclosed number of Logic trailers. The Army uses them mostly for logistic purposes to deliver food, water and ammunition to front line positions that are difficult to access with larger vehicles.

Amongst upgrades the Grizzly 450 was fitted with a left-hand throttle, which provides a dual throttle fit giving greater manoeuvrability in theatre, and a winch, while the Logic trailer was equipped with a dual stretcher fit. With a trailer in tow speed is reduced to 50 km/h. The Grizzly is powered by a 26hp Yamaha 421cc water-cooled single-cylinder single overhead camshaft engine coupled to an Ultramatic CVT variable ratio box. Two- or four-wheel drive is selected by push-button. High and low ratio gears are available as well as reverse gear.

Independent double wishbone suspensions are fitted all round with 160 mm stroke front and 180mm rear. Front tyres are AT25x8-12 while rear mounts are AT25x10-12. Up to 40 kg loads can be carried on the front rack and 80 kg on the rear one.

Roush, now Revolve, went for a diesel solution to allow a common fuel source with the British Army vehicles’ fleet while considerably limiting the fire hazard when transported aboard helicopters, aircraft or ship. The company took an existing quad bike, the US Arctic Cat ATV, and modified it by installing a twin-cylinder 686 cc single overhead camshaft, liquid cooled, supercharged diesel engine developing 24 hp

and a 52 Nm of torque, coupled to an automatic CVT transmission. The drive system allows to select two- and four-wheel drive and is equipped with differential lock.

The Supercharged DRV is a single-seater with 136 kg capacity rear rack, though this is replaceable by a seat. The quad was offered to the British Ministry of Defence, raised interest, but never was acquired.

381mm-wide Kevlar-rubber track, the minimal specific pressure achieved avoiding the vehicle to sink in soft sand. Taking the specific ground pressure of a standing male soldier (about 600 g/cm2), theT-ATV1200s is around 50 g/cm2, while a standard quad bike scores one-third higher than the soldier at around 800 g/cm2. According to Sand-X another main advantage of its vehicle over the competition is its very low centre of gravity, which makes it less prone to roll-over. The TATV 1200 is powered by a Rotax 4-TEC 1200 1,170 cc 3-cylinder in line double overhead camshaft engine. As the engine is under the driver’s seat, and considering the high temperature environment for which the TATV is designed, two radiators have been installed forward. With 149 hp on tap, the device (600 kg gross, 236 kg dry) is said to be able of topping 185 km/h and reach 100 km from still in 2.8 seconds. The 40-litre fuel tank ensures a maximum range of 325 km.

Developed by Sand-X in the United Arab Emirates, the Tracked-All Terrain Vehicle 1200 is a peculiar ATV as it is specifically designed for moving on soft sand. The two front wheels are steered by a standard handlebar, while traction is by virtue of a

Can-Am, part of Bombardier Recreational Products, produces quads and side-by-side seating recreational and sports vehicles.

Although not directly involved in the military market, the Canadian manufacturer developed a chassis that has been selected by numerous companies that aim at military customers. BRP might however start an approach to the military market together with third party contractors and customers. A military version of the Lynx snowmobiles as

A British Army Grizzly on the move in Afghanistan; deployed with conventional units, these Yamaha quads have almost certainly been used by special forces, although no details were leaked. (British Army)

An airborne British Army soldier pictured during a logistic ride in the camp on board his Yamaha Grizzly equipped with a Logic trailer. (British Army)

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A C O M P E N D I U M O F T Y P I C A L S P E C I A L O P E R AT I O N S V E H I C L E S 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 GRIZZLY 450

Yamaha

ATV

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

1.99 m 1.09 m 1.12 m 495 kg 210 kg 1 26 hp petr 75 km/h V-22

This ATV has been extensively used by the British Army in Afghanistan for carrying supplies and evacuating casualties from the front line.

Polaris

ATV

USA

ATV

Sand-X

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

ATV

UAE

A hybrid tracked-wheeled ATV designed for sandy areas, the T-ATV power-to-weight ratio ensures high speed and acceleration.

ATV

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

PROWLER IITD

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp ATV

USA

MRZR4

RSX 850I

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Polaris

USA

When four operators have to move on the field US SFs will use the MRZR4, elected as the new LTATV by the Tampa-based HQ.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp John Deere

3.00 m 1.49 m 1.83–1.52 m n.a. n.a.

2 85 hp petr n.a.

V-22

TERYX 750 FI

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

Lockheed Martin

LSV & UP

USA

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.50 m 2.03 m 1.89 m 7.00 t 2.60 t 5+1 185 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

GMV 1.1

AM General

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a.

6.00 t 3.20 t 5 270 hp dsl 130 km/h CH-47

PHANTOM BADGER

Boeing

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

1.36 t n.a.

240 hp dsl 130 km/h V-22

SPECTRE WTC

GDLS

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 1.98 m 1.81-2.80 m 4.70 t 1.40 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h CH-47

Derived from Supacat HMT 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles, this has been the company competitor for the GMV 1.1 bid.

While maintaining a high commonality with the HMMWV, the GMV 1.1 is a wholly new vehicle powered by AM General JLTV’s engine.

Boeing’s proposal for the ITV SOCOM’s bid was developed at Phantom Works, and many details are still kept under wrap.

In its wide track configuration the Spectre was the GDLS bidder for US SOCOM’s GMV 1.1 requirement.

FLYER GMV 1.1

LRV 400

S-ATV

SPIDER LIGHT

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

CH-47

USA

Supacat

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.30 m 1.80 m 1.80 m 3.50 t 1.40 t 3 236 hp dsl 170 km/h CH-47

UK

Oshkosh

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.00 m 2.00 m n.a.

6.40 t 1.90–3.70 t 7 225–300 hp dsl 120 km/h CH-47 STK

USA

4.50 m 2.03 m 1.90 m 2.80 t 1.20 t 4+2 130 hp dsl 125 km/h CH-47

Singapore

This LTATV is still in use in US SF units and is slowly being phased out as the new 2- and 4-seaters selected in 2013 enter service.

A version of the original Flyer, it is understood that the GMV 1.1 winner was deeply modified to cope with SOCOM requirements, but no details have yet emerged.

Unveiled in September 2013 the LRV 400 is a military derivative of an off-road race car and adopts a less powerful but more reliable diesel engine.

The lighter vehicle in the Oshkosh range, the S-ATV is proposed on the international market, the company being ready to install a powerpack chosen by the customer.

In service with Singaporean forces, the Spider light strike vehicle is being upgraded, and is also offered in a hybrid propulsion version.

WHIPPET II

FLYER ITV

LSV

SOTV

STORM

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Z-COM

Ido Technologies

LATV

Israel

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.57 m 1.53 m 1.53 m 3.40 t 1.59 t 4 150 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

USA

GD OTS

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.14 m 1.53 m 1.19–1.92 m 3.00 t 0.90 t n.a.

132 hp dsl 105 km/h V-22

USA

Navistar – Indigenous – Armor – SAIC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 2.01 m 1.83 m 6.12 t 2.90 t 4+1 325 hp dsl n.a.

CH-47 HDT Global

USA

4.90 m 2.03 m 1.68 m 3.60 t 1.70 t 6 430 hp petr 160 km/h CH-47

USA

In the ITV configuration the Flyer is unarmoured but can easily be equipped with an armour kit developed by 3M-Ceradyne.

The Light Strike Vehicle has been acquired in numbers by the US Marine Corps to provide its units a round mobility asset transportable into the Osprey.

To answer the GMV 1.1 bid Navistar adopted an original approach, designing a high mobility vehicle disguised as a standard light truck.

The Storm was selected by the US Air Force as the Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Recovery Vehicle to replace the less mobile R-1 RATT.

GMV 1.0

MAV-L

SPECTRE NTC

ZIBAR MK2 620

LSV & UP

3.40–4.00 m 1.50 m 1.60 m 1,600 kg 800 kg 2–4–6 85 hp n.a.

V-22

A peculiar LTATV, the Z-Com can be quickly transformed from a 2- to a 4-seater, two extra seats being provided as optional to be installed at the rear.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LSV & UP

3.68 m 1.53 m 1.69 m 2,350 kg 1,250 kg 2 44 hp dsl 96 km/h V-22

UK

3.02 m 1.44 m 1.83 m 980 kg 363 kg 2 62 hp 85 km/h V-22

This is the successor of the M-Gator, which is widely deployed by many armies and has seen intensive service in Afghanistan.

CVNG 4X4

2.96 m 1.49 m 1.92 m 1,083 kg 443 kg 2 46 hp petr 76 km/h n.a.

One of the very last entries in the LTATV arena the Whippet II is the first product launched by the new joint venture between DEE-Ltd and EPS. LATV

3.59 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,548 kg 680 kg 4 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Based on Can-Am Commander XT this vehicle is adapted for military use by RP Advanced Mobile Systems.

Ascender Vehicles

Its diesel propulsion might become a winning feature for this version of the Prowler when looking at amphibious troops.

LATV

2.92 m 1.52 m 1.88–1.52 m 1,454 kg 795 kg 2 dsl 65 km/h V-22

USA

This is the 2-seater that won the last US SOCOM contract; alternative propulsion such as a diesel engine are among possible evolutions.

LATV

RP AMS/Can-Am

Kawasaki

USA

2.93 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,184 kg 454 kg 2 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

STRYKE C

3.76 m 1.57 (1.52) m 1.83–1.52 m 1,540 kg 748 kg 4 101 hp petr 112 km/h CH-47 (V-22)

Born with a width that did not allowed V-22 transportability, the C4XM is now also available in a narrower version to fit into the Osprey.

LATV

2.77 m 1.52 m n.a.

536 kg 300 kg 1 130 hp petr 185 km/h V-22

2.88 m 1.52 m 1.83–1.52 m 1,404 kg 680 kg 2 85 hp petr 112 km/h V-22

PROWLER C4 XM

ATV

Jordan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

3.35 m 1.73 m 2.00 m 1,100 kg 250 kg 2–4 27.20 hp dsl 60 km/h CH-47

MRZR2

Polaris

US/UK

PROWLER C2

For its Prowler ATV adopted a collapsible roll-over protection system to allow it to fit into the V-22.

LATV

2.36 m 1.21 m 1.26 m n.a. n.a.

1–2 24 hp dsl 100 km/h V-22

Diesel propulsion is an attractive solution in terms of safety, although power density is lower than in petrol engines.

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

2.93 m 1.33 m 1.92 m 771 kg 363 kg 2 47 hp hybrid 40 km/h n.a.

This vehicle should be soon replaced by a new upgraded version with better performances.

SUPERCHARGED DRV

T-ATV 1200

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LTATV 4X4

KADDB

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

2.42 m 1.20 m 1.52 m 830 kg 386 kg 1 77 hp petr 83 km/h V-22

The Sportsman MV850 won the US SOCOM bid in 2012 and Polaris also proposes it with non-pneumatic tires.

Arctic Cat/Revolve

Textron M&LS

LATV

The Baserunner is currently the only hybrid T-ATV available on the market and allows a silent approach when in contact with the opponent.

MV-850 Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

BASERUNNER

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp AM General

LSV & UP

4.93 m 2.21 m 1.94 m 5.50 t 1.10 – 2.20 t 3 190 hp dsl 113 km/h C-130

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Northrop Grumman

Until now US SFs workhorse was a slightly modified version of the M1165A1 HMMWV, which was however too wide to fit into the CH-47.

5.32 m 2.02 m 1.85-2.08 m 5.90 t 2.50 t 6+1 220 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

USA

The Medium Assault Vehicle – Light was developed together with Pratt & Miller Engineering and BAE Systems to answer SOCOM requirements.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GDLS

LSV & UP

4.71 m 1.52 m 1.52 m 3.40 t 1.50 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Ido Technologies

USA

An evolution of Force Protection Jamma, the Spectre NTC is the narrow track version designed to fit into the Osprey.

4.95 m 2.13 m 1.90 m 4.20 t 1.50 t 4 620 hp petr 200 km/h C-130

Israel

With numerous features taken by the sports off-road race cares, the Zibar is offered with two powerpacks, the second being a 430 hp petrol engine.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Special Forces Mobility_Layout 1 09/04/14 3:37 PM Page 1

A C O M P E N D I U M O F T Y P I C A L S P E C I A L O P E R AT I O N S V E H I C L E S 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 GRIZZLY 450

Yamaha

ATV

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

1.99 m 1.09 m 1.12 m 495 kg 210 kg 1 26 hp petr 75 km/h V-22

This ATV has been extensively used by the British Army in Afghanistan for carrying supplies and evacuating casualties from the front line.

Polaris

ATV

USA

ATV

Sand-X

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

ATV

UAE

A hybrid tracked-wheeled ATV designed for sandy areas, the T-ATV power-to-weight ratio ensures high speed and acceleration.

ATV

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

PROWLER IITD

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp ATV

USA

MRZR4

RSX 850I

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Polaris

USA

When four operators have to move on the field US SFs will use the MRZR4, elected as the new LTATV by the Tampa-based HQ.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp John Deere

3.00 m 1.49 m 1.83–1.52 m n.a. n.a.

2 85 hp petr n.a.

V-22

TERYX 750 FI

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

Lockheed Martin

LSV & UP

USA

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.50 m 2.03 m 1.89 m 7.00 t 2.60 t 5+1 185 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

GMV 1.1

AM General

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a.

6.00 t 3.20 t 5 270 hp dsl 130 km/h CH-47

PHANTOM BADGER

Boeing

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

1.36 t n.a.

240 hp dsl 130 km/h V-22

SPECTRE WTC

GDLS

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 1.98 m 1.81-2.80 m 4.70 t 1.40 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h CH-47

Derived from Supacat HMT 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles, this has been the company competitor for the GMV 1.1 bid.

While maintaining a high commonality with the HMMWV, the GMV 1.1 is a wholly new vehicle powered by AM General JLTV’s engine.

Boeing’s proposal for the ITV SOCOM’s bid was developed at Phantom Works, and many details are still kept under wrap.

In its wide track configuration the Spectre was the GDLS bidder for US SOCOM’s GMV 1.1 requirement.

FLYER GMV 1.1

LRV 400

S-ATV

SPIDER LIGHT

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

CH-47

USA

Supacat

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.30 m 1.80 m 1.80 m 3.50 t 1.40 t 3 236 hp dsl 170 km/h CH-47

UK

Oshkosh

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.00 m 2.00 m n.a.

6.40 t 1.90–3.70 t 7 225–300 hp dsl 120 km/h CH-47 STK

USA

4.50 m 2.03 m 1.90 m 2.80 t 1.20 t 4+2 130 hp dsl 125 km/h CH-47

Singapore

This LTATV is still in use in US SF units and is slowly being phased out as the new 2- and 4-seaters selected in 2013 enter service.

A version of the original Flyer, it is understood that the GMV 1.1 winner was deeply modified to cope with SOCOM requirements, but no details have yet emerged.

Unveiled in September 2013 the LRV 400 is a military derivative of an off-road race car and adopts a less powerful but more reliable diesel engine.

The lighter vehicle in the Oshkosh range, the S-ATV is proposed on the international market, the company being ready to install a powerpack chosen by the customer.

In service with Singaporean forces, the Spider light strike vehicle is being upgraded, and is also offered in a hybrid propulsion version.

WHIPPET II

FLYER ITV

LSV

SOTV

STORM

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Z-COM

Ido Technologies

LATV

Israel

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.57 m 1.53 m 1.53 m 3.40 t 1.59 t 4 150 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

USA

GD OTS

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.14 m 1.53 m 1.19–1.92 m 3.00 t 0.90 t n.a.

132 hp dsl 105 km/h V-22

USA

Navistar – Indigenous – Armor – SAIC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 2.01 m 1.83 m 6.12 t 2.90 t 4+1 325 hp dsl n.a.

CH-47 HDT Global

USA

4.90 m 2.03 m 1.68 m 3.60 t 1.70 t 6 430 hp petr 160 km/h CH-47

USA

In the ITV configuration the Flyer is unarmoured but can easily be equipped with an armour kit developed by 3M-Ceradyne.

The Light Strike Vehicle has been acquired in numbers by the US Marine Corps to provide its units a round mobility asset transportable into the Osprey.

To answer the GMV 1.1 bid Navistar adopted an original approach, designing a high mobility vehicle disguised as a standard light truck.

The Storm was selected by the US Air Force as the Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Recovery Vehicle to replace the less mobile R-1 RATT.

GMV 1.0

MAV-L

SPECTRE NTC

ZIBAR MK2 620

LSV & UP

3.40–4.00 m 1.50 m 1.60 m 1,600 kg 800 kg 2–4–6 85 hp n.a.

V-22

A peculiar LTATV, the Z-Com can be quickly transformed from a 2- to a 4-seater, two extra seats being provided as optional to be installed at the rear.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LSV & UP

3.68 m 1.53 m 1.69 m 2,350 kg 1,250 kg 2 44 hp dsl 96 km/h V-22

UK

3.02 m 1.44 m 1.83 m 980 kg 363 kg 2 62 hp 85 km/h V-22

This is the successor of the M-Gator, which is widely deployed by many armies and has seen intensive service in Afghanistan.

CVNG 4X4

2.96 m 1.49 m 1.92 m 1,083 kg 443 kg 2 46 hp petr 76 km/h n.a.

One of the very last entries in the LTATV arena the Whippet II is the first product launched by the new joint venture between DEE-Ltd and EPS. LATV

3.59 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,548 kg 680 kg 4 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Based on Can-Am Commander XT this vehicle is adapted for military use by RP Advanced Mobile Systems.

Ascender Vehicles

Its diesel propulsion might become a winning feature for this version of the Prowler when looking at amphibious troops.

LATV

2.92 m 1.52 m 1.88–1.52 m 1,454 kg 795 kg 2 dsl 65 km/h V-22

USA

This is the 2-seater that won the last US SOCOM contract; alternative propulsion such as a diesel engine are among possible evolutions.

LATV

RP AMS/Can-Am

Kawasaki

USA

2.93 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,184 kg 454 kg 2 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

STRYKE C

3.76 m 1.57 (1.52) m 1.83–1.52 m 1,540 kg 748 kg 4 101 hp petr 112 km/h CH-47 (V-22)

Born with a width that did not allowed V-22 transportability, the C4XM is now also available in a narrower version to fit into the Osprey.

LATV

2.77 m 1.52 m n.a.

536 kg 300 kg 1 130 hp petr 185 km/h V-22

2.88 m 1.52 m 1.83–1.52 m 1,404 kg 680 kg 2 85 hp petr 112 km/h V-22

PROWLER C4 XM

ATV

Jordan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

3.35 m 1.73 m 2.00 m 1,100 kg 250 kg 2–4 27.20 hp dsl 60 km/h CH-47

MRZR2

Polaris

US/UK

PROWLER C2

For its Prowler ATV adopted a collapsible roll-over protection system to allow it to fit into the V-22.

LATV

2.36 m 1.21 m 1.26 m n.a. n.a.

1–2 24 hp dsl 100 km/h V-22

Diesel propulsion is an attractive solution in terms of safety, although power density is lower than in petrol engines.

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

2.93 m 1.33 m 1.92 m 771 kg 363 kg 2 47 hp hybrid 40 km/h n.a.

This vehicle should be soon replaced by a new upgraded version with better performances.

SUPERCHARGED DRV

T-ATV 1200

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LTATV 4X4

KADDB

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

2.42 m 1.20 m 1.52 m 830 kg 386 kg 1 77 hp petr 83 km/h V-22

The Sportsman MV850 won the US SOCOM bid in 2012 and Polaris also proposes it with non-pneumatic tires.

Arctic Cat/Revolve

Textron M&LS

LATV

The Baserunner is currently the only hybrid T-ATV available on the market and allows a silent approach when in contact with the opponent.

MV-850 Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

BASERUNNER

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp AM General

LSV & UP

4.93 m 2.21 m 1.94 m 5.50 t 1.10 – 2.20 t 3 190 hp dsl 113 km/h C-130

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Northrop Grumman

Until now US SFs workhorse was a slightly modified version of the M1165A1 HMMWV, which was however too wide to fit into the CH-47.

5.32 m 2.02 m 1.85-2.08 m 5.90 t 2.50 t 6+1 220 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

USA

The Medium Assault Vehicle – Light was developed together with Pratt & Miller Engineering and BAE Systems to answer SOCOM requirements.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GDLS

LSV & UP

4.71 m 1.52 m 1.52 m 3.40 t 1.50 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Ido Technologies

USA

An evolution of Force Protection Jamma, the Spectre NTC is the narrow track version designed to fit into the Osprey.

4.95 m 2.13 m 1.90 m 4.20 t 1.50 t 4 620 hp petr 200 km/h C-130

Israel

With numerous features taken by the sports off-road race cares, the Zibar is offered with two powerpacks, the second being a 430 hp petrol engine.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Special Forces Mobility_Layout 1 09/04/14 3:37 PM Page 1

A C O M P E N D I U M O F T Y P I C A L S P E C I A L O P E R AT I O N S V E H I C L E S 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 GRIZZLY 450

Yamaha

ATV

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

1.99 m 1.09 m 1.12 m 495 kg 210 kg 1 26 hp petr 75 km/h V-22

This ATV has been extensively used by the British Army in Afghanistan for carrying supplies and evacuating casualties from the front line.

Polaris

ATV

USA

ATV

Sand-X

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

ATV

UAE

A hybrid tracked-wheeled ATV designed for sandy areas, the T-ATV power-to-weight ratio ensures high speed and acceleration.

ATV

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

PROWLER IITD

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp ATV

USA

MRZR4

RSX 850I

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Polaris

USA

When four operators have to move on the field US SFs will use the MRZR4, elected as the new LTATV by the Tampa-based HQ.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp John Deere

3.00 m 1.49 m 1.83–1.52 m n.a. n.a.

2 85 hp petr n.a.

V-22

TERYX 750 FI

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

Lockheed Martin

LSV & UP

USA

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.50 m 2.03 m 1.89 m 7.00 t 2.60 t 5+1 185 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

GMV 1.1

AM General

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a.

6.00 t 3.20 t 5 270 hp dsl 130 km/h CH-47

PHANTOM BADGER

Boeing

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

1.36 t n.a.

240 hp dsl 130 km/h V-22

SPECTRE WTC

GDLS

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 1.98 m 1.81-2.80 m 4.70 t 1.40 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h CH-47

Derived from Supacat HMT 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles, this has been the company competitor for the GMV 1.1 bid.

While maintaining a high commonality with the HMMWV, the GMV 1.1 is a wholly new vehicle powered by AM General JLTV’s engine.

Boeing’s proposal for the ITV SOCOM’s bid was developed at Phantom Works, and many details are still kept under wrap.

In its wide track configuration the Spectre was the GDLS bidder for US SOCOM’s GMV 1.1 requirement.

FLYER GMV 1.1

LRV 400

S-ATV

SPIDER LIGHT

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

CH-47

USA

Supacat

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.30 m 1.80 m 1.80 m 3.50 t 1.40 t 3 236 hp dsl 170 km/h CH-47

UK

Oshkosh

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.00 m 2.00 m n.a.

6.40 t 1.90–3.70 t 7 225–300 hp dsl 120 km/h CH-47 STK

USA

4.50 m 2.03 m 1.90 m 2.80 t 1.20 t 4+2 130 hp dsl 125 km/h CH-47

Singapore

This LTATV is still in use in US SF units and is slowly being phased out as the new 2- and 4-seaters selected in 2013 enter service.

A version of the original Flyer, it is understood that the GMV 1.1 winner was deeply modified to cope with SOCOM requirements, but no details have yet emerged.

Unveiled in September 2013 the LRV 400 is a military derivative of an off-road race car and adopts a less powerful but more reliable diesel engine.

The lighter vehicle in the Oshkosh range, the S-ATV is proposed on the international market, the company being ready to install a powerpack chosen by the customer.

In service with Singaporean forces, the Spider light strike vehicle is being upgraded, and is also offered in a hybrid propulsion version.

WHIPPET II

FLYER ITV

LSV

SOTV

STORM

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Z-COM

Ido Technologies

LATV

Israel

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.57 m 1.53 m 1.53 m 3.40 t 1.59 t 4 150 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

USA

GD OTS

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.14 m 1.53 m 1.19–1.92 m 3.00 t 0.90 t n.a.

132 hp dsl 105 km/h V-22

USA

Navistar – Indigenous – Armor – SAIC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 2.01 m 1.83 m 6.12 t 2.90 t 4+1 325 hp dsl n.a.

CH-47 HDT Global

USA

4.90 m 2.03 m 1.68 m 3.60 t 1.70 t 6 430 hp petr 160 km/h CH-47

USA

In the ITV configuration the Flyer is unarmoured but can easily be equipped with an armour kit developed by 3M-Ceradyne.

The Light Strike Vehicle has been acquired in numbers by the US Marine Corps to provide its units a round mobility asset transportable into the Osprey.

To answer the GMV 1.1 bid Navistar adopted an original approach, designing a high mobility vehicle disguised as a standard light truck.

The Storm was selected by the US Air Force as the Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Recovery Vehicle to replace the less mobile R-1 RATT.

GMV 1.0

MAV-L

SPECTRE NTC

ZIBAR MK2 620

LSV & UP

3.40–4.00 m 1.50 m 1.60 m 1,600 kg 800 kg 2–4–6 85 hp n.a.

V-22

A peculiar LTATV, the Z-Com can be quickly transformed from a 2- to a 4-seater, two extra seats being provided as optional to be installed at the rear.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LSV & UP

3.68 m 1.53 m 1.69 m 2,350 kg 1,250 kg 2 44 hp dsl 96 km/h V-22

UK

3.02 m 1.44 m 1.83 m 980 kg 363 kg 2 62 hp 85 km/h V-22

This is the successor of the M-Gator, which is widely deployed by many armies and has seen intensive service in Afghanistan.

CVNG 4X4

2.96 m 1.49 m 1.92 m 1,083 kg 443 kg 2 46 hp petr 76 km/h n.a.

One of the very last entries in the LTATV arena the Whippet II is the first product launched by the new joint venture between DEE-Ltd and EPS. LATV

3.59 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,548 kg 680 kg 4 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Based on Can-Am Commander XT this vehicle is adapted for military use by RP Advanced Mobile Systems.

Ascender Vehicles

Its diesel propulsion might become a winning feature for this version of the Prowler when looking at amphibious troops.

LATV

2.92 m 1.52 m 1.88–1.52 m 1,454 kg 795 kg 2 dsl 65 km/h V-22

USA

This is the 2-seater that won the last US SOCOM contract; alternative propulsion such as a diesel engine are among possible evolutions.

LATV

RP AMS/Can-Am

Kawasaki

USA

2.93 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,184 kg 454 kg 2 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

STRYKE C

3.76 m 1.57 (1.52) m 1.83–1.52 m 1,540 kg 748 kg 4 101 hp petr 112 km/h CH-47 (V-22)

Born with a width that did not allowed V-22 transportability, the C4XM is now also available in a narrower version to fit into the Osprey.

LATV

2.77 m 1.52 m n.a.

536 kg 300 kg 1 130 hp petr 185 km/h V-22

2.88 m 1.52 m 1.83–1.52 m 1,404 kg 680 kg 2 85 hp petr 112 km/h V-22

PROWLER C4 XM

ATV

Jordan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

3.35 m 1.73 m 2.00 m 1,100 kg 250 kg 2–4 27.20 hp dsl 60 km/h CH-47

MRZR2

Polaris

US/UK

PROWLER C2

For its Prowler ATV adopted a collapsible roll-over protection system to allow it to fit into the V-22.

LATV

2.36 m 1.21 m 1.26 m n.a. n.a.

1–2 24 hp dsl 100 km/h V-22

Diesel propulsion is an attractive solution in terms of safety, although power density is lower than in petrol engines.

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

2.93 m 1.33 m 1.92 m 771 kg 363 kg 2 47 hp hybrid 40 km/h n.a.

This vehicle should be soon replaced by a new upgraded version with better performances.

SUPERCHARGED DRV

T-ATV 1200

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LTATV 4X4

KADDB

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

2.42 m 1.20 m 1.52 m 830 kg 386 kg 1 77 hp petr 83 km/h V-22

The Sportsman MV850 won the US SOCOM bid in 2012 and Polaris also proposes it with non-pneumatic tires.

Arctic Cat/Revolve

Textron M&LS

LATV

The Baserunner is currently the only hybrid T-ATV available on the market and allows a silent approach when in contact with the opponent.

MV-850 Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

BASERUNNER

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp AM General

LSV & UP

4.93 m 2.21 m 1.94 m 5.50 t 1.10 – 2.20 t 3 190 hp dsl 113 km/h C-130

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Northrop Grumman

Until now US SFs workhorse was a slightly modified version of the M1165A1 HMMWV, which was however too wide to fit into the CH-47.

5.32 m 2.02 m 1.85-2.08 m 5.90 t 2.50 t 6+1 220 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

USA

The Medium Assault Vehicle – Light was developed together with Pratt & Miller Engineering and BAE Systems to answer SOCOM requirements.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GDLS

LSV & UP

4.71 m 1.52 m 1.52 m 3.40 t 1.50 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Ido Technologies

USA

An evolution of Force Protection Jamma, the Spectre NTC is the narrow track version designed to fit into the Osprey.

4.95 m 2.13 m 1.90 m 4.20 t 1.50 t 4 620 hp petr 200 km/h C-130

Israel

With numerous features taken by the sports off-road race cares, the Zibar is offered with two powerpacks, the second being a 430 hp petrol engine.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Special Forces Mobility_Layout 1 09/04/14 3:37 PM Page 1

A C O M P E N D I U M O F T Y P I C A L S P E C I A L O P E R AT I O N S V E H I C L E S 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 GRIZZLY 450

Yamaha

ATV

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

1.99 m 1.09 m 1.12 m 495 kg 210 kg 1 26 hp petr 75 km/h V-22

This ATV has been extensively used by the British Army in Afghanistan for carrying supplies and evacuating casualties from the front line.

Polaris

ATV

USA

ATV

Sand-X

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

ATV

UAE

A hybrid tracked-wheeled ATV designed for sandy areas, the T-ATV power-to-weight ratio ensures high speed and acceleration.

ATV

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

PROWLER IITD

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp ATV

USA

MRZR4

RSX 850I

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Polaris

USA

When four operators have to move on the field US SFs will use the MRZR4, elected as the new LTATV by the Tampa-based HQ.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp John Deere

3.00 m 1.49 m 1.83–1.52 m n.a. n.a.

2 85 hp petr n.a.

V-22

TERYX 750 FI

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

Lockheed Martin

LSV & UP

USA

Japan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.50 m 2.03 m 1.89 m 7.00 t 2.60 t 5+1 185 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

GMV 1.1

AM General

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a.

6.00 t 3.20 t 5 270 hp dsl 130 km/h CH-47

PHANTOM BADGER

Boeing

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

1.36 t n.a.

240 hp dsl 130 km/h V-22

SPECTRE WTC

GDLS

LSV & UP

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 1.98 m 1.81-2.80 m 4.70 t 1.40 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h CH-47

Derived from Supacat HMT 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles, this has been the company competitor for the GMV 1.1 bid.

While maintaining a high commonality with the HMMWV, the GMV 1.1 is a wholly new vehicle powered by AM General JLTV’s engine.

Boeing’s proposal for the ITV SOCOM’s bid was developed at Phantom Works, and many details are still kept under wrap.

In its wide track configuration the Spectre was the GDLS bidder for US SOCOM’s GMV 1.1 requirement.

FLYER GMV 1.1

LRV 400

S-ATV

SPIDER LIGHT

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

CH-47

USA

Supacat

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.30 m 1.80 m 1.80 m 3.50 t 1.40 t 3 236 hp dsl 170 km/h CH-47

UK

Oshkosh

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.00 m 2.00 m n.a.

6.40 t 1.90–3.70 t 7 225–300 hp dsl 120 km/h CH-47 STK

USA

4.50 m 2.03 m 1.90 m 2.80 t 1.20 t 4+2 130 hp dsl 125 km/h CH-47

Singapore

This LTATV is still in use in US SF units and is slowly being phased out as the new 2- and 4-seaters selected in 2013 enter service.

A version of the original Flyer, it is understood that the GMV 1.1 winner was deeply modified to cope with SOCOM requirements, but no details have yet emerged.

Unveiled in September 2013 the LRV 400 is a military derivative of an off-road race car and adopts a less powerful but more reliable diesel engine.

The lighter vehicle in the Oshkosh range, the S-ATV is proposed on the international market, the company being ready to install a powerpack chosen by the customer.

In service with Singaporean forces, the Spider light strike vehicle is being upgraded, and is also offered in a hybrid propulsion version.

WHIPPET II

FLYER ITV

LSV

SOTV

STORM

LATV

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Z-COM

Ido Technologies

LATV

Israel

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.57 m 1.53 m 1.53 m 3.40 t 1.59 t 4 150 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

USA

GD OTS

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

4.14 m 1.53 m 1.19–1.92 m 3.00 t 0.90 t n.a.

132 hp dsl 105 km/h V-22

USA

Navistar – Indigenous – Armor – SAIC

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

5.33 m 2.01 m 1.83 m 6.12 t 2.90 t 4+1 325 hp dsl n.a.

CH-47 HDT Global

USA

4.90 m 2.03 m 1.68 m 3.60 t 1.70 t 6 430 hp petr 160 km/h CH-47

USA

In the ITV configuration the Flyer is unarmoured but can easily be equipped with an armour kit developed by 3M-Ceradyne.

The Light Strike Vehicle has been acquired in numbers by the US Marine Corps to provide its units a round mobility asset transportable into the Osprey.

To answer the GMV 1.1 bid Navistar adopted an original approach, designing a high mobility vehicle disguised as a standard light truck.

The Storm was selected by the US Air Force as the Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Recovery Vehicle to replace the less mobile R-1 RATT.

GMV 1.0

MAV-L

SPECTRE NTC

ZIBAR MK2 620

LSV & UP

3.40–4.00 m 1.50 m 1.60 m 1,600 kg 800 kg 2–4–6 85 hp n.a.

V-22

A peculiar LTATV, the Z-Com can be quickly transformed from a 2- to a 4-seater, two extra seats being provided as optional to be installed at the rear.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GD OTS – Flyer LLC

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LSV & UP

3.68 m 1.53 m 1.69 m 2,350 kg 1,250 kg 2 44 hp dsl 96 km/h V-22

UK

3.02 m 1.44 m 1.83 m 980 kg 363 kg 2 62 hp 85 km/h V-22

This is the successor of the M-Gator, which is widely deployed by many armies and has seen intensive service in Afghanistan.

CVNG 4X4

2.96 m 1.49 m 1.92 m 1,083 kg 443 kg 2 46 hp petr 76 km/h n.a.

One of the very last entries in the LTATV arena the Whippet II is the first product launched by the new joint venture between DEE-Ltd and EPS. LATV

3.59 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,548 kg 680 kg 4 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

Based on Can-Am Commander XT this vehicle is adapted for military use by RP Advanced Mobile Systems.

Ascender Vehicles

Its diesel propulsion might become a winning feature for this version of the Prowler when looking at amphibious troops.

LATV

2.92 m 1.52 m 1.88–1.52 m 1,454 kg 795 kg 2 dsl 65 km/h V-22

USA

This is the 2-seater that won the last US SOCOM contract; alternative propulsion such as a diesel engine are among possible evolutions.

LATV

RP AMS/Can-Am

Kawasaki

USA

2.93 m 1.52 m 1.87 m 1,184 kg 454 kg 2 88 hp 96 km/h V-22

STRYKE C

3.76 m 1.57 (1.52) m 1.83–1.52 m 1,540 kg 748 kg 4 101 hp petr 112 km/h CH-47 (V-22)

Born with a width that did not allowed V-22 transportability, the C4XM is now also available in a narrower version to fit into the Osprey.

LATV

2.77 m 1.52 m n.a.

536 kg 300 kg 1 130 hp petr 185 km/h V-22

2.88 m 1.52 m 1.83–1.52 m 1,404 kg 680 kg 2 85 hp petr 112 km/h V-22

PROWLER C4 XM

ATV

Jordan

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LATV

3.35 m 1.73 m 2.00 m 1,100 kg 250 kg 2–4 27.20 hp dsl 60 km/h CH-47

MRZR2

Polaris

US/UK

PROWLER C2

For its Prowler ATV adopted a collapsible roll-over protection system to allow it to fit into the V-22.

LATV

2.36 m 1.21 m 1.26 m n.a. n.a.

1–2 24 hp dsl 100 km/h V-22

Diesel propulsion is an attractive solution in terms of safety, although power density is lower than in petrol engines.

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

2.93 m 1.33 m 1.92 m 771 kg 363 kg 2 47 hp hybrid 40 km/h n.a.

This vehicle should be soon replaced by a new upgraded version with better performances.

SUPERCHARGED DRV

T-ATV 1200

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

LTATV 4X4

KADDB

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

USA

2.42 m 1.20 m 1.52 m 830 kg 386 kg 1 77 hp petr 83 km/h V-22

The Sportsman MV850 won the US SOCOM bid in 2012 and Polaris also proposes it with non-pneumatic tires.

Arctic Cat/Revolve

Textron M&LS

LATV

The Baserunner is currently the only hybrid T-ATV available on the market and allows a silent approach when in contact with the opponent.

MV-850 Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp

BASERUNNER

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp AM General

LSV & UP

4.93 m 2.21 m 1.94 m 5.50 t 1.10 – 2.20 t 3 190 hp dsl 113 km/h C-130

USA

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Northrop Grumman

Until now US SFs workhorse was a slightly modified version of the M1165A1 HMMWV, which was however too wide to fit into the CH-47.

5.32 m 2.02 m 1.85-2.08 m 5.90 t 2.50 t 6+1 220 hp dsl 129 km/h CH-47

USA

The Medium Assault Vehicle – Light was developed together with Pratt & Miller Engineering and BAE Systems to answer SOCOM requirements.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

LSV & UP

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp GDLS

LSV & UP

4.71 m 1.52 m 1.52 m 3.40 t 1.50 t n.a.

180 hp dsl 137 km/h V-22

Length Width Height GVW Payload Pax Engine Max Speed Air Transp Ido Technologies

USA

An evolution of Force Protection Jamma, the Spectre NTC is the narrow track version designed to fit into the Osprey.

4.95 m 2.13 m 1.90 m 4.20 t 1.50 t 4 620 hp petr 200 km/h C-130

Israel

With numerous features taken by the sports off-road race cares, the Zibar is offered with two powerpacks, the second being a 430 hp petrol engine.

Compendium of Simple Forces Mobility 2014-2015

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The Prowler, here in the C2 two-seater configuration, is a derivative of the Can-Am Commander, which is militarised

by ATV Corp. (ATV Corp.)

Designed for desert ride by Sand-X, the T-ATV 1200 features a wide track to “float” on sand. Its 149 horses are kept cool by two oversized radiators at the front. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

well as a 6x6 version of the Outlander LTATV currently are being developed by the Finnish branch of the company, the Outlander with a much higher payload capacity. No technical details are available as the configuration has not yet been frozen (work was underway with a potential customer at time of writing).

The Can-Am Commander is highly “customisable”, but the chassis mostly stays unchanged. All vehicles are thus pretty similar, being powered by single overhead camshaft, four-cylinder water-cooled 976 cc Rotax engine coupled to a fully automatic transmission, with 2- or 4-wheel drive being selectable by the driver. The all-steel structure is fitted with independent suspensions all round, double A-arm front and rear torsion trailing arm rear, with 254 mm stroke in the four corners. The fuel tank contains 37.8 litres, average consumption is given as 7.65 km/l, but speed, load, terrain and operator have a considerable influence on that figure.

ATV Corp, a division of Phoenix International Systems, proposes its Prowlers in C2 and C4XM guises, the “X” indicating a 101 hp output instead of the standard 85 hp, the difference being due to some changes in exhaust and clutching, while displacement remains the same.

The 1.52-metre wide two-seater Prowler C2 is V-22 transportable. It is otherwise 2.88 metres long and 1.83 metres high, though the foldable roll-over structure drops to 1.53 metres for air transportability. It weighs 724

28

Compendium Special OPS 2014

kg, payload capacity includes 272 kg for crew plus kit, 272 kg on the rear cargo rack and 136 kg on the front one. ATV’s latest four-seater is the Prowler C4XM; it has similar automotive characteristics, but suspensions travel is increased to 356 mm. Standard width is over 1.57 metres which does not allow V-22 transportability; however an optional 1.52metre width configuration is available for Osprey compatibility. Height remains that of the two-seater while length is increased to 3.75 metres. The dry weight is up 69 kg while the payload capacity increases to 454 kg for the crew and kit, 181 kg on the rear cargo rack and 113 kg on the front one.

ATV also proposes a diesel, the Prowler IITD two-seater. According to the current datasheet its powerplant is based on a 904 cc three-cylinder liquid cooled turbodiesel coupled to a fully automatic transmission, hilow range and two- or four-wheel drive being selectable by the driver. Maximum speed is 64.5 km/h at full load, dry weight 659 kg, payload capacity reaches 705 kg while the fuel tank holds 34 litres. A-arm suspensions are fitted all round while suspended seats further inclrease comfort. The Prowler IITD features some form of underbelly protection through a full skid plate. With an overall width of 1.52 metres the diesel vehicle can be transported inside the V-22. Length is 2.92 metres and height 1.88 metres. However, according to the latest information the Prowler IITD is being redesigned and the final version should be released for production in late 2014, barring a very insistent and well-funded demand.

A Prowler C4XMV, the X indicating a higher engine power output. When installing two rear-facing seats in the back the vehicle becomes in fact a 6-seater. (ATV Corp.)

Oregon-based RP Advanced Mobile Systems proposes its RP Strike derived from the Can-Am Commander XT series, available in two- and four-seat versions respectively weighing 585 and 708 kg, but both with a cargo capacity in the rear box of 272 kg. The firm customises the vehicle for military use adding a number of improvements such as high-capacity, multimodal tactical payload flatbed assembly, multi-modal tailgate system for multiple tactical payload configuration and optional

RP Advanced Mobile Systems is a small veteran-owned business that customises the Can-Am Commander vehicle with purposedesigned systems such as the Ride Mitigation Seat System. (RPAMS)

Compendium Special OPs.qxd:Armada

4/11/14

The peculiarity of the Z-Com, based on the Can-Am Commander chassis, is its ability to expand into a 4-seater in a matter of minutes.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

John Deere has developed a militarised model from its new RSX850, the company having pioneered the use of LTATVs by military services. (John Deere)

Medevac integration, heavy duty roll-over bar with stow position for air transport, assault pusher bumper with strut-integrated payload track system and aerial tie-down, rear push-bumper assembly with aerial tiedowns, beadlock wheels shod with Series II 12-Ply run-flat 26x9x14 tyres. Other available amenities include blackout/infrared for night vision goggles, front cargo assembly, and modular ammo/fuel can/payload assemblies.

Developed in Israel by Ido Technologies, a small business specialised in off-road vehicles whose customers include the Israeli Defence Force, the Z-Com is a quite peculiar vehicle as it can be quickly adapted to mission needs thanks to an extendable cargo compartment. This allows to shift from a twoseater to a four-seater, two extra seats installed on the cargo rack being available in both configurations. Developed from the Can-Am Commander, it only retains the basic automotive components, but mounts a different superstructure and reinforced suspensions. Width falls within the V-22

10:57 AM

Page 25

limits – Israel has recently decided to acquire the Bell-Boeing tiltrotor aircraft – overall height being 1.6 metres, although the rollcage can be folded by a single person in less than 30 seconds to reduce height to 1.3 metres. Ground clearance is 279 mm. The cargo compartment enables the vehicle length to be increased from 3.4 metres to 4.0 metres, the rear cargo rack remaining the same, offering a 1.5 x 1.5 metres space. At minimal length, two Z-Coms can be transported inside a V-22, a CH-53 or a CH-47, to quickly return to 4-seater form once unloaded. The Z-COM grosses at 1.6 tonnes, half of which for payload, including an add-on fuel tank to increase range. The Z-Com is now ready for production and will soon be tested by the IDF. The company is looking forward to developing a diesel-powered version that might become available in late 2015.

John Deere has provided numerous A1 6x6 and A3 4x4 M-Gators in the versions to the US Army and Marine Corps, and to the Canadian and Belgian armies. These have been used for transporting cargo and evacuating casualties in various operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. The most recent product of the Illinois-based company is the RSX 850i, which features a much more powerful engine and higher mobility, while having a lesser payload capacity. The new 4x4 two-seater has a 62 hp 839 cc liquid-cooled engine that speeds it up to 85 km/h, accelerating from still to 48 km/h in three seconds. Suspensions are provided by Fox Racing Shox, front ones being fully independent dual A-arm while rear ones are multi-link rolled independent, all with antiroll bar and monotube coil-over-shocks.

Standard wheels are Ancla M-T (Extreme Terrain) with 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 26x8-14 and 26x1014 being provided as option. The RSX 850i has a 28-litre fuel tank, can carry a 363 kg payload and tow a 544 kg trailer.

Leveraging developments carried out by a sister company, Textron Marine and Land Systems is marketing the Commando Utility Baserunner, an LTATV that is produced with two engine options, a diesel engine mostly aimed at logistic use, and a hybrid petrol/electric system for silent operations.

Priority has thus gone to stealthiness rather than speed, which is limited to 40 km/h. The Baserunner rear wheels are activated by a new 28hp petrol engine; when run in “petrol mode” the vehicle can recharge the 48 volt battery pack that powers the electric front wheels (a high or low charge mode is selected

Textron M&LS developed the LTATV manufactured by E-Z-Go, another Textron company, into a military vehicle which for the time being seems to be the only hybrid dieselelectric vehicle of its kind. (Textron M&LS)

The first product of the newly formed Ascender Vehicles Ltd. is the Whippet II, a two-seater that fits into the V-22 Osprey. (Ascender Ltd.)

by a dash-mounted switch). The combined petrol and electric (4x4) mode of course provides maximum power and integral traction. The Baserunner is equipped with four 12 V heavy-duty deep cycle batteries, a 300 A controller and an off-board 48 V charger, battery charge time varying between eight and 12 hours. The vehicle features independent McPherson front suspensions, while heavy-duty leaf springs with shock absorbers are fitted on the rear axle. Gross weight is 771 kg, payload capacity is 363 kg including 227 kg transportable on the rear cargo bed. The two passengers as well as part of the cargo bed which has a volume of 27 m3 are protected by a roll-over bar that is removed to fit in the V-22. The Baserunner, which has recently been upgraded with the new petrol engine, has not yet found a military customer.

Compendium Special OPS 2014

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Compendium Special OPs.qxd:Armada

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A Kawasaki Teryx 750 in Afghanistan; this is the Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicle currently in use with US SFs and is soon be gradually replaced. (USMC)

In December 2013 DEE-Ltd and EPS in Britain announced the creation of a joint venture company, Ascender Vehicles Ltd, with a view to bringing together the design engineering, development, manufacture and marketing for the current and future planned range of specialist light military vehicles, including the Weevil, the Whippet and the Dingo. The first product to see the light of day was the Whippet II TATV (Tactical All Terrain Vehicle) two-seater, the preproduction version of which started trials in late 2013. (This is a two-seater variant of the Whippet that was specifically designed to be carried by the V-22 Osprey). The vehicle is powered by a 44hp supercharged Lombardini 1400cc diesel coupled to a hydraulic automatic transmission. With a payload capacity increased from 900 to 1,250 kilos the Whippet II has a gross weight of 2.3 tonnes.

Front suspensions are on double-wishbones while rear ones rest on multilink trailing arms, both with 254mm stroke with adjustable dual coil-over-springs gas-hydraulic shock absorbers. The vehicle is fitted with 225/75/R16 tyres. Designed for airborne insertion, it extends DEE’s traditions set by the Nomad 4x4 light role tactical vehicle, the Dingo 6x6 high mobility light strike vehicle and Pinscher 6x6 off road ATV. Turning to the LTATV, the American Special Forces Command looked for new two-seat and four-seat 4x4s to gradually replace its current Teryx 750s. The new vehicles were required to have standard automotive controls, to be transportable inside Ospreys and Chinooks, with respective curb weights of 1,135 and 1,588 kg.

Payload threshold requirements were respectively 318 and 544 kg, while objective

30

Compendium Special OPS 2014

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Page 26

Polaris Defense has won the Special Operations Command’s LTATV bid with its two- and four-seat MRZRs. The programme will run until 2018. (Polaris Defense)

requirements increased those limits to 454 and 816 kg. Range and speed were also provided in terms of threshold and objective requirements, respectively 121 and 241 km, and 72 and 105 km/h, while the vehicles were to accelerate from 0 to 48 km/h in 10 seconds, possibly in 5. The Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicle Increment II programme was to be run on a six-year period, July 2013 to June 2018, with annual acquisitions of around 185 vehicles.

The contract was awarded to Polaris Defense in Q3 2013, the winning machines being the MRZR 2 and MRZR 4. The MRZR family share a high number of components, including automotive items, the main difference being the longer chassis of the 4seater. The rear-mounted engine is common and is based on a 88hp Polaris ProStar 900 dual overhead camshaft twin 875cc petrol engine, coupled to a continuous variable transmission. Front suspensions are dual Aarms, rear ones being trailing arm. Stroke in all four corners is 318 mm while wheels are shod with 26 x 9-14 DWTs. Maximum speed on paved road is close to 100 km/h, the vehicles being equipped with a 27.4 litres fuel tank.

Width was a fixed parameter, the MRZRs aiming at being Osprey transportable, thus the 60-inch limit was duly respected. Both versions are 1.87-metre high at the roll cage, although the latter can be folded onto the bonnet without any tool to fit into the Osprey.

What obviously changes between the two models are the wheelbases and the overall lengths, the former being increased from 2.07 to 2.73 metres and the latter from 2.93 to 3.59 metres, which accommodates an extra row of two seats, the rear flatbed dimensions remaining similar. In both cases, the flatbed can actually receive two rearward facing seats.

The ‘1 can also carry a stretcher while the ‘2 can carry two and one seat (for a medical

attendant). Gross weights respectively are 1.18 and 1.55 tonnes with payloads of 454 and 680 kg. Although no details were delivered, force protection systems are believed to have been installed on the Command’s new LTATVs in the form of Sierra Nevada Corporation THOR III AN/PLQ-9 jammers and Raytheon BBN Technologies Boomerang shooter detection systems. Communication facilities are beleived to be provided by an AN/VRC110 UHF/VHF suite coupled to an AN/VRC111 20W amplifier.

An MRZR-2 on the move; the two-seater becomes in fact a four-seater if the rear flatbed is fitted with two rear-looking seats. (Polaris Defense)

While the above contract’s Increment II calls for petrol engines, Polaris is investigating alternative solutions such as diesel or hybrid diesel/electric solutions to cope with the US Marine Corps requirements, petrol being definitely not a beloved substance on US Navy ships. As for tyres, currently NPTs seems to seduce the commercial market more than the military, but when costs will eventually drop through the law of numbers it is highly possible that a switch will occur.

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Providing the Carl Gustaf with ammunition that can be fired from enclosed space considerably enhances the flexibility of this weapon system. (Saab)

Lethality Lethality is another major component of the special forces business. Various parameters combine to provide the final result, which is enemy neutralization. The shooting instrument, the aiming one, the accuracy of the whole chain including the flying bullet, and finally the effect of the latter on the target, are all elements that need to be taken in consideration, the strength of a chain being that of its weaker element.

A

s it would be impossible to provide a full overview of lethality systems used for special forces, we shall here limit ourselves to some of the systems unveiled in recent months as well as to some modifications to existing systems.

Two developments in the bullet field might drastically modify long range shooting parameters in the coming years. One of them emanates from Darpa, which is developing an optically guided 12.7 x 99 mm ammunition known as the Exacto (Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance). The programme is carried out in co-operation with Teledyne Scientific & Imaging and ATK. It is currently in Phase 2, which will lead to detailed design, integration and demonstration of aero-actuation controls, power sources, optical guidance systems, and sensors. Not many details have been unveiled so far in terms of guidance methods, although laser designation should not be part of the game to avoid easy interferences by

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obscurants or easy identification of sniper positions. How much guidance will be delegated to the sniper or to spotter optical system also remains to be seen. The Exacto would allow to maintain current 12.7 mm weapons in service, while dramatically increasing their accuracy at extreme ranges as well as permitting snipers to engage moving targets. Phase 3 of the programme will lead to manufacturing and live fire testing of prototypes, something that might materialise in late 2015.

The other guided bullet is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories

controlled by Lockheed Martin. In January 2012 this institution announced that work on a self-guided bullet was well advanced and that it was looking for a partner to bring the product into service. Unlike the Darpa project, which wants to use existing rifled weapons, the Sandia 12.7 mm calibre bullet is intended for smoothbore weapons. Spin indeed tends to make the bullet more stable, which makes its trajectory relatively difficult to correct. Sandia’s scientists thus decided to simplify things by doing away with spin. The bullet is around 100 mm long and has a laser seeker in its nose that picks up a laser reflection from a designator. Electromagnetic actuators are fitted to tiny rear fins, the forward centre of gravity ensuring aerodynamic stability. Prototypes built from commercially available components have been field tested, following concept verification by computer simulations. The core of the bullet guidance system is an 8-bit processor running a proprietary algorithm that translates the information provided by the laser sensor into corrections fed to the actuators. The bullet comes in geometry that is similar to that of 120 mm APFSDS tank ammunition, with plastic sabots providing gas sealing and fin protection when travelling in the barrel. Sandia scientists explained that they also exploit the pitch and yaw of the bullet, the rate of which results from the size and weight of the projectile, the frequency for the given dimensions being of about 30 Hz. According to computer aerodynamics modelling an unguided bullet at a 1,000metre range might miss its target by nine metres, while the Sandia solution might reduce the miss distance to less than 0.2 metres. Prototypes made with commercially

In co-operation with two major American companies Darpa is developing a guided 12.7 mm round that might become a game changer in long range sniping. (Darpa)

Sandia National Laboratories are developing a 12.7 mm guided bullet that will use a specifically designed weapon, as it is not made to be fired by rifled barrels. (Sandia)

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available powder reached a speed of 730 m/s; however the use of military grade powder should increase this figure. Contacted in early 2014 Sandia declared that no new information were available.

Other companies have recently developed dedicated special forces ammunition. Ruag Ammotec of Switzerland has developed a family of subsonic ammunition in the .300 Whisper calibre as part of the Swiss P family of high accuracy rounds for use in urban areas.

Two rounds are available, the Final, with a 200-grain tin-plated tombac jacket ball containing pressed lead pellets that totally disintegrates on the target (avoiding dangerous ricochet), and the Target, with a 220-grain hollow-point boat-tail bullet. The Final has a 320 m/s muzzle velocity and 625 Joule muzzle energy, while the Target has a higher velocity, 320 m/s in a 450 mm test barrel, and maintains a 690 Joules energy at a 100-metre range, with 10 Target rounds falling in a 30 cm circle at that range. The latest addition to the family is the supersonic .300 Whisper Swiss P HV Styx Action, allowing an special forces operator using a .300 Whisper weapon, such as a Brügger & Thomet SPR300 special purpose rifle, to quickly shift from subsonic to supersonic. Moreover using the same length barrel the new Ammotec round has 30% more energy than a 5.56x45 mm

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round, when shot from a barrel of the same length, and produces less muzzle flash. The .300 Whisper Swiss P HV Styx Action ammunition features a 130 grain jacketed hollow point ball that deforms when hitting the target. Muzzle energy is 1,775 Joules with a 650 m/s velocity, while Ruag Ammotec ensures a diameter of less than 200 mm at a 300-metre range. A non deformable HV round in the same calibre is already under development at the company’s Thun facilities.

Ruag Ammotec is also ready to supply its latest cartridge in .300 AAC Blackout calibre should a customer require it.

In Italy Fiocchi, the principal small arms ammunition manufacturer in that country, has recently set up a new division to take care of the niche market that is the sniper world.

This was done under the pressure of Italian special forces units that wanted to obtain extremely precise ammunition purposely designed for them. Hence the new EXO line within Fiocchi’s Perfecta Line catalogue. As many Italian units are still using .308 Winchester sniper rifles the company has developed the .308 EXO that features a Sierra Match King hollow-point boat-tail (HPBT) bullet with match grade accuracy with two different weights, a 168 grains with a 785 m/s V2.5 and E2.5 of 3,352 Joules, with an accuracy of at least 0.25 minute of angle at 300 metres using a bolt action rifle. The

The comparison between a Ruag Ammotec .300 Whisper round and a standard 5.56 x 45 mm Nato round. (Ruag Ammotec)

The two subsonic and the supersonic rounds developed by Ruag Ammotec in the .300 Whisper calibre are particularly suitable for urban actions. (Ruag Ammotec)

The various manufacturing steps of the Fiocchi 7.62 x 51 mm round are seen here with the ball and tracer version of the ammunition in the background. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

The laser profilemeter used at Fiocchi to verify tolerances down to 1 µm on the EXO production line (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

Fiocchi of Italy has recently launched a new line of hand-made ammunition dedicated to snipers, developed in co-operation with Italian special forces units. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

version with the 175 grains round is optimised for semi-automatic rifles and while keeping the same V2.5 it has an E2.5 of 3,494 Joules, with a 0.5 minute of angle accuracy at 700 metres. Coming to the .338 LM, the cooperation with SF units led to the .338 EXO that uses a 300 grains HPBT bullet.

Designed to be used in bolt action rifles only, this round has a V2.5 of 830 m/s and an E2.5 of 6,696 J, its accuracy being at least 0.85 minute of angle at 1,000 metres. The Lecco-based company also provides sniper grade 12.7x99 mm rounds with a 800 grains bullet, having a V2.5 of 825 m/s and an E2.5 of 17,642 J with an accuracy of 0.85 minute of angle at 1,000 metres. Currently the Perfecta Sniper division produces about 1,000 rounds a day, for a total of some 200,000 a year, and is mostly working for Italian special forces although some foreign units started to ask testing batches. New rounds are currently being developed for special purposes.

However the company is not yet ready to communicate on those ammunition.

In March 2014 the Italian company received full qualification for its 7.62x51

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The suppressed version of the AMK Mk46, the derivative of the FN Minimi developed by AM-TAC Precision in the .300 Blackout calibre. (AM-TAC)

The AMK Mk46, currently being tested by the Special forces of a Middle East nation, is the first belt-fed system designed for .300 Blackout ammunition. (AM-TAC)

mm round, both in ball and tracer versions from the Nato European Regional Test Centre at Pendine, United Kingdom. The round features a lead full metal case ball, a Fiocchi ZP heavy metal free primer without zinc, and a powder compliant with Reach regulation no. 1907/2006 to render it totally safe for the user. The Lecco-based company is increasing its production facility for the production of the new round, all components of which are now produced inhouse. With contracts from the Italian Ministry of Defence already in hand, Fiocchi is launching the product on the international market.

AM-TAC Precision has finished developing a new version of the Mk46A1, the improved version of the M249, itself a close American derivative of the FNH Minimi 5.56 mm machine gun. According to AM-TAC the weapon modified by the company, known as AMK Mk46, is the first belt-fed system designed to shoot the .300 Blackout

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ammunition. The Idaho-based company designed and developed a new barrel and a new buffer system to allow the machine gun to shoot the 7.62×35 mm developed years ago

by Advanced Armament Corporation in cooperation with Remington Defense. The aim was to develop a round capable of delivering a terminal effect similar to that of a 7.62 mm round while shooting it from a 5.56 mm platform and maintaining the same magazines. Two types of rounds are available, a supersonic one with a 115-125 grain ball and a subsonic one with a 220 grain Sierra open-tip match ball. At 300 metres the .300 BLK supersonic delivers nearly 17% more energy that the AK-47 round, while not increasing the recoil over 5.56 x45 mm ammunition. The AMK Mk46 is equipped with a 14 inch (356 mm) barrel that maintains the same external diameter as the original barrel, the weight being thus marginally lower than the seven kilos of the standard Mk46A1 without ammunition and magazine, with its 16.3 inch (414 mm) barrel. Considering a 200-round load: with the M855 5.56x45 mm rounds this would mean 2.5 kg, or three kilos with the 300 BLK supersonic, or 4.1 kg with the 300 BLK subsonic (nearly the same weight as 7.62x39 mm rounds), and five kilos with the 7.62x51 mm Nato. This means a penalty of only half a kilo when carrying the machine gun and a 200-supersonic round belt, delivering a terminal effect much higher than that of a 5.56 mm. Turning to the M240L model this time, the AMK Mk46 would allow weight savings of over 30% although admittedly the punch of the 7.62 mm Nato ball is higher than that of the .300 BLK. Compactness is also a factor: a 300 BLK round shot from a 9-inch barrel has the same energy at the muzzle as a 14.5-inch barrel M4, and about 5% more energy at 440 metres - even though the barrel is much shorter. The AMK Mk46 was developed on request of some Middle East special forces, and is now undergoing validation tests. The version currently tested is heavier than the standard AMK Mk46 since the customer required a heavier barrel, a tougher stock (which weighs some extra 700 grams), and additional Picatinny rails.

Still in the field of machine guns, one of the favourite automatic support weapons in the international special forces community is definitely the FN Herstal Minimi, both in the original 5.56 mm calibre and in the 7.62 mm one. In November 2013 the Belgian company,

A detail of the Minimi Mk3 buttstock, which can be better adjusted to the shooter’s size.

This is one of many other ergonomic improvements. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

which in 2014 celebrates its 125th anniversary, unveiled the latest version of its weapon. Known as the Minimi Mk3, it incorporates a further batch of ergonomic improvements. While the basic elements of the machine gun remain unchanged, it adopts a new butt stock that retains the shoulder rest but now with five different length positions and four cheek rest heights. A new triple-rail handguard is installed, integrated with a new bipod that can now be folded backwards while keeping accessories on the lower rail. In the 7.62 mm model the feed tray was equipped with a retaining pawl that made it easier to put the belt in the weapon single-handed; this has now been added to the 5.56 mm, while both weapons get a new and more ergonomic cocking handle. A heat-shield is provided to enhance handling safety when the barrel is hot, the shield being changed together with the barrel. All those new elements generate a marginal weight increase in both the 5.56 and 7.62 mm versions.

Another “A3” version of a weapon has been disclosed recently; this time the subject of the further iteration is the Beretta ARX160, the new model having been unveiled at DSEI 2013. The decision to further develop the weapon was taken following the inputs from numerous present and potential customers, and this inluded even more flexibility and compactness.

Besides bids for consistent numbers of rifles, it is the numerous requests for quotes for a few thousand weapons with variable requirements that triggered the development of the A3. The butt stock was redesigned and is now shorter and thinner and features an improved telescopic system and a bigger unlocking push-button. New shorter barrels are provided: in addition to the standard 16inch (406 mm) barrel, 14-in (356 mm), 11-

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The Beretta ARX160 A3 is the latest version of the Italian assault rifle, and includes a series of modifications aimed at shortening the weapon and further improving ergonomics. (Beretta)

A slide has been fitted to release the ARX160A3 magazine, this being only one of the numerous ergonomic features adopted on the new version of the Beretta assault rifle.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

inch (279 mm) and 9.5-inch (241 mm) barrels are proposed. The first two are already available while the shorter ones are still under development and will be available shortly.

With the but extended the respective lengths are 898, 848, 772 and 735 mm (or 833, 783, 733 and 670 mm with the stock retracted and 683, 633, 557 and 520 mm with the stock folded). Weights without are 3.5, 3.35, 3.25 and 3.1 kg. Bayonet lugs are available only on the 16- and 14-inch barrels. The three longer barrels are equipped with a two-position valve in the forward upper portion to allow

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the use of a silencer/suppressor: the valve, which can be set in the “N” (Neutral) or in the “S” (Suppressor) positions, is easily movable using the ammunition tip. A Rotex-Beretta suppressor is offered, thus a dedicated flashhider was developed. The weapon being shorter, the side Picatinny rails are also shorter, the bottom one being removable to install the GLX160 40 mm grenade launcher, while the top one remains unchanged. Wider cuts have been made in the fore end, first to improve barrel cooling, secondly to ease the exit of water or dust in extreme conditions.

The A3 features the same thermal decoupling between the barrel and the fore end as the A2 Special Forces model, to allow over 13 magazines to be fired continuously without overheating. New and tougher iron sights have been adopted, while some changes occurred in the controls: the selector now rotates 180°, with a 90° sector between the safe and semi-auto positions and a further 90° between the semi- and the auto positions.

The magazine release catch is now a slide located on the forward side of the trigger guard for full ambidextrous use. The ARX160 being a multi-calibre weapon, the barrels will be available in both 5.56x45 mm Nato and 7.62x39 mm calibres. For the time being the only one available in the Russian calibre is the 16 inch barrel.

At Shot Show 2014 Accuracy International introduced new sniper rifles to replace most of its older types with the exception of the AX50.

While the AT series (Accuracy Tactical) with fixed stock and 24-inch (610 mm) barrel is mostly oriented to law enforcement use, the new AX line is aimed at the military market.

The most innovative rifle is the AXMC, the two last letters standing for Multi Calibre; it is provided in .338 Lapua Magnum but can be easily transformed in .308/7.62 mm Nato and in .300 Whinchester Magnum. The AXMC comes with different length barrels: in .338 a 20-inch (508 mm) and a 27-inch (686 mm); in .300 WM the 20-inch barrel remains while a 24-inch (610 mm) and a 26-inch (660 mm)

In late November 2013 FN Herstal of Belgium introduced the latest iteration of its widely used Minimi machine by gun launching the Mk3 version. (FN Herstal)

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A single-calibre .308 Winchester version is also available within the new Accuracy International AX family that retains all the ergonomic features of the AXMC multi-calibre version. (Accuracy International)

In early 2014 Accuracy International unveiled its new AX series, the one pictured here being the AXMC (Multi Calibre), which can quickly be transformed from .330 LM into .308 W or .300 WM. (Accuracy International)

are added; four barrel lengths are available in .308, the three of the .300 WM plus a 16inch (406 mm) suppressed one. The weight is 6.6 kg for the rifle with empty magazine, no scope, and 27-inch barrel with muzzle brake. Compared to the AW rifles, the new AXMC features as standard a stock folding to the right, protecting the bolt and reducing length by 250 mm; the butt pad is height and angle adjustable without tools thanks to a friction locking mechanism. The cheekpiece can be laterally and height adjusted, and contains the 4 mm hex key for barrel removal and accessory rail repositioning.

The pistol grip can now be optimised with replaceable backstraps, the trigger remaining the two-stage system that proved its value on the battlefield. The barrel can be replaced in less than one minute thanks to the quicklock release system. Sights are fitted on the full length Stanag 4694 rail, while a keyhole slot system allows to attach sections of rail at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.

A double chamber muzzle brake is fitted as standard, although as option a threaded version of the barrel is available to allow installation of AI suppressors. The new AXMC has already scored some successes

Israel Weapons Industries is developing a series of new weapons that should soon be unveiled.

One of the latest types is the Uzi Pro, the last iteration of the famous Uzi SMG. (IWI)

with undisclosed international customers.

A one-calibre stand-alone version is also available in .308/7.62 mm.

Israel Weapons Industries, now part of the SK Group, has an intimate knowledge of the IDF’s special forces, since many of its employees have had experiences within these units during their military service. The Tel-Aviv based company is looking at increasing its range of weapons, a new bolt-action sniper rifle with interchangeable barrel and a heavy-duty bipod being currently under development. As with the sniper rifle, another product that emerged from close co-operation with IDF’s special units was the 9x19 mm Uzi Pro, the ergonomics of which have been considerably improved: weight was reduced thanks to the use of polymers in the pistol grip and trigger housing instead of the older moulded steel housing. The new shoulder stock features a mounted cheek rest, and all controls ambidextrous. The barrel is 152 mm

The medium-velocity multiple-round XRGL produced

by Ripple Effect in South Africa is in service with numerous countries and is used by many producers to validate their MV 40 mm grenades. (Ripple Effect)

long, (shorter than the Mini Uzi’s), while the weapon has a maximum length of 529 mm stock extended, or down by 300 mm stock folded. Firing mode is selectable between single shot and automatic, firing rate being around 1,050 rounds per minute. Sans 25round magazine the Uzi Pro weighs only 2.32 kg (marginally more than the Micro-Uzi). It can be quickly fitted with a suppressor, while a Picatinny rail is permanently attached on top of the receiver, side rails being an option. The Uzi Pro is in service with Israeli special forces and other undisclosed customers.

In the 40 mm grenade launchers world, medium velocity rounds and launchers are attracting increasing interest.

Rippel Effect Systems’ XRGL40 was recently selected by Colombian Indumil grenade producer to qualify its medium velocity 40mm ammo, the South African six-shot MGL being in service with several South East Asia, Middle East and Latin American

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The Hydra is a medium velocity self-loading grenade launcher, currently at prototype stage. Developed by Rheinmetall, it was recently demonstrated to numerous potential customers. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

forces. The weapon was also used to qualify Medium Velocity/Extended range rounds from Rheinmetall-Denel and more recently Diehl Defence, as well as from other undisclosed companies.

In the single-round category, Rheinmetall is in the last stages of development with its Cerberus underbarrel medium velocity launcher, while its Hydra MV self-loading multi-round launcher is now at prototype stage and attracting the interest of numerous potential customers.

For snipers, Meprolight, part of the Israeli SK Group, developed the Meslas sight

Meprolight, now part of the SK Group, further developed its Meslas sniper sighting system to reduce weight and size and make it more user-friendly. (Meprolight)

Raytheon Elcan’s latest product, the Spectre TR 1-3-9, is an optical sight boasting three different magnifications, x1, x3 and x9. (Elcan)

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packing a 1.54-µm Class 1 laser rangefinder with a 2,000-meter (±5 metres) accuracy into a 10x40 riflescope. The fire control computer, which hosts up to 10 different ballistic tables for 7.62 mm, .338 LM, 12.7 mm and possibly .300 WM, receives range data and automatically calculates elevation angle (an axis angle sensor for further improved ballistic calculation is available on option).

The ballistic table database can be updated by connecting the Meslas to a computer fitted with the appropriate Meprolight software.

The Meslas is 362 mm long and weighs approximately two kilos with batteries for some 2,000 firings. The new Meslas is lighter and smaller than its predecessor and more user friendly. For instance, winding and elevation corrections are now carried out using clicks on drums (typical of optical long range sights). The new sight is already in service with the Israel Defence Forces as well as in some undisclosed European countries, although marketing has just started.

The latest military sight introduced by Trijicon is the VCOG, a variable magnification sight from x1 to x6 that meets designated marksman rifleman requirements. (Trijicon)

I SIGHTS AND ACCESSORIES

Known as Continuously Computed Aiming Solution, CCAS in short, this Trijicon sight with its x6 magnification and laser rangefinder considerably increases long range infantry weapon system accuracy. (Trijicon)

Following the success of its SpecterDR-1-4x Elcan Raytheon introduced the first threefield-of-view optical weapon sight at Shot Show 2014. The SpecterTR 1-3-9x allows the operator to chose the optimal field of view for a particular range and situation. For close quarters battle situations the x1 position provides a 16° angle and features a red dot sight. Moving the big dial mounted on the left the sight switches to the x3 mode, with a 6° field of view, and shows a range compensating reticle, allowing accurate shooting at mid-range. For extreme ranges a further action on the dial brings the sight in the x9 mode with a 2° viewing angle, which can be used not only for shooting but also for positive target detection and identification purposes. The SpecterTR 13-9x red dot and reticles are illuminated by a diode powered by a CR2032 battery, five brightness levels being available. The new sight can be provided with reticles for 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm weapons, with respective ranges of 800 and1,000 metres. Windage travel adjustment is of ± 60 minute of angle while elevation is of +90 to –30 minute of angle. Scope and mount together weigh 829 grams, the SpecterTR 1-3-9x itself being 264 mm long. Fully waterproof and shockproof, the sight is not yet fully militarised, Elcan Raytheon awaiting a launch customer to complete development.

The Las Vegas exhibition also saw the unveiling of the last addition to the Trijicon

portfolio, not a new fixed magnification sight, as in the tradition of the company, but a variable magnification sight known as VCOG, for Variable Combat Optical Gunsight. The new sight allows the operator to set the required magnification between x1 and x6, the field of view varying between 18° and 3. The sight features a 90 minute of angle total travel adjustment both in elevation and windage. Waterproof to 20 metres, its reticle is lighted by a diode powered by a single AA battery ensuring 700 hours of continuous use at setting 4, six brightness settings being available. Without battery and mount the unit weighs 657.7 grams and is 255 mm long. The sight is available with thumb screw mount or quick release mount, with segmented circle or horseshoe dot reticle, ammunition considered being 5.56 mm 55 and 77 grain, 7.62 mm 175 grain and 300 BLK. Unveiled in 2013, the Trijicon CCAS, for Continuously Computed Aiming Solution, is a x6 fixed-magnification fire control system designed to improve the accuracy of long range weapons, especially when firing against moving targets. Pressure, angle, range and target movement are taken into account, and it allows to select the type of weapon and ammunition from a menu of ballistic tables.

Range is provided by a 1,536 nm Class 1 eyesafe laser rangefinder (thus non detectable with NVGs), with a maximum range of 2,000

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Brisbane, Australia

22-25 September 2014

LAND FORCES MEANS BUSINESS www.landforces.com.au

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metres. The ballistic equation is provided in less than five seconds; once the range is established (aiming with the black crosshairs), a green holdover bar appears with aiming points – a chevron for moving targets and a circle for static targets. The gunner also sees in the lower left corner the direction and speed of movement of the target and its range, while on the lower right corner the type of weapon and ammunition are shown. Battery and brightness levels are also shown in the upper part. The Trijicon CCAS is powered by four CR123 batteries and weighs slightly more than two kilos with batteries and mount.

At AUSA 2013 General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems introduced its Crew Served Weapons Next Generation FCS, which is not only used on grenade launchers such as the Mk47 and Mk19 but also on M2/M2A1 12.7 mm machine guns. It

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features a day channel based on a 3x fullcolour high-resolution day camera coupled to a night channel using a new-generation 17 µm 640x512 thermal imager; images are shown on an NVG-compatible colour 1024x768 flat panel mounted on a bracket over the weapon centreline. Range is provided to the ballistic processor by a Class 1M 5 km range laser rangefinder with ± 1 metre accuracy up to 2.6 km. Barrel superelevation as well as pitch and cant angles are provided by internal clinometers, sensors measuring also atmospheric temperature and pressure while cross wind data are manually provided by the operator who also selects the ammunition type. Power is provided either by a BB2590 or BA-5590 battery or by external 28 VDC source. The system aims at replacing the lightweight video sight currently in use in the US forces on the Mk47 Mod 0 AGL.

The Trap T192 is a backpackable remotely controlled system that can host a heavy sniper rifle or medium and light machine guns.

(Precision Remotes)

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has recently introduced a new fire control system for automatic grenade launchers and heavy machine guns.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

Still under development, QioptiQ’s Sensor Pack is a lightweight system that allows the rifleman to easily acquire target grids.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

Developing the Trap T192 Precision Remotes intended to provide the sniper or machine gunner with a system that allows him to control his weapon from a safe position.

(Precision Remotes)

QioptiQ is starting to deliver the first Saker fused night weapon sight, merging the best from image intensification and infrared. (QioptiQ)

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Still at pre-production stage, the Saker is QioptiQ’s answer to the need for a fused thermal imaging and image intensification sight. Its development started in late 2011, and a small number of Sakers have been sold to some special forces for evaluation purposes. The Saker is a clip-on in-line fused weapon sight that combines the latest image intensifiers and un-cooled infrared technologies. It also uses lightweight materials to reduce size and weight. The

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Saker can be powered by a series of different types of batteries, such as AA and CR123, but can be fed through powered rails or centralised power supplies. Metrics have not been provided yet, the company awaiting full industrialisation before announcing the details of the system. In November 2013 QioptiQ also unveiled a pre-prototype of its Sensor Pack, a small box weighing less than 400 grams including two AA batteries that contains a laser rangefinder, a GPS receiver, a digital compass and accelerometers. Able to provide range and bearing of a target up to two kilometres, data available through a serial output can be injected into a sight, such as the company’s Dragon. Grid references can be also provided. The system is considered TRL7, and QioptiQ is working with potential end users such as special forces to finalise the system. The company is also in talks with daylight sight manufacturers.

Lethality can also be enhanced through interfaces between the operator and the weapon itself. One example is the Trap T192, an ultra-lightweight mount designed for both machine guns and long range sniper rifles developed and produced by Precision Remotes. So far, the company has integrated the Barrett M82 12.7 mm sniper rifle, Knight’s Armament SR25 7.62x51 mm sniper rifle, the M4 carbine, and two machine guns, the M240 7.62 mm and the FNH M249 5.56 mm. A single backpack can carry the weapon mount, optics, hand controller and power source, the T192 being powered by battery or solar cells if no other power source is available. Five minutes are sufficient to set up the system, which includes a laser rangefinder for maximum first shot accuracy (with ballistic and downrange crosswind compensation out to 1500 metres). A thermal imager can be added on request. The system weighs only seven kilos; when equipped with a machine gun it can ensure bivouac/COP protection from a remote and protected position. When coupled to a sniper rifle it allows the operator to remain in a more comfortable and safe position while maintaining the capacity to observe the target and fire the weapon. It can also be networked using Precision Remotes NetRows, bringing numerous defensive positions or multiple precision weapons under centralised control. The system can be integrated with external sensors such as gunshot detection systems.

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A close up of the damper used in the Heli Sniper System to avoid stretching the system to its limits thus reducing the damping effect. (Gibraltar Arms)

Another interface aims at improving precision target engagements: the Helo Spider comes in the form of an integrated package including gun and safety rigging equipment, a system of ballistics calculations and proven operational techniques for both the gunner and aircrew. Designed by a former sniper for use from a helicopter door frame, the webbing is fixed on three points and is made of an 1,800 kg-grade bungee fixed via two piston dampers on the upper sides of that door frame. A third strap is fixed to the aircraft floor to create a multi-direction tension to reduce bouncing. The Helo Spider ensures maximum freedom of movement laterally and downwards. It accepts a variety of weapons, such as assault rifles, sniper weapons and light machine guns, and can easily be set up. Purposely developed HeloSOF (Helo Solution On the Fly) ballistic cards allows one to take full advantage of the webbing with data calculated for specified flight profiles or orbits at specific stand-off distances and speeds for 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm weapons. Thorough planning between shooters and aircrew based on HeloSOF provides for considerable accuracy improvement. The cards can be developed for different calibres and patterns according to customers’ needs. The Helo Spider also protects, and a Level 4 shield protects the aerial gunner’s legs and groin regions.

Training sessions are provided as part of the package. Designed by The Ballistic Edge, a sniper school based in America, the Helo Spider is marketed internationally by Gibraltar Arms. Currently the system is in use in several US Army training facilities and has been acquired by French special forces.

The Helo Spider is also being evaluated in at least three Middle East countries.

Networking is now a buzzword on the

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battlefield. Providing a sniper team with full networked target acquisition capability using cots components as much as possible was Colt Canada’s endeavour when it developed the Soldier/Sniper Weapon & Observer Reconnaissance Devices suite, or Sword in short. The core of the system is the NPDS, for Network Power Data System. With data and navigation added, the weapon becomes “networked”. For the time being the Colt’s C7 carbine and LE901 7.62 semi-automatic rifle are thus equipped, with the .338 bolt action rifle planned in 2014. The computer is installed inside the pistol grip, the battery in the butt stock. Compared to the Nato powered rail, Colt’s NPDS adds a GPS/INS navigation system. Data throughput is to 10Nase-T Ethernet standard operating at 10 Mbps which is a much higher rate than the Nato solution’s. This allows streaming video transfer from the weapon-mounted sensors to the soldier’s radio, either via a tether or a wireless system. If the tethered solution is chosen, the rail can be powered by batteries

The Sword interface is based on a cots smartphone, while the computer is installed in the weapon pistol grip, the battery being in the stock. (Colt)

Colt Canada has introduced the Sword, a series of networked devices based on the company powered rail that includes also data and navigation capabilities.

(Armada/Paolo Valpolini)

carried in the combat jacket. When USB or RS232 connections are available, an accessory converts the signal to Ethernet standard. The navigation gives weapon location and bearing values, while a clip-on accessory captures sight images and sends them to the battle management system. The soldier can observe the target, the situation and targets acquired by third parties on a ruggedised smartphone installed on the left of the weapon. The current technology demonstrator has a weight of 340 grams, and Colt is using it to get inputs from potential customers. The system can thus be used for indirect fire, sensor and data feeding rifle angles and grenade impact point into the sight, which the soldier elevates until the impact point is over the desired target. In the direct fire mode the current C2 software displays geospatially referenced targets on the digital map.

During tests Colt demonstrated that a shooter can engage a target of unknown type, range and vector within 10 seconds from receiving the information on his smartphone (also involved a satphone). The system was also demonstrated in sniper mode, the target being handed over to the Sword-equipped LE901. Colt foresees a Sword soldier network involving assault rifles, grenade launchers, designated marksman rifles and light mortars, linked via ISSP radio network to the command net. For snipers a Mobile Data Node (MDN), that can serve up to 16 users within a one-kilometre bubble providing streaming-video and real time situational awareness thanks to its 14 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink throughput, will be used.

This will link the designated marksman and sniper rifles to the spotter (satcoms could provide worldwide connection). The data node weighs 1,27 kg and is powered by a 12 V battery (or solar, generator or mains sources).

According to Colt one of the key lessons of the US Individual Carbine programme was that the main increase in lethality came from weapons networking, something that Sword allows to do. Sitaware software developed by Systematic is used and is available in the Edge version for Android and in the Frontline version for Windows. It complies to Nato Stanags as far as target database and blue force tracking are concerned, and provides target handoff, shared target database, real-time range card and weapon position and pointing angles. The current Sword uses three-year old technologies, but new batteries, more robust rail technologies and other improvements based potential customer feedback will inevitably be introduced.

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I LARGER AGAINST TOUGHER

Larger and tougher targets are food for shoulder launched systems and anti-tank missiles.

Saab’s AT-4 disposable rocket launcher and Carl Gustaf M3 recoilless gun have been a sine qua non for numerous special forces around the world for years, and the latter comes with a wide choice of rounds. In early December 2013 more good news came when Saab Bofors Dynamics unveiled a new HEAT ammunition equipped with a novel shaped charge warhead, the 655 CS where the suffix stand for Confined Space, allowing the Carl Gustaf to be fired from enclosures.

Unsurprisingly it uses the Davis principle (using a solid countermass) and gives a rear safe area of only one metre. The new 300metre range warhead, developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics Switzerland, has more penetration and higher behind armour effects than the HEAT 551 C. The countermass increases round weight to around 4.8 kg while the HEAT 551 C weighed 3.3 kg. Saab Bofors Dynamics started working on the CS 84 mm ammunition in the mid-2000s having in fact been selected its (undisclosed) launch customer who received its first shipping in late 2013. Studies are well underway to adapt other 84 mm for confined space use, with dual

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Through the walls Quite often special forces are required to storm into buildings in which hazards may hide in various forms. Knowledge of the internal situation definitely allows to reduce risks.

To this end, CameroTech of Israel has further developed its Xaver family of wall penetrating radars by adding the Xaver Net, a wireless ruggedised tablet specifically adapted to support the Xaver 100 and Xaver 400. The Xaver Net can connect to six Xavers that can be monitored in turn from a distance. Information displayed is the same as with the current system (monodimensional for the Xaver 100 and bidimensional for the Xaver 400). However CameroTech is working on improvements to generate a 2-D picture when using several Xaver 100s. The latter weighs 660 grams against the Xaver 400’s 3.2 kg, so there is scope to save weight and redistribute loads within the team, the PDA weighing about the same as Xaver 100. Camero also introduced the Xaver AID, for Airborne Imaging Drone – a quadrocopter that lands a Xaver 100 on a roof to send images of any personnel in the room below.

Backpackable Water Purification

The new HEAT 655 CS developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics is fitted with a solid countermass; other types of rounds usable from enclosed space might soon be unveiled. (Saab)

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Water is a key element of any long range mission, and its availability often dictates mission duration if no drinkable water is available in the area. Beside its atmospheric water-generation units that are able to produce water from the humidity in the air, Watergen of Israel proposes water purification units. The vehicular solution, capable to produce 1.2 litres per minute with a power consumption of 100 W, has now been joined by a backpackable unit called the Spring. Powered by a standard military battery, the jerrycan-sized Spring can produce 180 litres at a rate of 55 litres per hour. It includes batteries and weight about ten kilos. Several filtration elements built on a multi-barrier principle treat any non-saline contaminated water, filtering out microorganisms, pesticides, heavy metals, etc. The Spring provides automatic validation of the water quality and shuts off automatically if standards are not met.

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Fuel cells from Germany Energy is another major issue for all soldiers, especially those on foot, and fuel cells are becoming a valid problem. At DSEI 2013 SFC Energy from Germany introduced its latest product, the Jenny 1200, that joins the Jenny 600S as portable energy source for patrols. Compared to the previous model, it doubles all the data in terms of nominal power, 50 W versus 25 W, maximum charging power per day – 1200 W versus 600 W hence the designation – and weight, 3.12 kg versus 1.6 kg. The Jenny 1200 runs on pure methanol contained in four fuel cartridge sizes (350 ml, 2.5, 5 and 10 litres weighing 0.371, 2.2 kg, 4.3 and 8.4 kilos with nominal capacities of 400 Wh, 2.77 kWh, 5.5 kWh and 11.1 kWh). For the time being measuring 214 x 96 x 264 mm the Jenny 1200 is in its last stages of development and all given data may change. According to SFC Energy the use of 100% methanol dramatically increases energy density compared to methanol/water blend fuel cells. The Jenny 1200 does not generate

any detectable signature, is completely maintenance-free and has a target lifetime of 2,500 hours. It is currently evaluated in field trials in several European countries, in the United States and in Israel, prototypes being available upon request.

JetBoots: powered propulsion for scuba operators Developed by Virginia-based Patriot3 Maritime Division the JetBoots Diver Propulsion System has been designed to provide professional divers with a cheap wearable system that allows to keep hands free, that can be carried even when walking, due to its limited 12.36 kg weight ashore, and easily hidden. Made of two shrouded propellers fixed to the swimmer’s thighs with the battery and computer worn on the waist, JetBoots can be used even in HAHO/HALO jumps and when jumping from a helicopter. It can provide a maximum thrust of 18.1 kg which means a speed up to 3.3 knots, depending on diver configuration, with a range of 1.6 to 3.3 nautical miles depending on speed, battery hotswap underwater being possible, maximum user depth being 90 metres. The swimmer uses his navigation board as rudder and trimmer, the system being inherently redundant as it features two propellers. Recent upgrades include a two knobs configuration; the first one allows to initiate the system with a first click, which activates the computer controlling batteries and propulsion. Light shifting from blue to green means that the system is ready and battery is fully charged. The second click turns light off, then the cap is closed. This allows to initiate JetBoots prior to a parachute or helo jump, or on a RIB, having them ready when entering water. Then the bigger power is used to provide the right thrust. Following four years of testing with the US Navy the Patriot3 system has been granted the “Approved for Military Use” status. The system is already in use with the US Navy and other undisclosed customers.

purpose, multipurpose and antistructure high on the list. Saab Bofors Dynamics is also ready to provide firing tables in electronic format to be introduced into fire control systems such as the Aimpoint FCS 12. The Swedish company is also continuing to refine the recoilless gun itself. There is still margin for weight reduction, and “in a few years” a lighter version of the current Carl Gustaf M3 could be introduced.

In July 2010 MBDA announced its Concept Vision programme, encouraging young engineers to imagine future weapon capabilities, interfacing with national potential customers. The first output was the CVS101. It included two weapon systems, the

longer range one being the Thumper, with a small guided missile called the Enforcer. This name is now carried by a new infantry weapon that is under development by MBDA Germany to incorporate some of the original CVS101 ideas. Known as KFK Enforcer (for KleinFlugKörper), it will also incorporate “lessons learnt” by the Bundeswehr in recent operations. With heavy anti-tank weapons (nothing else was on hand) troops found difficult to engage lightly protected targets or enemy combatants behind cover and in difficult terrain with sufficient rapidity and precision. The KFK-Enforcer is being developed as a ready-to-launch weapon using the sight developed by Airbus Group

An artist impression of MBDA’s KFK Enforcer; this weapon draws on some of the ideas launched in the first Concept Vision programme in 2010. (MBDA)

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(Cassidian Optronics) for the Dynamit Nobel Defence RGW90. A fire-and-forget missile with a range of some two km, the Enforcer weighs less than seven kilos and is equipped with a multipurpose warhead developed by TDW, MBDA’s warhead design and production company, though no details are available on this. It will be programmable to hit targets behind cover will have a moving target capability. The first fully guided firing took place on 26 November 2013 at the Bundeswehr WTD 91 in Meppen, the missile hitting the target only a few centimetres offcentre. The initial firing data evaluation confirmed that the tracker of the seeker acquired and tracked the target precisely over the entire flight. During the same demonstration the warhead was also detonated, demonstrating its suitability against different types of target. The test was the sixth in 13 months. The programme is financed by MBDA and is supported by the Cilas of France has recently introduced the DHY 307LW lightweight version of its DHY 307 laser designator to improve performances and halve weight. (Cilas)

ON THE COVER: Almost an icon now, this derivative of the Humvee, often referred to as GMV 1.0, has been the American special operations forces mobility asset par excellence.

One of its main drawbacks though is that it does not fit into the Chinook. (AM General) Compendium Special OPS Supplement to Issue 2/2014 Volume 38, Issue No. 2, April-May 2014 INTERNATIONAL

is published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd. Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd. Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd, 1205, Hollywood Centre 233, Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

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An MBDA Germany technician prepares the prototype of the KFK Enforcer for flight.

Industrialisation will much depend on the Bundeswehr’s decision to acquire it. (MBDA)

German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment. The system is currently in an advanced stage of development, and industrialisation depends on funding from the Bundeswehr or another customer.

Air-delivery of weapon via laser designation is quite typical of special forces. A new member of the man-portable designator family has recently emerged from France in the form of the 20-km range Cilas DHY 307 LW lightweight device. Its forebear DHW 307 was bulkier and heavier, but the LW version now weighs half at four kilos. Its compactness does not hinder performances (output energy remaining in excess of 80 mJ), which enables it to guide both Nato and non-Nato guided weapons. Better still, designation range has doubled from 5 to 10 km.

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