One of the unsung heroes of the recent AUSA expo in Washington, DC was Boeing’s Phantom Badger Internally Transportable Vehicle. This high performance combat support vehicle features interchangeable mission modules and was specifically designed to fit in the Bell-Boeing V-22 and other aircraft.

The first thing that impressed me about Phantom Badger is that it can be configured for a wide range of Special Operations missions not possible with existing vehicles. Its rear section is modular and specialized payloads can be changed quickly with simple tools to support a wide range of missions including special reconnaissance, casualty transport, direct action and combat search and rescue.

Boeing partnered with MSI Defense Solutions, a North Carolina-based company with significant experience in the automotive industry and a rich history with NASCAR to develop the Phantom Badger’s shocks and suspension. Those hydraulic and suspension systems are essential to protecting the crew. One of the drawbacks to many existing combat vehicles is that the ride can cause passengers to experience physical exhaustion, a condition often referred to as “battle rattle.”

One of the coolest features of this vehicle is its four-wheel steering. With the flip of a switch both front and rear wheels can be steered in order to really tighten the turn radius. Phantom Badger is also all-wheel drive and can traverse 60 percent inclines and ford through nearly three feet of water. This climbing capability is critical to rapidly enter and exit a V-22 Osprey with its challenging break over angle that keeps other vehicles from driving right in. Naturally, it can also easily fit in other aircraft with larger cabins, such as the CH-47, C-130 and C-17.

To test its capabilities, engineers took it four-wheeling in North Carolina, and off-roading at the punishing test ranges of the Nevada Automotive Test Center southeast of Reno. NATC has access to in house facilities as well as access to nearby lands that replicate virtually any driving environment on earth.

“There is a distinct need for a reliable combat vehicle that can be deployed from the V-22, and Phantom Badger exceeds that need,” said John Chicoli, Boeing program manager for the V-22 Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) program. “We listened very closely to the customer, and every element on the vehicle was integrated with the warfighter’s specific input.”

While the vehicle’s performance is impressive, I think that the cooperative development that took place here between industry and Government customer is what really struck me. It’s just something that is uncommon these days, particularly with large defense contractors. The level of interaction with the end user is commendable and I’d say that the user community was a real partner in the Phantom Badger’s development.

To view a video of the Phantom Badger visit www.boeing.com

General Characteristics:
Top Speed: Approximately 80 mph (paved surface)
Mobility: 35” BF Goodrich all terrain mud tires, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering
Engine: Commercial, multi-fuel, 240 HP
Range: Approximately 450 miles
Turning radius: 25 feet
Fording: Able to cross water nearly 3 feet deep
Payload: More than 3,000 pounds
Modularity: Phantom Badger features customizable rear sections that can support a wide range of critical mission profiles such as reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal, mounted weaponry, combat search and rescue, and even casualty transport for several critically injured warfighters.
Common Parts: Many key items like tires, hydraulic pumps, bolts, winches are already in the motor pool supply system for easy and affordable maintenance
Transportability: Internally Transportable Vehicle in the V-22 Osprey and other aircraft

Boeing also featured a great background story in a recent issue of “Frontiers.”

Granted, it was a contender for SOCOM’s CV-22 Internally Transportable Vehicle and was not selected. But it wasn’t built specifically for that requirement. In fact, the Phantom Badger has already seen service with select DoD users. The bottom line is that Boeing has an off-the-shelf, combat proven, modular, Internally Transportable Vehicle for the V22 and CH47 aircraft. It is unlike anything else on the market.

For more information about Phantom Badger, please contact: John Chicoli at John.A.Chicoli@boeing.com.