Browsing Posts in Defense Industry

Boxer IFV

A first view of the Boxer Infantry Fighting Vehicle, seen on the KMW exhibit at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

At Eurosatory 2010 KMW displayed the new infantry fighting vehicle version of the Boxer, equipped with the Lance remote controlled turret (RCT) mounting the Mk44 Bushmaster 30mm automatic cannon, and the FLW200 Independent Commander Weapon System (ICWS) mounting a 7.62 machine gun. The turret can be augmented with externally mounted Anti-Tank Guided Missiles such as the Rafael Spike, carried by the Puma.

boxer Remote Controlled Turret (RCT)

The Boxer's Remote Controlled Turret (RCT) mounting the Bushmaster Mk44 30mm gun. Photo: Noam Eshel

Another version recently introduced is the combat repair vehicle, a new configuration responding to requirementf from Afghanistan. This vehicle is equipped to safely carry a technical team of two operators into a hot battle zone, conducting emergency repairs in the field. The vehicle is operated by two additional crew members – a driver and vehicle commander.

Scania has acquired 30 percent of the stocks in Laxå Special Vehicles, a company Scania has been cooperating with for adapting adapting cabs and chassis for special-purpose vehicles. Such vehicles traditionally serve in heavy-haulage and fire engines. In recent years, truck platforms have been increasingly used for armored vehicles. According to Martin Lundstedt, Executive Vice President and head of Franchise and Factory Sales at Scania, special purpose vehicle conversion is of “strategic importance to our effort of increasing global sales of special-purpose vehicles”. For many years, Scania has been Laxå’s single largest customer. Laxå Special Vehicles today has 75 employees. Among other things, Laxå Special Vehicles is responsible for preparing the Scania CrewCab for serial production on Scania’s assembly line for trucks in Södertälje.