CV90, RG41 Offer Insight Into Future of Australian Land Combat System and Valanx Unveiled in Australia

BAE Systems CV-90 (photo : BAE Systems)
BAE Systems has outlined its vision for the future of the Land 400 program by revealing details of two armoured combat vehicles that would deliver superior survivability, mobility and sustainability to Australian warfighters.

The company is using the 2010 Australian Land Warfare Conference to discuss its tracked CV90 MkIII Armadillo and wheeled RG41 vehicles that could form the core of the Australian Defence Force's future land combat force.

These vehicles represent the latest examples of the best of BAE Systems' global experience, skills and technology in developing proven armoured fighting vehicles, according to Land & Integrated Systems Director Kim Scott.

Mr Scott said BAE Systems recently responded to an Australian Government invitation to register interest in Land 400 by providing details of more than 10 vehicles that could potentially fulfil the multiple roles required by the ADF.

"For example, the experience gained in delivering 1,110 CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to six of the most technically sophisticated of the world's armies has been incorporated into the new Armadillo."

BAE Systems RG-41 (photo : BAE Systems)

"As a tracked armoured vehicle, the Armadillo balances extremely high protection, high mobility, and high payload. Internally, it is equipped to accommodate and integrate the digitally equipped infantry of the future."

An important feature of the Armadillo is component commonality and modularity across the turreted, personnel carrier and engineering variants, achieving 65 per cent to 88 per cent commonality.

This is a major contributor to the low logistic footprint, aimed at minimising the total cost-of-ownership. With available payload provision of 16 tonnes, the designers have also achieved a modular tracked vehicle and a flexible family of role variants.

The RG41 is the latest in a line of armoured combat vehicles that draws on BAE Systems' experience as one of the world's most prolific providers of armoured protection systems over the past 40years.

Mr Scott said: "Our company's global experience in protecting soldiers against IEDs, mines, rocket, and ballistic threats has been incorporated into the RG-41.

The RG41 provides a tough, secure and versatile solution for the wheeled element of Land 400."

Vehicle weight is up to 30 tonnes, including a high payload capacity of 11 tonnes. It can accommodate 11, including driver, vehicle commander and nine soldiers.

Affordability is a leading consideration driving the procurement of wheeled protected vehicles - so the RG41 is based on COTS and MOTS components, minimising the use of specialised items.

Another innovative feature is the modular, field-repairable, mine-protected design on the vehicle's underside, achieved by the use of bolt-on blast modules.

"Through the Land 400 project, the ADF is seeking to re-equip its land combat forces with a range of systems that are more survivable, capable and interoperable.

(Shephard)

Valanx - protected mobility vehicle (photo : BAE Systems)
The ‘Valanx,' BAE Systems' solution to meet the Australian Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light (PMV-L) and the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program requirements was publicly unveiled for the first time in Australia today.
The Valanx, being offered to the Australian Defence Force under Project Land 121-Phase 4, is the centrepiece of the BAE Systems stand at the 2010 Land Warfare Conference in Brisbane.
Valanx is the result of four successive generations of demonstrator and prototype vehicles developed by BAE Systems.
The JLTV and PMV-L programs will replace much of the Humvee fleet in the US and the Land Rover Perentie vehicle in Australia respectively.
Director of Land and Integrated Systems Kim Scott said: "We believe the Valanx offers the Australian Army the safest and most capable vehicle.
"It's built for the modern warfighter and delivers on the demanding balance required for the ‘Iron Triangle' of payload, performance and protection."
BAE Systems, along with partners Navistar Defense and Arvin Meritor, delivered three right-hand drive configured Valanx vehicles to the Australian Army in June 2010.
The Valanx vehicles and trailer have been undergoing trials at Army's test track in Monegeetta, Victoria since mid-2010, as part of the US Government's JLTV program.
In December, these vehicles will revert to Australian control for further evaluation against the Australian trials and evaluation program.
Local Field Service Representatives from BAE Systems Australia have been providing support for the vehicles at Monegeetta throughout the trials program.
Currently, the majority of Valanx's components are at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, which is used to measure equipment maturity.
Mr Scott said the Australian vehicles were designed to be highly compatible with the US variants, ensuring interoperability between forces, while still being tightly tailored to meet the needs of Australian vehicle crews and commanders.
"At present, the US and Australian teams within BAE Systems are working together to examine candidate components and subsystems to enable Australian SMEs to participate in the global supply chain for the Valanx, should we be successful in the 50,000-60,000 vehicle JLTV program.
"This would provide 10-15 years of steady production for companies if selected."
The name Valanx is derived from the meaning of a phalanx - an ancient Greek formation designed to protect soldiers in combat - but introduces the "V" characteristic.
The Valanx has a signature V-shaped hull, designed to deflect a mine blast away from the vehicle, protecting the soldiers inside.
(BAE Systems)