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Quick facts...
- The Armadillo has better than Stanag4A/4B mine protection with six tons spare payload above “fighting weight” of 29 tons.
- Rubber tracks have some strong advantages:
- Less vibration, making the vehicle more reliable (especially electronics) and allowing for better crew comfort (important after long periods riding in a vehicle…)
- Decreases the vehicle weight by about one ton
- 10 decibels quieter (a massive amount, by the way), allowing the vehicle to be stealthier
Not shown in the pics....equipment specified by the customer. Remote weapon station, smoke grenade launchers, shot detection equipment, IED jammers etc...
NOTE: The superstructure provides a degree of modularity that is beyond impressive. If you've ever been inside the command versions of the AAV or M-113 or Bradley then you're well aware of the room needed to make it all work. The same applies to medivac versions of these vehicles. While the Danes are after a M113 replacement, the levels of armor protection, modularity, ability to fit different weapon systems onboard could well lead to a one vehicle fits all roles type of proposition. Nicely done.
NOTE: The superstructure provides a degree of modularity that is beyond impressive. If you've ever been inside the command versions of the AAV or M-113 or Bradley then you're well aware of the room needed to make it all work. The same applies to medivac versions of these vehicles. While the Danes are after a M113 replacement, the levels of armor protection, modularity, ability to fit different weapon systems onboard could well lead to a one vehicle fits all roles type of proposition. Nicely done.
Can't wait to see what BAE will do with an AAV upgrade.
NOTE 1: I really wonder why we aren't seeing a wholesale movement to rubber tracks! All the talk about fuel savings and this easiest of changes isn't going forward? Something is definitely off.
NOTE 1: I really wonder why we aren't seeing a wholesale movement to rubber tracks! All the talk about fuel savings and this easiest of changes isn't going forward? Something is definitely off.
I'd be very surprised if BAe doesn't win this. Considering the commonality with the CV90 IFV already in service, the huge number of options and this newer tall-boy version: it just has too many positives for the Danes to ignore.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention commonality with many other of their NATO neighbors.
I really like the FFG G5, but the CV90 series makes more sense logistically.
1. CV90 Armadillo
2. FFG G5
3. everybody else
I'd be surprised if BAE Hägglunds DOES win this. Heck, even the Hägglund technicians working on the cv9035 at the army's maintenance facilities here in Denmark , thinks that this is more or less a done deal for FFG's G5.
ReplyDeleteThe Armadillo has several issues to contend with. First off, the CV9035 hasn't excactly had a smooth run here in Denmark (or in the Netherlands for that matter). Its been plagued wih huge reliability problems , with frequent malfunctions of transmission, cooling, electrics/electronics and hydraulics , issues with the 35mm cannon and its feeding system.
And its expensive , not only to purchase(at 4,5-5M $ each) but to operate/maintain as well. Spare parts are insanely expensive , even compared to those of our LEO2's and we need lots of them. The warranty ofcourse expired years ago.
By now we have worked through most of the reliability issues and the CV90(IKK) is operating as it should, but it has also taken 5 years to get to this point.
So BAE will have to convince the Danish army that it's doing a better job with the Armadillo and to try to keep the price ( reportedly ~3M$ )down, and competitive with the G5 wich is said to come in around 2M$.
Personally i still think there is 70% chance of FFG getting the contract.
The Armadillo looks trim and efficient almost like a sports car.
ReplyDeleteAs for the rubber tracks,, there was a show where a World War two half track was displayed and it still had the original rubber/steel tracks from WW2 on it.
What is the bad side to rubber tracks?
the only thing i can think is that it must come down to the ability to make a short track if you get battle damage. can you do that with rubber tracks? i don't know.
DeleteThe Danish hit list is:
ReplyDelete1. CV90 Armadillo
1. Piranha 5
2. everybody else
3. FFG G5
The reason is that the G5 is a very high risk program.
It is a completely new develop vehicle.
It has not been sold to any other countries.
FFG has never developed and produced a complete vehicle before.
FFG is to small financially to give secure the project against project problems.
Finally, the Danish challenges in their CV9035 program was primarily coursed by not buying enough spares and technicians that did not understand a digital vehicle. Things that has been changed now.