Friday, April 12, 2013

CV-90 Armadillo (Denmark). More details...




Quick facts...
  • The Armadillo has better than Stanag4A/4B mine protection with six tons spare payload above “fighting weight” of 29 tons. 
  • Rubber tracks have some strong advantages:
  • Less vibration, making the vehicle more reliable (especially electronics) and allowing for better crew comfort (important after long periods riding in a vehicle…)
  • Decreases the vehicle weight by about one ton
  • 10 decibels quieter (a massive amount, by the way), allowing the vehicle to be stealthier
One other thing of interest.  The superstructure is a design feature that provides additional room for the driver and vehicle commander as well as provided additional space for gear carried by the dismounts.

Not shown in the pics....equipment specified by the customer.  Remote weapon station, smoke grenade launchers, shot detection equipment, IED jammers etc...

NOTE:  The superstructure provides a degree of modularity that is beyond impressive.  If you've ever been inside the command versions of the AAV or M-113 or Bradley then you're well aware of the room needed to make it all work.  The same applies to medivac versions of these vehicles.  While the Danes are after a M113 replacement, the levels of armor protection, modularity, ability to fit different weapon systems onboard could well lead to a one vehicle fits all roles type of proposition.  Nicely done.  
Can't wait to see what BAE will do with an AAV upgrade.

NOTE 1:  I really wonder why we aren't seeing a wholesale movement to rubber tracks!  All the talk about fuel savings and this easiest of changes isn't going forward? Something is definitely off.