MILITARY VEHICLE NEWS

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08 Jan 09. Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)): Upgraded. The MoD announced (8 Jan 09) that a first batch of over 100 upgraded CVR(T) has been delivered to training units. Under a £19m contract a number of upgrades have been carried out to CVR(T) by BAE Systems, in order to meet the “demanding conditions” of Afghanistan. Changes include: up-powered engine gearbox and final drives as well as a high-efficiency radiator and air cooler.
Comment: CVR(T) variants currently deployed on Operations and being upgraded are: Scimitar (Scorpion variant with 30mm cannon); Spartan (four man APC); Sultan (command vehicle); Sampson (recovery vehicle) and Samaritan (ambulance). Written Answers in June 2008 indicated that 1,196 CVR(T) remained in service, of which 690 were fully serviceable and 160 could be made fully serviceable at short notice. The vehicles are now due to be taken out of service between 2014 and 2025. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/03, 12 Jan 09)

12 Jan 09. Oshkosh Corporation’s Defense division submitted its proposal for the U.S. Army’s MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program on January 9, 2009. The company’s submittal is based on the combat-proven Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) chassis, which has been successfully operating off road in Afghanistan as well as around the world for several years. The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) is accepting proposals for the M-ATV program, which seeks a highly mobile, more maneuverable and durable alternative to the current Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for off-road operation in the rough terrain of Afghanistan. Oshkosh’s nondevelopmental M-ATV vehicle features an existing hull, which was developed and successfully tested for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. The hull, with its superior MANPRINT, and MTVR chassis combine to create a highly survivable, highly mobile combat vehicle to meet the urgent need for the Warfighter in Afghanistan.

08 Jan 09. Deployable Engineer Workshop (DEW): Entry Into Service. The MoD announced (8 Jan 09) that the first of four DEW has been brought into service with 15 Field Support Squadron, 38 Engineer Regiment. The DEW provides a well-equipped workshop which can be used for a wide variety of tasks enabling carpenters and joiners, welders, metal smiths, electricians, plumbers, fitters, painters and others to produce equipment in support of Operations.
Comment: The DEW has been designed to support expeditionary Operations, having been manufactured by G3 Systems Ltd of Portland. The total value of the contract is £6.7m, with each DEW costing £1.2m. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/03, 12 Jan 09)

07 Jan 09. Argentina plans MBT upgrade. The Argentine Army is looking to upgrade its 230 TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano – Argentine Medium Tank) main battle tanks (MBTs) with an electronic fire-control and turret control system. It is understood that the army is looking for a German company to undertake the work. Currently the tanks have an electrohydraulic control system. (S