via Shepard International.
Speaking at Eurosatory in Paris on 12 June, Iveco company executives
described the agreement with the Brazilian Army's Science and Technology
Department, which will focus on the development of a 'wide variety' of
vehicle configurations in order to help them fulfil roles including
personnel carrier; reconnaissance; and ambulance.
The deal follows a 2009 agreement in which the army contracted Iveco
to supply 6X6 Guarani or VBTP platforms as part of a wider 2,044-strong
family of APCs. Over 100 units will be manufactured each year at a new
manufacturing plant in Sete Lagoas, Brazil from 2013 onwards. A first
prototype, which was delivered in 2011, is currently 'performing very
well' during tests in Rio de Janeiro, it was added.
Iveco CEO, Alfredo Altavilla said: 'The Brazilian Army has made a
decision to follow-on with the development of a new version of Guarani
for mechanised brigades. It will include the specific needs of infantry
applications and configurations which are now under discussion.'
Officials added that an 8X8 variant would be considered as well as
modifications to the internal layout of the existing Guarani platform. A
final decision on the configuration is expected in the next few weeks
with the new vehicle due to begin testing in 2013 and beyond.
Guarani is an 18-ton platform which is powered by an FPT Industrial
Cursor 9 engine with automatic gearbox. It is capable of carrying 11
personnel and can be airlifted by C-130 or KC-390 airframes.
Iveco's programme manager in Brazil, Paolo Del Noce, highlighted
export potential in South America, saying: 'There is potential for sales
in several world markets. The Argentinian Army has already demonstrated
its interest. They are working with Brazil for a procurement in 2013.
Interesting.
Brazil and Iveco are teaming to develop the VBTP-MR into a multi-platform vehicle. Argentina has also stated that they intend to buy a couple of dozen of these vehicles and it all adds up Iveco having fully planted its flag in S. America.
Additionally with Brazil being the "front man" on this vehicle it should open more doors to unaligned countries...especially those in Africa and Asia.
I have no idea about how this vehicle fits into Iveco's broader sales campaign but it seems to be taking on more importance everyday.
What's confusing is the idea that an 8x8 version will be considered. Is that just the SuperAV under a different name?
What is the game here?
UPDATE:
My bud BB1984 made a statement in the comments section that deserves to be highlighted...
I was wondering that too. I dug around a little online and Iveco seems to be saying they have three distinct vehicle families:
-- The SAT family, which includes these vehicles
-- The Super AV family
-- The Centauro family
The Centauro series is bigger and heavier and was not designed with amphibious performance in mind.
The
Super AV was designed with amphibious performance in mind but also
apparently with a goal of simplifying the overly complicated 8x8
drivetrains that are now common.
The difference between the Super
AV line and the SAT line isn't clear to me. Iveco's site seems to say
they are distinct, but not how they occupy different niches.
If
I had to guess it would be that the SAT incorporates more truck
components to keep costs down and make it more produceable in Brazil,
but that is just a guess.
It possible but it makes me wonder. The VBTP-MR is also suppose to be blast/IED resistant. If it can be done with mostly automotive parts...and if they're looking to build it into an 8x8, while retaining its amphibious capability...and if they're successful in simplifying the complex drive system then what is the difference between the classes of vehicles? Questions remain but BB1984 has at least given us a starting point.
