TAPV to enter Canadian service soon.

Thanks to Jonathan for the link!

via Canadian Army

he Canadian Army (CA) is preparing to take delivery of the new Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) later this year. The fleet of 500 vehicles will be distributed across seven bases and 24 units. 2nd Canadian Division will be the first formation to operate the TAPV, which will be part of a High Readiness Training Cycle culminating in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2018.

The CA expects to declare full operational capability by mid-2020, following training of all operators, and completion of user trials and exercises confirming operational readiness.

Brigadier-General S.M. Cadden, Chief of Staff Army Strategy, expresses the Army’s building excitement for fielding this new fleet.

“The Army has closely followed the testing of this vehicle. We currently have over a dozen Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel participating in testing activities, and they are relaying very positive feedback,” he said. “We are looking forward to fielding the TAPV to units.”

The TAPV, built by Textron Systems Canada Inc., was chosen after a rigorous evaluation process that included testing for mobility, firepower, survivability and human factors, as well as a paper-based evaluation of other technical and financial criteria.

The TAPV will be delivered in two variants: General Utility and Reconnaissance. The only differences between variants are their internal design and certain pieces of equipment. The Reconnaissance variant will be fielded to armoured reconnaissance squadrons, infantry reconnaissance platoons and the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School.

A notable feature of the TAPV is its very high level of protection and survivability against enemy threats, which includes improvised explosive devices, explosively-formed projectiles, and anti-armour weapons. The Textron Systems vehicle far exceeds the Army’s essential requirements for protection levels, thereby offering an additional degree of confidence for operators when entering enemy theatre.

In addition to offering a higher degree of protection, the vehicle will be highly mobile. It is designed to effectively travel long distances on both roads and cross-country terrain. At just under 18,597 kilograms in weight, this light armoured vehicle can perform a wide variety of roles and tasks, including reconnaissance and surveillance, security (patrolling and escort), command and control, and armoured transport of personnel and equipment. Four TAPVs can be transported simultaneously by a CC-177 Globemaster III, providing good strategic mobility.

The TAPV also comes with several innovative new features. Of particular note is the TAPV’s remote weapons station, which allows gunners to aim and fire from the vehicle’s interior. The remote weapons station comes equipped with both a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher and a C6 flex machine gun. It offers impressive observational capabilities, allowing crews to see at distances of up to 10,000 metres. In addition, it has been specifically designed to accommodate soldiers with all personal protective equipment.

Hmm.  Observation devices to see at distances of up to 10,000 meters?  That has to be a mistake!