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The Armored Group Introduces its Newest Vehicle, the Terrier LT-79

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Terrier LT-79 offers tactical mobility, high protection level in light multi-role vehicles

(Phoenix, AZ – (March 16, 2018) The Armored Group (TAG), a leading worldwide provider of armored vehicles, has just introduced its newest law enforcement vehicle, the Terrier LT-79. This new vehicle developed by the TAG Research and Development Team represents a well-balanced combination of protection, off-road mobility and payload. Most importantly, it offers unparalleled tactical mobility and survivability to armored vehicle end-users worldwide, in any climate or setting.

The standard Terrier LT-79 will hold up to eight officers (2+6 in individual MIL-STD seats) or alternatively, seating for 10 (2+8) with optional bench seating, depending on the size of operators and amount of gear. The vehicle is agile and extremely versatile and is designed to protect individuals in dangerous operational environments. The vehicle is bound to become a vital means of transportation for SWAT teams, law enforcement and military personnel that need a highly armored vehicle while staying economical and budget friendly.

Features:

The Terrier LT-79 model includes, but are not limited to the following features:

Full Protection against Kinetic Energy Weapons conforming to STANAG 4569 Level 1
Heavy Duty Suspension & Axles
Upgraded Tires & Brakes for better off-road capability
Category-Leading Ground Clearance
UK Military Grade Locks & Heavy Duty Hinges
Conveniently Placed High Visibility Gun Ports
3 Doors with Optional Roof Turret
Crew Cab or 5 Door Option
Hatch (2 Cabin, 1 Rear)
5100kg Curb Weight (Standard Protection); 1000kg Payload; 6100kg Combat Weight
Modern LED Headlights & Standard Military Convoy Lights
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Diesel 195 HP High Sulfur 1VD-FTV Toyota 4.5L V8
NATO Standard Slave Starting System
TAG Exclusive Flip Forward Armored Front Clip System
Hydraulically Assisted Recirculating Ball Steering
Rear HVAC System

Optional Equipment Includes:

· Public address system, acoustic deterring system and intercom
· Alternator upgrade
· Auxiliary service battery with smart isolator switch and battery monitor
· Blast attenuating seats
· Interior weapon mounts
· VHF/UHF communication system; MF/HF communications system
· GPS
· DVR
· GSM-based live video monitoring system
· Tracking system (depends on deployment region)
· Smoke grenade launchers
· Multiple launch systems for smoke grenades
· Roof turret with a ring bearing and split hatch
· Remote controlled weapon station
· Gunshot detection system
· Remote controlled searchlights
· Forward-looking thermal camera
· Reverse day/night camera
· Perimeter day/night cameras
· Outboard telescopic mast
· IR driving and convoy lights
· Overpressure air filtration system
· Semi-automatic tire inflation system
· Ballistic protection upgrade to STANAG 4569 Level 2
· Fire suppression systems
· Power inverters
· Winch
· Ballistic skip round shields
· Emergency lighting systems
· Cupola turret/hatch protection system
· Interior compartment additional cooling fans
· Computer workstations
· Intercom systems
· LRAD audio systems
· Rescue medic/trauma pack with backboard/litter

Terrier LT-79:

The Terrier LT-79 is built using a reinforced and militarized Toyota VDJ79 truck chassis, and COTS components. The vehicle can be built to B6 or NIJ-III protection standards and is powered by a 195 HP high sulfur 1VD-FTV Toyota 4.5L V8 diesel and readily available in LHD and RHD configurations. Using upgraded axles, clutch and a reinforced frame as well as large super single wheels, the vehicle combines excellent mobility and high payload in all operating environments.

“The Terrier LT-79 is a modern era hybrid that combines the requirements needed for combat and fire support situations as well as mission-specific roles such as transport and logistics. The new Terrier LT-79 was designed on the Toyota chassis because parts are widely available enhancing serviceability in many parts of the world. It is also an affordable option to end users that need superior protection and fleet longevity while staying within their budget parameters,” said Robert Pazderka, President and Founder of TAG.

For more information, please visit www.armoredcars.com

Posted in Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on The Armored Group Introduces its Newest Vehicle, the Terrier LT-79

Australian Army – LAND 400 Phase 2 Announcement: Rheinmetall has been selected to deliver Australia’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, the Boxer CRV

Thursday, March 15th, 2018

Following a rigorous testing process, Rheinmetall’s Boxer CRV was assessed as the most capable vehicle for the Australian Army. The vehicle will enhance the safety, security and protection of our troops, and will replace the ageing Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV).

The vehicles will be equipped with high levels of protection; firepower and mobility provided by the vehicles will be used for operations, varying from peacekeeping to close combat. They will able be used at facilities in Puckapunyal, Bandiana, Adelaide, Townsville and Enoggera.

The Boxer will be manufactured in South East Queensland and use over 24 manufacturers located across Australia.

Photo: LTCOL McKendry

Tags: Rheinmetall
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Mobility, Recce | Comments Off on Australian Army – LAND 400 Phase 2 Announcement: Rheinmetall has been selected to deliver Australia’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, the Boxer CRV

KAZAKHSTAN Testing 8X8 Combat Vehicle

Friday, March 9th, 2018

Astana | 7 March 2018 – Paramount Group, the African-based global defence and aerospace company, and its joint venture in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), announced that the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan is in the final stages of the evaluation of the Barys 8×8 combat vehicle ahead of acceptance into service by the country’s armed forces.

The Barys (Snow Leopard in the Kazakh language) which is based on Paramount Group’s Mbombe 8 represents the pinnacle of land system technologies and was developed to meet the increasing demand for multi-role, high mobility and mine hardened platforms.

The winter trials included day and night firing and the Barys 8×8 vehicle was equipped with a Shipunov 2A42 30 mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun jointly manufactured by Kazakhstan’s ‘KAE’, which manufactures electro-optic defence equipment and Turkish defence company, Aselsan.

Winter trails of Barys 8 started during early December 2017 with a series of intensive factory acceptance tests to finally evaluate and optimise the complete weapon system, platform and turret. The trails were conducted at a Military tank test polygon in central Kazakhstan.

Johan Delport, Director of the KPE factory in Astana said: “The most severe winter conditions prevailed during testing, similar to conditions found in Siberia. During this period the temperature dropped to -45 Celsius with a chill factor of minus 60 Celsius, resulting in serious challenges to man and machine while conquering up to 750mm of soft snow.

“During such conditions every smallest detail and subsystem could be evaluated extensively. Items such as glass heating for de-ice and de-misting, engine heating before starting, batteries, cabin heating, electrical functions, steering, and suspension have been successfully tested. The vehicle performed exceptionally throughout the trials.”

The design of this vehicle allows for the fitment of a very large array of weapon systems. This enables the vehicle to be customised for armed forces all around the world.

The weapon system has been evaluated during both day and night firing sessions, static as well as firing on the move using the stabilisation mode. The 30mm canon which has ranges beyond 2000 meters has been demonstrated successfully under the severe ambient conditions.

The 8×8 combat vehicle and other Paramount armoured vehicles will be produced at the 15,000m2 KPE armoured vehicle factory in Astana – the largest armoured vehicle factory in Central Asia and the first defence manufacturing plant with this scale of capability in Kazakhstan. It has a capacity of more than 200 vehicles per year for the production of the full range of Paramount’s armoured vehicles with bespoke modifications for local conditions.

Ivor Ichikowitz, Founder and Executive Chairman of Paramount Group said: “Building our combat vehicles through local partnerships in Kazakhstan shows that we can produce highly advanced technologies anywhere in the world. One of the most significant trends in today’s defence industry is the increasing requirement of sovereign nations to develop their own defence equipment.

“Building defence industrial eco systems, inside our customer countries, through strategic alliances have been the cornerstone of our industrial philosophy. Our partnerships have driven innovation, technology transfer, local manufacturing, skills development and jobs around the world.”

The Barys 8 is the winterised version of Paramount’s Mbombe 8 that employs an innovative new form of construction to give unprecedented levels of protection, while keeping profile to a minimum. The 8×8 also draws on the company’s experience of designing the highly advanced Mbombe family of armoured vehicles.

The Mbombe family of 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles share over 80% of common components to reduce through life costs. This commonality offers significant cost benefits to armed forces due to greater efficiencies and significant savings in maintenance and logistical support.

In addition to the Barys, KPE has been ramping up production and deliveries of the Arlan (the localised version of Paramount Group’s Marauder APC) to the armed forces in Kazakhstan. In November 2017 Paramount Group delivered more Arlan armoured vehicles to Kazakhstan’s Special Forces. The latest delivery of the Arlan will see the vehicles in operation with the Ministry of Defence, Special Forces and other law enforcement agencies.

Posted in Mobility, Press Release | 5 Comments »

82nd Airborne Division tests new wheeled cargo delivery system to support Global Response Force

Sunday, February 25th, 2018

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — 82nd Airborne Division troopers here are wrapping up testing of the Caster Assisted A-Series Delivery System (CAADS), which involves delivering mission essential supplies and munitions to ground troops.

Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team teamed up with subject matter experts from the United States Army Advanced Airborne School (USAAS).

Paratroopers from the U.S. Army Advanced Airborne School develop Techniques Tactic and Procedures prior to testing with the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate. (Photo Credit: Mr. Michael A. Zigmond, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs.)

With the Fort Bragg-based U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s (USAOTC) Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD), they successfully rigged, dropped, and recovered the CAADS door bundles during operational testing on Sicily Drop Zone.

The 82nd Airborne Division is part of the XVIII Airborne Corps, and is the Army’s most strategically mobile division.

Capt. Matthew P. Carstensen, (right) Commander, Headquarters & Headquarters Co. 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, conducts a door check prior to exiting the first Caster Assisted A-Series Delivery System from a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft. (Photo Credit: Mr. Michael A. Zigmond, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs.)

82nd Airborne Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Erik Kurilla, said, “The 82nd Airborne Division is the elite Airborne infantry division of the United States Army, specializing in parachute assault operations into denied areas.”

Kurilla wants to be able to deploy three CAADS door bundles per paratroop door. Bundles can weigh up to 500 pounds of cargo and be airdropped from a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) transport aircraft to support the Global Response Force.

Sgt. 1st Class Miguel A. Amadis of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, positions the Caster Assisted A-Series Delivery System in the door of a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft before deployment onto Sicily Drop Zone. (Photo Credit: Mr. Michael A. Zigmond, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs.)

The current door bundle limit without CAADS is two bundles per door per pass.

Currently, there is no standardized aerial delivery system in the Department of Defense (DoD) inventory that employs the dolly-assisted method, but other countries like France employ a similar system.

CAADS is a platform built of plywood, a brake, and six caster wheels which allow the door bundle to roll across the aircraft floor, speeding airdrop deployment.

Testing demonstrated safe deployment of door bundles using CAADS to improve the ability of Soldiers deploying the bundles while reducing exit time. The increased speed allows for additional bundles per pass.

The efficiency of the CAADS concept provides the capability of exiting more door bundles per pass, per aircraft — all increasing the amount of supplies on the ground to the paratroopers during their critical 12 hour initial entry phase.

Sgt. 1st Class Miguel A. Amadis of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team said, “I like the CAADS a lot. It was easy to push, easy to set up at the door, and it will be very useful for the upcoming missions.”

One Airborne unit commander said he liked CAADS’ simplistic design and concept, which can seriously lessen the physical wear and tear on the average paratrooper.

“The castor’s one free axle made the rotation into the door easy, but still kept two axles locked, which maintained control as the container exited the door and entered the slip stream,” said Capt. Matthew P. Carstensen, Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

“I felt that the concern of jarring the container in the doorway was safely mitigated by those locked axles,” he added. “Looking at future application, a container of this size and capacity can significantly increase the combat power and lethality delivered onto a hostile drop zone on the first pass.”

According to Sgt. 1st Class Martin L. Ross, ABNSOTD Test NCO, operational testing is OTC’s opportunity to contribute to Army readiness.

“Anything less compromises the Army’s ability to provide the forces that fight and win the Nation’s wars,” he said.

“Operational testing is about Soldiers,” said Col. Bradley F. Mock, Director of the ABNSOTD. “It is about making sure that the systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight. Operational testing is OTCs opportunity to contribute to readiness; anything less compromises the Army’s ability to provide the forces that fight and win the Nation’s wars.”

The ABNSOTD Test Division chief explained how test units incorporate systems under test into their actual missions and training requirements.

“Leaders of units involved in testing have the first look at new systems, which may also drive changes to operations and doctrine,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Oquendo. “Tests are unit-led, which translates into coordinated control under realistic operational environment scenarios.”

Other tests underway at ABNSOTD include the Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources (AMMPS) 30K generator which will replace the relatively short-lived TQG (Tactical Quiet Generator) program and airdrop certification of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-25A2) Mobile Protective Firepower (MPF). Highly-instrumented test drops by Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) will help test overall airdrop survivability of the vehicles.

By Mr. James (J.C.) Cochran, Military Test Plans Analyst, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs.

Posted in Guest Post, Mobility, Parachuting | 14 Comments »

Warriors Online Tactical Magazine – Commando Assault Vehicle (CAV)

Saturday, February 17th, 2018

This is a piece by Bryan Ferreira of Warriors, a Portuguese online tactical magazine on the Portuguese Commando Assault Vehicle.

In the world of Elite Commando Units there are hundreds of light assault vehicles. Land Rover is one the most prominent builders in this area, since the famous Special Air Service (SAS) pink panthers of 50’s, to today’s Australian SAS 6×6 desert patrol vehicles and the pictured Portuguese Commandos, Commando Assault Vehicle (CAV). The CAV are presently deployed in Central African Republic in the UN MINUSCA mission and their multitask capabilities are a must have for any unit.

Afghanistan’s operations changed the role and usage of this kind of vehicles as the war demanded for more heavy armor to defeat the IED (improved explosive device) threat. They were put aside and replaced for MRAP and APC vehicles. But with terrorism spreading all over Africa, the presence of small detachments of Elite Forces in so many places needs to be supported with vehicles that not only permit high mobility, range and firepower, but that can be easily airborne and relocated where they are most needed. They also have the big advantage of being relatively cheap, so abandoning and destroying them isn’t that uncommon in Special Operations. The CAV is a Land Rover 130 TD4 all-wheel drive and it only has light armor in the floor to give some protection against small explosive devices, what allows it to go to speeds of up to 145km/h (90miles/h). It takes a crew of 5+1, with 4 swing arms for the passengers (3 to the sides and one rewards) and a central 360° rotating ring mount. This permits them to have a wide range of weapons to employ in these vehicles. In the passengers mounts they use either the HK (Heckler & Koch) Mg4 in 5,56x45mm or the Rheinmetall Mg3 in 7,62x51mm. In the central rotating mount they will use the MG3, the Browning M2 (12,7x99mm) or even the HK GMG 40x53mm Automatic grenade Launcher. They usually carry additional firepower, the famous 84mm Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle, which is one of the most versatile rocket launchers in the market, and a 60mm lightweight handheld mortar.

The CAV can be used as an assault vehicle but it will also perform very well as Long Range Reconnaissance asset. Either in an Airport Airborne assault as in the hunt for enemy insurgents, this is one Commando lethal vehicle.

http://warriors.pt/

Posted in International, Mobility | 13 Comments »

Marine Corps makes history with mine plow prototype for Assault Breacher Vehicle

Saturday, February 10th, 2018

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

The Marine Corps’ Assault Breacher Vehicle made history last year when it conducted its first amphibious landing with a Modified Full Width Mine Plow prototype during a long-range breaching exercise in the western United States.

U.S. Marines from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepare to load an Assault Breacher Vehicle onto a Landing Craft Utility at Camp Pendleton, California. All vehicles were loaded onto LCUs then transported to the USS Rushmore to conduct the first amphibious landing in an ABV with a Modified Full Width Mine Plow prototype. Marine Corps Systems Command tested the prototype which will make it easier to transport the ABV from ship to shore. (Courtesy photo)

In December 2017, Marine Corps Systems Command used Exercise Steel Knight as an opportunity to test the Modified Full Width Mine Plow prototype for the first time. Steel Knight is a division-level exercise designed to enhance command and control, and interoperability with the 1st Marine Division, its adjacent units and naval support forces.

In the future, this piece of equipment will make it easier for Marines to land and deploy an ABV from a Navy Landing Craft Utility boat to the shore to complete their mission.

U.S. Marines from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct the first amphibious landing in an Assault Breacher Vehicle with a Modified Full Width Mine Plow prototype during Exercise Steel Knight on the west coast. Marine Corps Systems Command tested the prototype which will make it easier to transport the ABV from ship to shore. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rhita Daniel)

“Our legacy Full Width Mine Plow on the ABV could not fit onto an LCU because it was too wide,” said Timothy Barrons, ABV project officer for Engineer Systems at Marine Corps Systems Command. “The prototype we are testing fills a current capability gap and gives commanders the flexibility to use multiple surface connectors to get ABVs in the fight.”

The modified plow prototype is not only easier to transport, but safer to use, Barrons said. Once the LCU drops the bow ramp onto land, Marines can drive the ABV off the boat, open the plow and breach the area to ensure they eliminate any unsafe obstacles.

“The Assault Breacher Vehicle is the premiere breaching tool in the Marine Corps, and there is no other tool like it,” said Alvin “Tommy” West, ABV platform engineer. “It can carry two Linear Demolition Charges (commonly referred to as the line charge) on the back with over a thousand pounds of C4 explosives in each of the charge. A rocket is attached to each line charge to propel the charge, which is critical when clearing a path through mine fields.”

After the line charge detonates, landmines in its path are destroyed or rendered ineffective. Marines use the mine plow to sift through the mine field and push any remaining landmines off to the side, leaving a safe path for the assault force.

“This plow prototype makes the ABV transportable and gives the commander options to accomplish his tasks on the battlefield,” said Barrons. “The capability makes the force more lethal because it helps keep other combat vehicles intact and saves the lives of Marines.”

The ABV Program Team plans to take the information and feedback from Marines gathered at Steel Knight to refine the design and improve the overall performance of the modified plow. The team wants to ensure the modified plow will meet all requirements of the legacy mine plow in performance and survivability. After the redesign is completed, the articles will be tested at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland.

“Because the plow is foldable and deals directly with explosives, it is going to take some hits, so we need to ensure it is more reliable than the legacy mine plow which was not hinged or foldable,” said West. “There is no other piece of gear in the Marine Corps that does what the ABV with the Full Width Mine Plow does. Our goal is to make the new plow even more reliable and easier to maintain.”
The ABV Program is a part of Engineer Systems under the Logistics Combat Element Systems program at Marine Corps Systems Command.

By Kaitlin Kelly, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in CIED, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, Mobility | 2 Comments »

GAOS 18 – Argo ATVs

Thursday, February 8th, 2018

Argo has long been known for the six and eight wheeled amphibious light vehicles but this year they’ve introduced ATVs.

The Xplorer XR series comes standard with Innova tires, steel racks, front differential lock and anti-vibration 2″ receiver hitch. There are three models, all with a 503cc, EFI, liquid cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke engine.

You can also take a step up to the two-passenger XRT 500/1000 models. The 500 series is available in three models like the single seater, but there’s also a 997cc, EFI, liquid cooled, twin cylinder four-stroke engine model.

www.argoxtv.com

Tags: Argo
Posted in GAOS, Mobility | 2 Comments »

Team Polaris Unveils MRZR X

Tuesday, February 6th, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS and ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (February 6, 2018) — Team Polaris is displaying its advanced M RZR® X multi-mode, connected vehicle platform for the first time this week at the AUVSI Unmanned Systems show. As military forces worldwide look to lighten the warfighter’s load now and smartly network vehicles in the multi-domain battlefield in the coming years, the MRZR X provides an evolving, robotics capable, multi-mission platform. In addition, the MRZR X provides worldwide commonality with the MRZRs already in service in the U.S. and more than 30 allied nations.

“The MRZR is the preferred platform among infantry units and Special Forces worldwide, which helps make its integration and the transition from manned to unmanned systems easier for the warfighter,” said John Olson, PhD, vice president and general manager of Polaris Government and Defense. “The MRZR X maintains the MRZR mission profile and payload our customers are accustomed to, plus it has additional robotic and networked capabilities to further support warfighters.”

The MRZR X provides warfighters with a modular support platform and various modes of operation: traditional operator driving and multiple levels of autonomy, including the capability for remote control, teleoperation, follow-me, leader-follower and full autonomy. This allows the MRZR X to enhance and evolve mobility in varying roles, such as robotic equipment mule, autonomous resupply, warfighter-driven squad carrier, logistics support vehicle, rescue missions and high-speed casualty evacuation. In the future, the connectivity of the MRZR X will provide the ability to act as a networked node in the multi-domain battlespace.

ARA has been producing Modular Robotic Applique Kits (M-RAKs) for more than 20 years, with a specialty in off-road robotics, further enhanced by the acquisition of Neya Systems. The advanced MRZR X fully integrates the autonomy systems and optimally places the sensors to safeguard the technology while keeping the physical and software architecture open so it can spiral in future technology. The vehicle drivetrain is powerful and reliable, allowing for longer missions, high speeds and silent drive when needed – all on the very familiar, sustainable and intuitive MRZR platform.

Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC formally teamed in 2017. The Team Polaris M RZR® X evolves squad mobility with advanced unmanned systems technology from ARA and the pioneering and unsurpassed autonomous systems behavior of Neya Systems. Team Polaris has many pursuits – together and individually – with U.S. services, allied militaries and commercial programs.

Tags: ARA Robotics Solutions, Polaris Government & Defense
Posted in Mobility, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Team Polaris Unveils MRZR X