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| photo via the Ottawa Business Journal |
Textron, like the other entrants into this Canadian program, is holding its cards close its vest. If anyone has any good info then hit me up.
UPDATE:
Rheinmetall Canada and Textron Systems Canada will offer a 4x4 wheeled armoured vehicle specifically engineered to meet the Canadian Forces’ requirements for survivability, mobility, and lethality across a broad spectrum of operations in the toughest terrain. The modern design includes a new protection package designed to shield troops from roadside bombs.Ok, a little Google-foo revealed the above blurb on the Rheinmetall website. Interesting. I really was expecting Rheinmetall to submit the Boxer, or the Puma. This competition just became about the most interesting armored contest in the West.
Rheinmetall Canada will perform multiple integration functions, including integration of remote weapon stations and government-furnished equipment. The company will also play a large role in the integrated logistics and in-service support for the vehicle.
Boxer & Puma are bit over-classed for the Canadian TAPV/wheeled replacement program ;).
ReplyDeleteI'm still a bit confused what Canada is really looking for; a PMV or a 'real' MRAP. In the latter case the M-ATV would be ideal. If a PMV is sought then the Bushmaster 4x4 may be a good candidate as it also comes in a cab/cargo "pick-up" variant - more adaptable as a weapons carrier etc.
Textron offering is just an up-armored, more IED resistant M1117. They're calling it the 'Mobile Survivable Vehicle' (MSV) now.
ReplyDeleteAlso +1 for Marcase's comments about what the Canadians are looking for being confusing. Any time the M-ATV and the Cougar 6x6 are entered into the same competition, people don't know what they're looking for.