Thanks Michael for the 2011 Patria brochure. It helped put pieces in place.
As noted above, the pics are from the 2011 Patria brochure. Take a real close look at them and what do you notice right away? The vehicle is riding much higher in the water than it did during images released by Lockheed Martin for its testing. Two things possible. The vehicle submitted to the Marine Corps is either heavier (which I believe...the blast requirements would almost force it to be) or a design change to make it "American" caused it to lose buoyancy, something I seriously doubt.
Next, look at the bow of the vehicle and compare it to pics of the current vehicle. I'll wait. Don't have one. Ok, here ya go.
The swim vane changed from the amphibious version of the HAVOC, to the initial version presented to the Marine Corps and I believe it was changed again in this final testing.
If I'm right then the Lockheed vehicle just got its swim capabilities improved rather simply, and has got to be one of the favorites to win this contest.
A 30 ton wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier. I never would have thought it possible, but we might see these actually launching off the back of an amphib one day soon.
I still say its between Lockheed and BAE. This is gonna get even better than I thought it could. Two titans fighting for a Marine Corps contract that could...
*Cement Lockheed Martin in the Ground Combat Vehicle market and open the door to other programs globally...or....
*Basically put a lock on the US armored vehicle market for BAE and drive a dagger in the heart of General Dynamics which once dominated the space.
Big boy competition. Ya gotta love it.
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| just out of curiosity. what sea state do you think this is? |
As noted above, the pics are from the 2011 Patria brochure. Take a real close look at them and what do you notice right away? The vehicle is riding much higher in the water than it did during images released by Lockheed Martin for its testing. Two things possible. The vehicle submitted to the Marine Corps is either heavier (which I believe...the blast requirements would almost force it to be) or a design change to make it "American" caused it to lose buoyancy, something I seriously doubt.
Next, look at the bow of the vehicle and compare it to pics of the current vehicle. I'll wait. Don't have one. Ok, here ya go.
 |
| sorry for the fuzzy pic. screen capture. |
The swim vane changed from the amphibious version of the HAVOC, to the initial version presented to the Marine Corps and I believe it was changed again in this final testing.
If I'm right then the Lockheed vehicle just got its swim capabilities improved rather simply, and has got to be one of the favorites to win this contest.
A 30 ton wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier. I never would have thought it possible, but we might see these actually launching off the back of an amphib one day soon.
I still say its between Lockheed and BAE. This is gonna get even better than I thought it could. Two titans fighting for a Marine Corps contract that could...
*Cement Lockheed Martin in the Ground Combat Vehicle market and open the door to other programs globally...or....
*Basically put a lock on the US armored vehicle market for BAE and drive a dagger in the heart of General Dynamics which once dominated the space.
Big boy competition. Ya gotta love it.
Do you ever consider how much more the vehicle cost now that it branded LM instead of Patria.
ReplyDeletehave you ever heard of a loss leader? it makes sense for both companies involved. for Patria they finally get to brag to the world that not only is their vehicle the choice of many European countries but also the Elite USMC. for Lockheed Martin it gets them firmly in the Ground Combat Vehicle game. with this as the foot stool they can be well situated to make a move on the replacement for the Abrams and upgrades to other US and foreign vehicles. suddenly an aviation giant, a newly budding naval player becomes a full fledged defense titan. so long story short i expect Lockheed to be EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE on price. possibly SHOCKINGLY aggressive.
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