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DSEi 21 – Jankel FOXTUV

Tuesday, September 21st, 2021

The Jankel FOXTUV shown is the FOX-X variant which is based on the Toyota Hilux (LC79). This model is also an experimental electric vehicle and you can see the large battery under the hood.

The FOXUTV is in service with several
armies, outfitted with either MOGAS or Diesel engines.

Basic Vehicle Stats:

• Approach Angle: 35° – 45°
• Ground Clearance: 10.2in
• Departure Angle: 28°- 32°
• Water Fording: 27.5in
• Breakover angle: 150°
• Step climb: 11.8in
• Fuel Capacity: 47 gallons
(71 gallon optional)
• Range: (typical) 932mi

In addition to the 4×4 model, Jankel also offers a 6×6 variant.

www.jankelts.com/fox-tactical-utility-vehicle-tuv

Posted in DSEi, Mobility | 2 Comments »

Texelis Looks to the Future of Armoured Vehicle Mobility at DSEI 2021

Thursday, September 16th, 2021

Texelis is exhibiting at DSEI 2021 on stand H6-340 in the French pavilion.

Limoges, France, 14 September, 2021:

Texelis will present the future of armoured vehicle mobility at DSEI 2021, with its proven MR400 mobility solution for highly strategic and mobile military protected vehicles.

The MR400 comprises a full vehicle driveline, including axle, powerpack, suspension, steering, cooling, exhaust and electrical systems. This Texelis mobility solution delivers exceptional off-road mobility with air transportability, whilst simultaneously supporting high levels of protection and a high payload capacity.

Image: A scale model of the MR400 will be available to view on Texelis’ stand at DSEI (H6-340).

Derived from the solution designed for the French DGA’s lightweight 4×4 VBMR vehicle as part of the SCORPION programme, the MR400 is a de-risked mobility solution for customers seeking ambitious, high performance mobility for integration on military 4×4 armoured vehicles. As part of the VBMR programme, the MR400 has undergone thousands of hours of test bed and on-road trials, and is currently in production at Texelis’ facility in Limoges, France, from where the company will also provide spares for the French programme for the next 30 years.

Customers looking to tackle the mobility challenges of the coming decade in partnership with Texelis will also benefit from high levels of localisation as part of domestic vehicle programmes.

The Texelis mobility solution includes technology from industrial partners Cummins, Allison Transmission, PowerLine, Michelin, KONI and Hutchinson.

“Our work on the VBMR programme has allowed us to refine our capabilities in vehicle mobility and our facility is fully equipped for a ten-year production run and 30-year supporting role for the French SCORPION programme,” Jean Vandel, Managing Director at Texelis Defence, said. “Now we are bringing this expertise to the world, with a proven, reliable and modular solution that is available to test drive on the track in France.

“The growth of the urban battlefield and need for armoured vehicles to be highly protected while air transportable has driven a revolution in mobility – and Texelis is at the forefront of this innovative work. We look forward to meeting with new partners at DSEI 2021, and helping them to meet and overcome the mobility challenges of the coming decades.”

A scale model of the MR400 is available to view on Texelis’ stand at DSEI (H6-340), along with details of the full range of Texelis mobility solutions, and information on the new in-wheel Electric Hub Drive being developed in partnership with QinetiQ. Combining Texelis’ mobility expertise and manufacturing excellence with QinetiQ’s electrification capabilities, the Electric Hub Drive is a break-through technology for the military vehicle market, offering vehicle OEMs more freedom and flexibility than ever before to design the best vehicles for tomorrow’s battlefield.

Posted in DSEi, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Texelis Looks to the Future of Armoured Vehicle Mobility at DSEI 2021

Newest Light Tactical Military Vehicle to Debut at DSEI

Monday, September 13th, 2021

The Polaris MRZR Alpha extends capabilities for global armed forces

Minneapolis – September 13, 2021 – Polaris Government and Defense, the premier provider of ultralight tactical vehicles to global military forces, will debut its revolutionary mobility platform at DSEI in stand #H8-302 in London Sept. 14-17. The MRZR Alpha is the highest performing MRZR ever developed, providing superior off-road maneuverability and performance to global forces. The advanced platform supports requirements of U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps for a longer life-cycle while increasing performance and payload and maintaining internal, tactical air transportability. Polaris will also display its DAGOR and MRZR D4 light tactical vehicles and highlight its global training, engineering and integration capabilities.

“The Polaris Government and Defense team here in the U.K. serves Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) customers, handling all configuration management to deliver a complete capability,” said Steve Canner, manager of EMEA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The MRZR platform is widely used by global forces and we’re honored the global debut of the MRZR Alpha is here at DSEI. After the show, the vehicle will remain in the U.K. so we can schedule more in-depth briefings and MRZR Alpha demonstrations.”

First introduced in 2012, Polaris has continued to enhance the MRZR platform to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, and over 50 allied forces worldwide – and the MRZR Alpha ups the ante once again. A new chassis provides a larger and more durable foundation for the latest MRZR, which is powered by a high-performance, yet quiet, 118 hp turbo-diesel engine and off-road tuned automotive 8-speed transmission. This provides 220 ft-lbs of efficient torque that, when combined with a selectable locker for the 2WD/4WD drive system, delivers superior off-road maneuverability and handling in the most demanding environments, including deep sand. In the cab, there is increased exportable power, more cab space and a greater configurability.

Dedication to European Requirements and Global Support

Multiple European Special Operations and conventional forces have Polaris DAGOR and MRZR platforms and receive localized support from Polaris. Support includes custom-engineered accessories and upfit modifications to meet specific capabilities, complete equipment integration, program management, training, long-term parts supply and service. The delivery of a complete capability will be featured on the stand with the inclusion of the Polaris DAGOR equipped with a SurRon® e-bike, which Polaris purchases and mounts for a European special operations forces customer.

Recent vehicle deliveries to the German Army demonstrate the localized support Polaris provides internationally and how leveraging the company’s existing network benefits military customers worldwide. Polaris has delivered 65 MRZR D4s to special units of the Bundeswehr providing integration of specialized on-board equipment, training, spare parts, tool kits and documentation. The light airborne utility terrain vehicles (LL-UTV) contract has been executed by Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use (BAAINBw) with Rainer Diederich GmbH from Wiehl-Bomig. Rainer Diederich is the sole distributor of Polaris military vehicles in Germany.

Polaris is a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with 20 manufacturing facilities in six countries – including Poland and France as well as the U.S. The MRZR Alpha is produced in Minnesota at the birthplace of Polaris on a state-of-the-art, dedicated defense production line. It’s here that the company combines new technologies with the legacy of workmanship and quality that’s carried on in each employee that helps to build a Polaris vehicle.

Polaris employs dedicated military field service representatives (FSRs) to teach operator and maintainer training courses to the U.S. and its allies. Polaris also provides world-class parts distribution with an established inventory management system that allows for proactive management of parts inventory, minimizes lead time for parts and reduces the logistics for supply chain planning and management. Worldwide logistics are strengthened by the global footprint of Polaris, which has over 3,600 dealers and products sold to 120 countries.

More about the All-New MRZR Alpha

The Polaris MRZR Alpha represents the insertion of cutting-edge off-road vehicle technology for ultimate tactical mobility – derived from research and development investments that keep Polaris in front of the highly competitive off-road vehicle market. At the Polaris Product Development Center in Wyoming, Minn., engineers take the lead, improving technology and advancing vehicles through innovation.

“The Polaris portfolio of light tactical vehicles provides unmatched off-road capability. Like all Polaris military platforms, the new MRZR Alpha continues a tradition of light tactical military vehicles that are intuitive to operate, easy to maintain, and easy to globally support within an existing worldwide infrastructure of parts distribution and dealer service networks which is ideal for expeditionary forces,” said Jed Leonard, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense.

The MRZR Alpha retains a 1500 lb (680 kg) towing capacity common in the MRZR family, as well as blackout mode and a two-litter capacity. The MRZR Alpha comes in a two and four-seat option, like its predecessors, and increased payload to 1400 and 2000 lbs (635 and 907.2 kg), respectively. The range at gross-vehicle weight (GVW) increases to 225 miles (362.1 km) for expanded mission flexibility and it is heavy-fuel compatible – including DF1, DF2, JP8 and F24. The top speed of over 60 mph (96.5 kmh) supports convoy operations. An expanded off-road profile is made possible with 12 inches (30.48 cm) of ground clearance at full GVW, high clearance dual A-arm front and rear suspension with payload leveling, and 32-inch (81.28 cm), high mobility run-flat tires with bead-lock rims.

The MRZR Alpha can be internally transported by V-22, H-47 and larger aircraft by leveraging toolless ROPS and spare tire stowage. External transportation includes H-60 and larger rotary wing lift assets. Robust tie down and lifting provisions also allow for LVAD, JPADS and HSL certifications.

With the MRZR Alpha, maintenance is simplified through an On-Board Diagnostics interface (OBD-II) for real-time feedback on the status of the vehicle subsystems and a pinpoint diagnostics manual. On board vehicle systems support future condition-based maintenance and guided diagnostics.

Posted in DSEi, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Newest Light Tactical Military Vehicle to Debut at DSEI

US Army Eyes Commonality with Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Refresh Effort

Tuesday, September 7th, 2021

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. — With a nod from the Army Futures Command, the Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support will explore the potential use of modified commercial off-the-shelf solutions for a new, common Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, or TWV Fleet.

The Army Requirements Oversight Council on July 30 approved the Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Abbreviated Capabilities Development Document, or A-CDD, which allows the PEO to begin a rapid prototyping effort to provide Army Transporters modernized capabilities while incorporating as much commonality with the commercial trucking industry as possible.

Alvin Bing, the Army’s product manager, Heavy Tactical Vehicles, PEO CS&CSS, explained that dovetailing the CTT program’s desired capabilities with commercial trucking industry research and development projects is a winning proposition.

“Aligning CTT with industry R&D efforts enables rapid and continuous integration of future technologies that can significantly reduce obsolescence issues,” Bing said. “With CTT, the Army wants as much industry involvement as possible so we can increase competition while at the same time, leveraging momentum gained through industry’s rapidly advancing fields of driver safety systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, improved fuel economy and vehicle electrification, off-road mobility, and predictive maintenance. This will allow the Army to modernize at the pace of industry by integrating new technologies with minimal cost.”

Within the Army’s TWV Fleet, the CTT falls between the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and the Heavy Equipment Transporter. CTT seeks to bolster TWV mission roles currently performed by vehicles in the Army’s heavy fleet.

“As the Army’s CTT acquisition lead, our intent is to procure a HTV Family of Vehicles to replace the M915/M1088 Tractors, Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, and Palletized Load System with a commercial-based CTT designed with a modular truck platform,” Bing continued. “This will mitigate future obsolescence, leverage best commercial practices, lower procurement costs through commercial economies of scale, and take advantage of interchangeable repair parts across the fleet — resulting in streamlined supply chains and reduced total lifecycle costs.”

According to Don Overton of the Army Futures Command Sustainment Capabilities Integration Directorate’s Requirements Division, ultimately, this effort will inform a future CTT Capability Development Document, which will outline the final, approved operational requirements for a common system that will deliver capability meeting overall operational performance criteria.

“In terms of capability gaps in this portion of the TWV fleet in support of Multi-Domain Operations, we’ve reached design maturity, and without a holistic overhaul, we can’t overcome design limitations and will simultaneously drive operations and sustainment costs to untenable levels. Commercial technologies and economies of scale exist that will help the Army close those gaps and address the increasing age of the current HTV fleet. Now is the right time to modernize with a Common Tactical Truck in support of MDO,” he emphasized.

CTT’s desired characteristics include:
Drive by wire and active safety
Mission roles
Commonality with industry
Digitization (autonomy, prognostics)
Demand reduction
Force protection
Survivability
Sustainment

Industry representatives who are interested in possibly participating in CTT should be on the lookout for announcements and requests for information on SAM.gov in the coming months, Bing said. His acquisition team anticipates holding industry one-on-one meetings tentatively slated for mid-to-late Fiscal Year 2022.

Bing’s team plans to award Other Transaction Authority-based contracts in Fiscal Year 2023 to three vendors to produce multiple prototypes each. OTAs are designed to help the government speed capability to the field vs. traditional contracting methods.

Soldier Touch Points will be leveraged throughout the competitive prototyping phase. These assessments are important ways to incorporate valuable Warfighter feedback into the acquisition program, thereby providing Army Transporters the optimal CTT solution. Currently, the notional plan is for prototype runoff testing to beginning in late Fiscal Year 2023, followed by a down select to a Federal Acquisition Regulation-based production contract in Fiscal Year 2025.

CTT fielding is projected to begin in Fiscal Year 2028.

By Rae Higgins, Program Executive Office, Combat Support & Combat Service Support

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility | 5 Comments »

Jankel Establishes Major UK Military Vehicle Production Capability in the Midlands

Monday, September 6th, 2021

Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, has announced the establishment of a major new UK-based military vehicle production capability. Situated in Coventry in the Midlands the new production line sits in the heart of the UK’s traditional automotive manufacturing hub and is surrounded by an extensive and comprehensive automotive supply chain within easy logistic reach. The new set-up delivers 3600 square meters of open plan floor space supported by 1500 square meters of stores and offices that can be configured to manufacture military vehicles of various types at significantly improved rates over that previously achieved by Jankel.

The establishment of this capability comes off the back of several major vehicle contract wins including the Belgium MOD’s (BeMOD) new Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV). All 199 LTTV vehicles will be assembled on the new line prior to export. At the same time, Jankel’s other UK production facilities in Rustington and Weybridge will be working to deliver a number of other specialist defence and security sector vehicle orders that have been announced recently or are due to be announced in the near future. On a global level, Jankel also have a significant manufacturing capability in USA.

The establishment of the new Midlands production capability reinforces Jankel’s position as one of the very few UK-based military vehicle companies that can deliver immediate on-shore production of large vehicle orders to the demanding quality standards required of the defence and security sectors. With a total floor space of over 10,000 square meters split across three major sites, Jankel can deliver multiple production programs concurrently, supporting both the UK MoD and export customers, whilst creating and sustaining important skilled jobs in UK.

Andrew Jankel, Chairman at Jankel said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce the establishment of our new production capability that will take us to the next level in terms of UK-based military vehicle production capacity, underlining our successful growth strategy”. He added: “Jankel is one of a very few small to medium (SME) UK defence focussed companies left that is winning global vehicle contracts; designed, developed, built and supported in Britain. We remain focused on innovative, fast and cost-effective product development using and sustaining traditional skills that are becoming harder to find in the UK – Driving Mission Success”.

Jankel will be exhibiting at DSEi in London 14-17 September 2021 on stand H4-580.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Airless Tires Undergo Punishing Evaluation at Army’s Tropic Regions Test Center

Friday, August 6th, 2021

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. — U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground and its constituent test centers test virtually every piece of equipment in the ground combat arsenal in extreme environments to ensure it will work wherever in the world American forces are serving.

To ensure gear can survive the unforgiving rigors of jungle warfare, the Army relies on Tropic Regions Test Center (TRTC), which conducts realistic evaluations in a variety of tropical locales.

Though the deserts of Southwest Asia have been the most common location of American military involvement for nearly twenty years, the majority of the world’s conflicts have occurred in tropical areas, which have ground conditions from dense jungles to savannas with 20-foot tall grasses. Testing equipment under inhospitable tropic conditions provides insights that may never be discovered in an environmental chamber. Will muddy, biomass-laden jungle terrain destroy the integrity of wheels and tires on a combat vehicle, for instance?

One recent TRTC test involved the Polaris MRZR, a military version of the popular off-road vehicle that American forces have used in places like Afghanistan in recent years.

“It is not as comfortable, but it is sturdier and heavier with a rolling cage,” said Carlos Mora, TRTC test officer. “It is more mission-oriented.”

The MRZR under test was outfitted with Tweels instead of standard tires. The Tweel, produced by Michelin, is an airless radial tire designed to work like an ordinary pneumatic tire. In addition to the obvious advantage of never having to worry about flat tires, utilizing Tweels has second order effects that are useful for Soldiers.

“One reason for this technology is to reduce weight on those small vehicles so you don’t have to carry a spare tire, jacks, or materials to fix a puncture,” said Mora.

The Tweels also have the ability to conform to multiple different terrain types, and can last three times as long as standard tires. Putting the Tweels through their paces on land deep within the jungle of the nation of Suriname that TRTC have utilized in previous vehicle tests gave the evaluation a particularly realistic operational flavor.

“All of these old mining roads and logging roads were the perfect scenario for the vehicle,” said Mora. “The customer also liked the composition of the soils.”

There was also the added benefit of microclimates and terrain features that are only sometimes associated with the tropics.

“We added a portion of savanna, which is a sandy terrain with small brushes,” said Mora. “It turned out to be very demanding.”

Tweels are also designed to power through serious damage for far longer than even run-flat pneumatic tires. Using a drill bit, testers damaged the Tweels to simulate as if they had been shot prior to some of the evaluations.

By necessity, TRTC provides substantially more assistance to its customers than other test centers, which are located in the United States and do not require complicated visa and country clearances from various embassies and the military for American visitors.

“We always have the support of the embassy and the national police, so everything we do is sanctioned and approved by the foreign minister and the U.S. embassy,” said Ernest Hugh, TRTC director. “That’s part of the process we take care of to ensure the visit is seamless for the customer.”

The American embassies and associated military groups within each delegation assist TRTC in securing the necessary permissions to conduct testing in a variety of countries.

“We work closely with the United States embassies in all of the host nations in which we conduct tests,” said Hugh.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility | Comments Off on Airless Tires Undergo Punishing Evaluation at Army’s Tropic Regions Test Center

Warrior East 21 – Hippo Multipower Polaris MRZR 5kW 24V Exportable Power Generator Upgrade Kit

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

The Hippo Multipower Polaris MRZR 5kW 24V Exportable Power Generator Upgrade Kit was designed in conjunction with Galvion and incorporates a couple of their technologies like their Squad Power Management and a battery. Passengers can connect to vehicle power while in transit and simultaneously top off their radio batteries.

Created with input from USSOCOM’s Family of Special Operations Vehicle program, the heart of this system is a 3-stage generator that puts out up to 5kW @ 24 vac in power running off the power plant of the MRZR.

At only 70 lbs, the generator fits below the payload area of the vehicle leaving OEM specifications of the area unchanged.

Units and agencies can procure Hippo Multipower systems by contacting Atlantic Diving Supply.

Posted in ADS, Mobility, Power, Warrior Expo | 2 Comments »

Clandestine Media Group’s New Gun Truck – The Specs

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

What started out as a 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat has now become one impressive gun truck thanks to the efforts of Clandestine Media Group.

Right up front you’ll note that it’s a Ford Ranger which might seem like an odd choice for a gun truck. CMG acknowledges this and explains that it’s nigh impossible to get an actual Toyota Hi-Lux in the US. Instead, they went for a Ford Ranger which is becoming more popular with foreign SOF.

Primary Sponsors:

Leitner Design Bed Rack ACS Forged with all accessories

Addictive Desert Design – Stealth Fighter Front and Rear bumpers with sliders

Camburg Suspension CAMBURG FORD RANGER 2WD/4WD 19-21 FOX 2.5 FACTORY DSC KIT

Grey Man Tactical interior and exterior molle systems plus accessories

Other Parts:

Method Race Wheels MR701 Black

Nitto Ridge Grapplers 285/75R17

Baja Design Lights

Warn VR EVO 10-S

Factor 55 Fairlead and UltraHook

Safari Snorkel