Mobius Protection Systems (PS), a designer, engineer and manufacturer of survivability products – from crash and blast protection in combat vehicles and aircraft to car safety products in vehicles. The company’s products implement innovative and unique, patent pending energy absorption techniques facilitating flexible and simple safety and survivability solutions assuring flawless performance under the most demanding conditions.

Company website: mobius-ps.com

The patent pending EA technology was developed by Mobius PS team of expert engineers, having the insight, knowledge and operational experience in designing and developing blast protected combat platforms and shock absorbing systems. Many of the company’s expert engineers are veterans of Israel’s Defense Forces Merkava tank program.

Mobius PS proven technology is based on a simple approach, utilizing a single, factory tunable element, manufactured to meet preset EA characteristics. The fixed Profile Energy Absorption element performs its mission with continuous self-adjusting dynamic attenuation, providing maximum protection to full range of occupants weights, from light 5th percentile female up to heavy 95th percentile male and beyond. This implementation provides a straightforward attachment of crew seats, passenger seats or benches, to the floor or to the walls, without the need for motion guides, rails or complex suspension and isolation techniques. Using light, strong seat frames and attachments the seats are validated to face multi-directional impacts, from blast or accident and crash scenarios. To restrain the occupants to their seats, 4-5 point safety belts, all-belts-to-seat, adjustable head-rest (available with side supports) are also provided.

Mobius PS offers its EA technology as off-the-shelf products, ready for integration in new vehicles, as add-on upgrade for legacy seats, as well as custom designed kits. The EA systems can be provided both with original seats as well as Add-On for legacy seats, meeting the most stringent requirements and minimum physical space claim available. Mobius PS also offers complete system integration for maximal protection and has been cooperating with a number of international companies in the field.

The unique EA technology developed by Mobius PS  is integrated in various blast protection mechanisms employed in modern military vehicles, designed to protect soldiers from mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The technology developed by Mobius PS rapidly dissipates the energies experience by the vehicle in multi-hit scenarios. Unlike other EA techniques relying on complex assemblies, suspensions rigs or moving parts, susceptible to degradation by environmental conditions and corrosion, the AE developed by Mobius PS protects from IEDs mines without compromising on performance, safety, ergonomics and user comfort.

Mobius Protection Systems’ product lines includes the following systems:

• Floor and Wall Mounted Blast Protected Seats
• Confined Space Blast Protection Applications
• Energy Absorbing Mounts and Sockets
• Seat Accessories

Floor and Wall Mounted Blast Protected Seats.

Floor and Wall Mounted Blast Protected Seats

The floor-mounting Blast and Crash Protection Energy Absorbing mechanism can be implemented as a standalone system and can be incorporated with legacy seats. FMVSS certified, the seat is available in three different height configurations, with an adjustable or fixed frame, fore and aft adjustment and ergonomic foam structure. The seat retains four or five attachment points for safety belts. Wall mounted configurations also has Foldable pan and back for access to the wall. Back

These FMVSS certified seats are available in different height configuration as-well-as custom design for special requests. The seats are compatible with standard fore/aft adjustment slides. Mobius PS EA technology is also available with original GSS seat or as an Add-on system for legacy seats. Integral feet protection is also optional for floor mounted seats, where the EA element effectively keeps the occupant’s feet away from the floor during an explosion event. Back

Confined Space Blast Protection Applications from Mobius PS

Confined Space Blast Protection Applications

For applications where available space is limited, Mobius PS provides effective EA solutions employing compact wall-mounted front-facing EA and bench alternative blast protected seating system. The wall mounting assembly has Pan and back that fold flat against the wall, using a snap-lock to open into a seating position. The blast protected bench introduces a unique, light and survivable alternative to seat an entire squad. The bench comprises a series of sectioned personal EA seats grouped together into a single unit that Pan folds flat against the wall. In case of an explosion, each seat acts individually to provide maximum protection to each individual.

Mobius PS can also adapt the EA assembly to meet limited space requirement or upgrade existing attachments, such as implementing floor mounted devices over wall mounted brackets or Wall-mounted seats over floor-mounting brackets. In special circumstances where floor-mounted configuration cannot fit, Mobius PS provides a low profile EA assembly integrated with height adjuster, offering the crew uncompromised protection and ride comfort. Back

Energy Absorbing Mounts and Sockets

To prevent objects from tearing out of their mountings by the blast effect, thus becoming life threatening fragments, Mobius has developed energy absorbing mounts that replace standard mountings used for the attachment of internal equipment such as radios, ammunition boxes, batteries etc. Under all operating conditions these mounts perform as the original mount, but deform to absorb the blast forces when exposed to extreme accelerations. Back

Seat Accessories

The company also offers different accessories for the seats, including height adjusters, for/aft adjustment, special installation brackets, etc. Back

Still on the drawing board, Embraer's KC-390 has won customer commitments for the acquisition of 52 aircraft. The first unit will be operational by 2015. Photo: Embraer

In the recent month Embraer has strengthened its KC-390 tanker transport program, transforming from a domestic program into an international venture. Following the announced Brazilian government commitment to acquire 28 of the military transport jets for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Embraer announced three additional customers – Chile, Colombia, Portugal and most recently, the Czech Republic. Adding the the two European partners to the KC-390 program is an important step introducing the new transport plane to NATO, particularly as a potential successor of transport planes used by Eastern European NATO members as well as those countries operating relatively smaller air forces.


Embarking on four simultaneous cooperation programs underline the growing international interest and support for the program. Colombia intends to buy 12 aircraft, with Chile and Portugal buying six aircraft each. The Czech plans have not been made public but could materialize in the initial acquisition of two aircraft.

According to Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President – Defense Markets, the KC-390 project is moving ahead according to plan. The first flight of the airplane is expected for 2014 and entry into service for the end of 2015. “The most relevant wind tunnel tests campaigns have been concluded, allowing aerodynamic, structural and system configurations freezing.” Said Neto. Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO added that following the completion of the preliminary studies of the new jet transport, the company is now establishing the final configuration of the aircraft and the primary suppliers. The intended Portuguese buy places the prospective future sales of the KC-390 as of September 2010 at a total 52 airplanes.

Prospective Buyers Lineup

As early adaptors of the new transport plane, each of the countries is seeking industrial cooperation which Embraer is eager to share, leveraging part of the development and infrastructure costs involved with the new program. Following the declarative announcements the Embraer and its counterparts in Chile, Colombia and Portugal are expected to discuss the work share of each country in the future program. In addition, Argentina is also interested in joining the program as a supplier and customer.

Chile and Colombia are the largest operators of medium transport aircraft in Latin America. France and Sweden have also expressed support as part of offset buy supporting their respective offerings for Brazil’s F-X2 fighter program. Other prospects in the continent include Argentina and Bolivia (operating five C-130s each), Ecuador (2xC-130s) and Peru, operating seven Russian made An-32s.

KC-390 is configured as an aerial refueling aircraft from the baseline, equipped with two refueling pods carried underwing. Image: Embraer

Significant Wins

While these two countries represent two of Embraer’s existing customers, an order from Portugal means a major win for Brazil, introducing its new transporter with a NATO member for the first time. Portugal is currently operating six C-130H Hercules transport planes, Portugal also operates 10 EADS C-295 used for maritime patrol. Colombia is operating 7 C-130B/H transports and Chile operates three C-130B/H models. Colombia has been a loyal customer for Embraer in the past two decades.

For Colombia, the KC-390 deal means an opportunity to develop its local industry. “We are taking big steps to significantly speed up the development of the country’s aeronautics industry, through the Colombian Aeronautics Industry Corporation (CIAC)” Air Marshal Flavio Ulloa, Colombian Air Force Chief of Logistical Operations commented. Colombia will follow the Chilean company ENAER, which has been supplying structures for the 50 seat ERJ145 since the mid 90s.

KC-390 is designed for operation in extreme environments, from the polar zone to the tropics. Image: Embraer

A Tough Competitor

The mission portfolio of the KC-390 includes troops and cargo transportation in diverse and challenging environments such as the Antarctica and Amazon regions, in-flight refueling, search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). The jet transport is designed to be faster than its turbo-prop powered competitors, yet it will be capable of operating from short and semi prepared runways.

According to preliminary assessment, the KC 390 cargo capacity should exceed the initial Brazilian requirement and achieve 23 tons. A full size model of the cargo hold was built to assess the aircraft internal space and typical cargo operations. The results of these evaluations have confirmed the aircraft’s versatility.

The KC-390 will feature Computed Air Release Point (CARP) technology integrated with the fly-by-wire system, which will bring greater accuracy to air dropping while lowering crew workload. The airplane will incorporate a modern avionics system, including two Head-Up Displays (HUD) and a complete self-defense system. To support night operations the KC-390 cockpit will be compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) technology.

Further Reading: Brazil Launches KC-390 Medium Transport Aircraft Program

For Combat Search and Rescue, the AW101 can be equipped with window or door mounted guns, defensive aids suite and air-to-air refueling equipment. Photo: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland plans to compete for the U.S. Air Force’s planned replacement of HH-60G Pave hawk combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter with over 100 ‘off-the-shelf’ platform. The European group is offering a version of the AW101 designated HH-71. Two years ago the company teamed with Lockheed Martin to offer the U.S. Air Force a similar search and rescue helicopter (CSAR-X program). Then they lost to the much heavier HH-47 Chinook, proposed by Boeing. Last month Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky announced their intention to offer the Air Force a modified version of the latest Black Hawk UH-60M tailored for CSAR missions.

A view from the cockpit of an AW-101. Photo: AgustaWestland

R. Scott Rettig, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland North America believes the HH-71, “has modern, stealthy capabilities are balanced out with the confidence of a mature, proven platform, as the full CSAR program requirements are developed.” Among the HH-71s’ attributes that could benefit its CSAR role are low acoustic signature, all-weather capability and effectiveness in austere environments such as sand and snow. The aircraft includes three engines providing aircrews the assurance that the mission can be safely completed, even under hostile or irregular warfare conditions. The spacious cabin space is wide enough to transport 35 seated troops or 16 stretchers for medical evacuations and room for on-board treatment – a significant capacity increase over the legacy platform. More than 155 AW101 helicopters were delivered to date, accumulating over 200,000 flight hours, some have been flying combat and support missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. For Combat Search and Rescue, the AW101 can be equipped with window or door mounted guns, defensive aids suite and air-to-air refueling equipment.

Other likely competitors for the US$1.7 billion program are the European NH Industries NH-90 or Eurocopter EC-725 Super Cougar, both proposed by EADS North America present a different possibility that could rely on one of the aircraft or a mix of both types. Boeing is also offering a mix of CH-47 Chinook and V-22 Tilt Rotor aircraft.

Two World War II fighters, a Spitfire and Hurricane fly in formation during a flight display commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

On the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this week the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) performed commemorative flypasts and displays to mark the occasion. These flights culminate with a flypast over the cabinet War Rooms where Robert Hardy read the famous speech by Mr Winston Churchill “never has so much been owed by so many to so few”.

As part of the aerial displays this summer, synchronised flights were demonstrated by an RAF Typhoon and Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire. The Typhoon, from 29 Sqn Royal Air Force Coningsby seen below flew last flight this year at RAF Leuchars. The Typhoon was flown by Flt Lt Walton. The BBMF  Spitfire was flown by Sqn Ldr Mason of RAF Wittering, a volunteer pilot with the Flight. “The iconic image that the pairing of these aircraft presents is one of inspiration from those who fought in the Battle of Britain to those who still fly and fight in the front line today.” Said Sqn Ldr Mason.

As part of the flight displays this summer, synchronised flight displays by an RAF Typhoon and Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire were demonstrated. The last flight this year was flown recently at RAF Leuchars. The Typhoon was flown by Flt Lt Walton from 29 Sqn RAF Coningsby. The Spitfire was flown by Sqn Ldr Mason, a volunteer pilot frm RAF Wittering. Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

Kinetics Ltd. established in 1985, is a world leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of life support, auxiliary power, filtration and hydraulic systems for land systems and armored vehicles.

Kinetics develops, qualifies, produces and fields systems and components for a wide range of tracked, wheeled, stationary and airborne military platforms, including Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Self Propelled Howitzers (SPH), Armored / Infantry Fighting Vehicles (AFV / IFV), Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), Mines Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP), Tactical & Tactical Support Vehicles (TV / TSV), Utility & Utility Support Vehicles (UV / USV), Rocket Launchers, Shelters and Tents. Specific applications are also tailored for helicopters and aircraft.

Kinetics’ main product lines includes the following systems:

• Life Support Systems
• Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning
• NBC / CBRN Protection
• Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
• Hydraulic Systems & Components

The company has been the principal supplier of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection system and Individual Crew Cooling Systems (ICES) for Israel’s Merkava main battle tank, from the first model to the current Merkava Mk4 tank. The company has also developed and produces an integrated system, combining air conditioning, NBC protection and auxiliary power generation into an integrated Life Support System (LSS). The system combines the functions of NBC/CBRN protection and detection, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), providing individual crew and equipment cooling (ICECS), with automatic fire suppression (AFS). An evolution of Kinetics’ LSS also accommodates an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

Tailoring each solution to meet the specific requirement of both the platform and customer, based on qualified and fielded solutions, Kinetics maintains the collective experience, technical skills and know-how necessary to introduce sophisticated, integrated systems, meeting the harsh operating environment and the toughest environmental conditions, military platforms are expected to meet in combat.

Website link: www.kinetics.co.il

Kinetics Fields of Activity:

Kinetics customizes life support systems (LSS) and Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) for a wide range of wheeled and tracked armored fighting vehicles, MRAPs, self propelled guns and other vehicles.

Kinetics Life Support Systems (LSS)
These systems also comprise Environmental Control Systems (ECS) providing Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVA) for operations in conventional warfare. These systems fully support filtration of dust, smoke and potentially hazardous agents that could be encountered by the warfighter in asymmetric warfare. Back

Kinetics NBC / CBRN Protection (CBRN)
The company also produces collective NBC protection systems designed for NATO-AEP-54 standard. Such systems were developed and produced for the Piranha 3 and 4 vehicles, Pandur 2 and Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) AIFVs, as well as in the NEMO self propelled mortar system. The system has also been integrated into the JLTV technology demonstrators
developed by Lockheed Martin. Back

Auxiliary Power Units such as those are integrated in main battle tanks like the M-1A2 Abrams and Merkava Mk4.

Kinetics Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
Kinetics has developed and fielded a ange of APUs for external and internal installation on military vehicles. These APUs are provided as standalone systems or integrated with Kinetics’ Life Support Systems (LSS-APU), providing auxiliary power, NBC/CBRN Protection and Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning (HVAC). Back

APUs can be used to support the individual platform on a ‘silent watch’ with the engine shut down, keeping low noise and thermal signatures. To support the increased power demand for add-on high power electronic equipment, the APU can be used as a ‘co-generator’, operating in parallel with the platform main engine, while stationary or on the move. It can also be used to power off-board consumers. Back

Hydraulic Systems & Components
Other fields of activity at Kinetics include hydraulic systems and components, used in armored vehicles for various roles, such as transmission and braking and track tension mechanism.

Among the military hydraulic systems developed and produced by Kinetics are hydraulic elements for control systems supporting turrets, gun or missile launchers, and enhanced suspension systems for military vehicles. Such products are currently integrated in Merkava and M-1A2SEP main battle tanks, HIMARS mobile rocket system and the M-109A6 Paladin self-propelled gun. Back

Multirole Transport Aircraft - the Indo-Russian program based on the Ilyushin Il-214 design.

India and Russia are setting up a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to design and develop the IL-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA). The partners in the JVC will be Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Russian United Aircraft Corporation and Russian defense export agency Rosoboronexport. The operating site of the new JVC will be in Bangalore, India – adjacent to HAL headquarters.


The two countries are expected to equally share the development cost of around $600 million. Russia and India will also win equal work share of the planned production of 205 aircraft – the expected orders from Russia, India and a number of countries that have already expressed interest in a future replacement of aging Russian made transport planes.  In India and Russia the MTA is slated to replace the aging fleet of An-32 transports. First flight of the IL-214 based MTA is expected in 2014 and the new transport could be operational by late 2015.

An Antonov An-32B of the Croatian Air Force releases flare countermeasures during a low-level pass. Photo: Goran Maravic

Unlike the Brazilian KC-390 program that dramatically took off in 2009, after two years of planning, the Indo-Russian MTA has been in the making since 1999, with the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between HAL and the Russian companies Ilyusihin and Irkut in 2001. It took six years for the parties  to agree on common requirements and specifications for the plane. In 2008 Irkut bailed out from the program, to focus on its Superjet-100 (MC-21) civil transport plane. Ilyushin, now an operating unit in the UAC consortium, was hoping to spinoff the MTA into a similar 100 seat aircraft, continued the cooperation. Only after, which will be upgraded now from a loose bilateral inter-governmental operation into a commercial JV. The inclusion of the Russian defense export agency is expected to streamline export activities to countries where Russia has extensive defense exports, particularly in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East where MTA will run head to head with the Brazilian KC-390.

The twin-jet powered MTA will have a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 65 tons and payload capacity of 15-20 tons. Its length will be 33.2 meters, with a wingspan of 30.1 m’ and height of 10m’. Powered by two Aviadvigatel PD-14 turbofan engines, MTA will be able to cruise at a speed of 800 km/h, to a range of 2,500-2,700 km with full payload. Service ceiling will be 12 km. meeting the requirement of both Indian and Russian Air Forces. The aircraft will feature fly-by-wire system, full authority digital engine control, and avionics suite configured as a modern ‘glass cockpit’. The MTA will be capable of takeoff and landing from a runway of 1200 meters.

Turkish army newly modernized M-60T tanks roll with F-4E fighter jets fly over as Turkey celebrate 'Victory Day' - the 88th anniversary of the end of the 1919-22 War of Independence. Both the tanks and fighter jets were modernized to modern standards by IMI and IAI. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Turkish Army displayed it’s newly upgraded M-60T main battle tanks for the first time at the 88th ‘Victory Day’ parade in August 2010. The M-60T is an upgraded M-60A1, modernized by Israel Military Industries (IMI) under a $687.5 million turnkey project. considered to be one of the world’s largest tank upgrade programs, bringing the M60A1 tank to level of the world’s leading main battle tanks. IMI delivered the last of 170 upgraded M-60A1 tank to the Turkish Army on April 7, 2010.

The M-60T modernized by IMI for the Turkish Army. Photo: IMI

The program was launched in 2002 as a multi-year program that included establishment of production facilities, training and logistic support infrastructure in Turkey, and transfer the technology to local industries enabling local production of part of the systems. The modernization of the 1960 vintage M-60A1 transformed the tank into a modern weapon system, integrating modern and combat proven protection, firepower, propulsion and vectronic systems. The design implemented in the Turkish program utilized systems already proven in modern armored vehicles in service with the Israel Defense Forces, such as Israel’s Merkava 4 main battle tank.

Through the upgrade program the tank’s original 105mm rifled gun was replaced with a new 120mm smooth bore gun, all-electric turret drive, sophisticated optronic and fire control systems. The armor suite was enhanced with advanced hybrid armor system protecting the crew. A modern power-train was also introduced, including a more powerful 1000 hp MTU diesel engine with matching transmission, a final drive and advanced suspension system derived from the Merkava design, provided by IMI.

The M-60T represents a significant potential for the upgrading of a large number of M-60s class tanks that remain in operational service worldwide. Turkey itself has over 1,000 such tanks awaiting further improvements. Other M-60 operators are also considering such upgrades, extending the life span of this proven tank for decades to come.

The Australian Bushmaster armor and mine protected vehicle. Photo: Thales

Two companies the Australian subsidiary of Thales and U.S. based Textron Marine & Land Systems have confirmed as qualified for the next stage in the Canadian selection process for future acquisition of about 600 Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), to replace the current RG-31, LAV-2 (Coyote) and some of the light protected G-Wagon utility vehicles.

Mobile Survivable Vehicle from Textrone Marine & Land Systems. Photo: Tamir eshel

Textron plans to offer the ‘Mobile Survivable Vehicle‘ – a special 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle specifically designed to provide survivability, mobility and versatility in full spectrum operations over the toughest of landscapes. A typical configuration was displayed last year at the AUSA annual meeting. The armored hull is shielding troops from roadside bombs and blasts while providing large power reserves for future electronics enhancements with an ergonomically designed interior for optimum comfort and payload.

“Our team has been working diligently to develop and test this modern combat vehicle for the Canadian military to achieve the highest possible level of crew protection while maintaining the mobility and reliability of our combat-proven Armored Security Vehicle,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. “We are offering the Canadian military the ultimate balance of survivability, mobility and lethality in a modern, ergonomically designed platform. It is a cost effective game-changing solution for Canada’s national security requirements for the next 25 years.”

The combat proven Bushmaster family of protected mobility vehicles includes patrol, command, ambulance, surveillance and target acquisition, direct fire support weapons and mortar vehicle variants and provides solutions for a wide variety of mission roles and applications including logistical support. Bushmasters have been deployed to Afghanistan for the past several years, where they are operated by the Australian and Dutch forces. For the TAPV program Thales intend to offer the base vehicle with various weapon systems, such as a remote weapons station, sighting and vision systems and several C4I options.

Anticipating the significance of local workshare in the program, Thales has entered an exclusive teaming agreement with DEW Engineering and Development ULC, on the assembly of the Bushmaster. In addition, Thales will be looking at further maximizing its Canadian Content Value and will be meeting with potential suppliers across Canada over the next several months. Thales’ first official supplier sourcing session will be during DEFSEC Atlantic 2010, in Halifax, September 9 – 10, 2010.

Other teams that competed for the program included Oshkosh offering the M-ATV, and the French Nexter offered theAravis. Although the Canadians were explicitly seeking ‘Military off the Shelf’ (MOTS) vehicles, two companies preferred to submit new vehicles – BAE Systems offered the South African designed RG-35 and L-3, teamed with Israel’s Hatehof and Elbit Systems offered the new Xtrem.

Luxembourg will get Scania G480 all-terrain 8x8 trucks, similar to this G420 used by the Dutch Army. Netherlands bought 555 trucks from Scania in 2003.

Scania announced receiving new orders for 8×8 all-wheel drive, mine protected trucks from the NATO military procurement & sustainment agency (NAMSA), to deliver 13 Type 8×8 G 480 trucks for the Luxembourg Army.

The new, add-on mine-protected V-hull was presented at Eurosatory 2010 by Akers Krutbruk's. The armor system for the Scania truck was launched at Eurosatory in 2008, and was since installed on several hundred trucks. The design implements ballistic protection in an internal installation, thus maintaining a 'non aggressive' look. At the 2010 Eurosatory Akers introduced an additional facet of this system - an add-on V-shaped hull, attached to the standard chassis, improving the cab's protection from mine blast and IEDs. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

Scania will also deliver 18 additional trucks without mine protection. According to Scania, this is the first application of the new STANAG Level 3 armor on a 13 ton truck. These new trucks will mostly be used on peace-keeping missions. Scania in cooperation with Swedish armor expert Akers Krutbruk has developed an add-on mine protected V-hull tailored for these trucks. 28 of the trucks will be fitted with hooklift bodywork and three with recovery body. Deliveries will take place during 2011.

In addition, Scania announced another order for 88 logistics trucks from Sweden, part of an ongoing delivery agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The new order includes 80 three-axle Scania G 400 6×2 logistics vehicles with hooklift bodywork. Four vehicles to be used for driver training are specified with four individual seats in the cab. FMV has also ordered eight four-axle Scania P 400 8×2 with crane and platform bodywork. These vehicles are fitted with the Scania Communicator 200 on-board data collector for remote follow-up of vehicle and driver performance via a web portal. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. Scania introduced military vehicles built to meet NATO standard in 1998. Mine and ballistic protected vehicles were introduced in 2001.

Caiman MTV. Photo: BAE Systems

BAE Systems will upgrade 1,700 Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, under a $629 million contract awarded by the MRAP Joint Program Office (JPO).

The upgraded vehicle will include a refurbished and improved armored capsule, derived from existing Caimans. Unlike the classic ‘floating floor’ blast-protected floor, the new capsule is integrated with ‘enhanced monolithic floor’, strengthened frame and blast protected seats, improving the survivability of the passengers and crew. The new vehicle uses an uprated automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. The upgraded interior also includes an upgraded HVAC temperature control system to protect soldiers and critical computer equipment from hot and cold extremes. The vehicle’s improved mobility is achieved with a greater vehicle track width, a strong independent suspension and an upgraded powertrain.

The upgraded vehicle is designated ‘Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV)‘. These enhancements will provide greater levels of mobility and survivability required in Afghan theater of operation. “The Caiman MTV is a very adaptable configuration that can be customized to meet a variety of missions” said Dennis Morris, president, BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems.

BAE Systems introduced the Caiman MTV earlier this year following a rapid design and development program. The new award is the first order of the new vehicle. BAE Systems will deliver the first Caiman MTVs from its production line at Sealy, TX in November 2010. Further integration will continue by the Navy.