via Military-Today.com
The SEP 8x8 armored personnel carrier evolved from the tracked and wheeled modular armored vehicle programme. It is an innovative and advanced design. Vehicle was developed by the BAE Systems Hagglunds to meet Swedish Army requirement. The SEP studies started in 1994. Demonstrators were produced in 2000 (tracked) and 2003 (6x6). Sweden's original requirement was for 600 vehicles in 10 variants. However in 2008 Swedish MoD announced that it would not purse the next-generation SEP programme due to dramatic budget cuts. The new armored vehicle was too expensive. At that time the SEP was at the final stage of development. Its prototype has been tested in UK. However in 2007 UK Ministry of Defense decided not to include SEP for its Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) armored vehicle competition. Despite that the SEP programme continued. Swedish defensive administration reissued reduced requirement for 200-300 wheeled vehicles. Production contract was to be awarded in 2009 and initial deliveries were expected in 2011. However it did not follow. At the time no other country was considering the SEP.Story here.
The SEP 8x8 vehicle is designed for 40 modifications. All SEP versions are 6.1 m long and 2.8 m wide. It can be fitted with interchangeable specialized mission modules. This feature provides multirole flexibility makes vehicle upgradeable and reduces life-cycle costs. SEPs versatility enables it to replace a wide range of armored vehicles.
The SEP armored vehicle is available with various armament fits. It can support remotely controlled weapon stations with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Turret options range from 25 mm to 120 mm gun turrets. Vehicle can also carry 81 mm or 120 mm mortars.
The SEP offers high level of protection. Vehicle can be loaded with add-on armor against heavy machine gun fire, artillery shell splinters and landmines. During a live-firing demonstration two RPG-7 rockets were fired, but no serious damage was caused due to the explosive active protection system. It is worth mentioning that the SEP features advanced stealth technology. Automatic fire extinguishing system is fitted as standard, however NBC protection system is offered as an option.
Vehicle has a hybrid diesel-electric drive. It is fitted with two Steyr diesel engines, developing 270 hp each. The SEP 8x8 armored personnel carrier has a battery power option, which enabled the vehicle to run in silent mode. Vehicle has a hydropeumatic suspension. The SEP had a pivot steering and could turn on its own axis. Central tyre inflation system is optional. The SEP 8x8 APC is airportable by the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, however add-on armor protection has to be removed.
When looking at the Turk AKREP IIe, I've talked about how I believed it to be an awesome concept and one that we should have taken advantage of long ago.
Some readers said that the technology wasn't developed enough for us to have headed in that direction. This post is to prove them wrong.
I want to reintroduce you to the BAE Alligator 8x8.
In my view a dynamic vehicle that held much promise but for some reason wasn't adapted by the military forces of the Western World. If it was still around I think it would still be competitive (although it would probably need to be plus sized) and I still believe it to be a world beater.
Even more importantly?
It had tech that would have lessened the logistics train that follows our maneuver forces and would provide for some outstanding mobility coupled with lower acoustics signature when arriving on objective.
This is the type of vehicle tech that I'd like see applied to the ACV. Maybe it can happen in future models.
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