| Vehicles
and armor protection: New vehicle programs were among
the highlights presented on Modern day Marine 2007 (MDM) expo,
held early October at Quantico, VA. Naturally, MRAP attracted
much attention, but the upcoming Joint Tactical Light Vehicle
(JLTV), destined to begin replacing the current HMMWV caught
even more interest, demonstrating industry and Pentagon determination
to pursue this ambitious program, despite the extraordinary
investment on the huge MRAP program. The exhibition provided
the stage for display of some of the concept vehicles developed
for the Marine's, currently undergoing evaluations. The most
attractive at MDM07 was the Combat Tactical Vehicle Technology
demonstrator (CTV-TD) currently undergoing automotive testing
at the Nevada Automotive test Center (NATC). (more...)
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New vehicle programs were among the highlights presented on
Modern day Marine 2007 (MDM) expo, held early October at Quantico,
VA. Naturally, MRAP attracted much attention, but the upcoming
Joint Tactical Light Vehicle (JLTV), destined to begin replacing
the current HMMWV caught even more interest, demonstrating industry
and Pentagon determination to pursue this ambitious program,
despite the extraordinary investment on the huge MRAP program.
The exhibition provided the stage for display of some of the
concept vehicles developed for the Marine's, currently undergoing
evaluations. The most attractive at MDM07 was the Combat Tactical
Vehicle Technology demonstrator (CTV-TD) currently undergoing
automotive testing at the Nevada Automotive test Center (NATC).
Considering the excessive weight and challenging issues confronting
strategic and tactical mobility, vehicle manufacturers are realizing
that there is a potential gap between the 'light' up-armored
HMMWV and the heavy MRAP, which could be exploited by a lightweight,
'compact' mine-protected armored vehicle, offering improved
mobility without compromising protection. Two companies introduced
such vehicles at MDM – Protected Vehicles with the new
'Protector' and Force Protection, displaying the 'Cheetah'.
As expected, some versions of the MRAP were on display here,
including the latest version of the MaxxPro from International
and the RG-33, equipped with a observation and surveillance
mast produced by Gyrocam systems and BAE Systems' Lemur remotely
operated weapon station designed to detect and intercept IEDs
at standoff range. A similar system was shown by Elbit Systems'
EFW subsidiary, on a technology demonstrator HMMWV which employed
the CREW Counter-IED jammer, a lightweight weapon station and
an elevated electro-optical payload, designed to provide standoff-detection
and interception of IEDs. A new ground penetrating radar offering
stand-off detection of IEDs, unveiled by AAI.
Other protected vehicles are promoted to offer enhanced protection
beyond the level MRAP currently provides. Among the 'Post MRAP'
vehicles presented at MDM 07 was the Blackwater Grizzly.
The Bull, a beefed-up MTVR truck, applied with an EFP protected
cabin did not make it to MDM – the 4x4 version just returning
from testing at the Army's Aberdeen proving ground was sent
to Washington, to participate at the AUSA convention.
Blast protected seats are becoming a hot product among services
tasked with Global War on Terror. Vehicle designers recognize
the need to protect vehicles, passengers and crews not only
from bullets, mines and IEDs, but also from the devastating
blast-effects suffered by occupants during such attacks. Potential
applications of such seats are in the new MRAP vehicles and
future JLTV, as well as for Strykers, M915, M113, HMMWVs and
the new Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and FutureCombat
System's Manned ground Vehicle (MGV). Among the companies displaying
blast protected seat technologies at MDM were seat specialist
Global Seating Systems (GSS), ArmorWorks, BAE Systems and Plasan
Sasa.
 Armor
protection is not the only aspect the USMC is focusing on. Other
elements are mobility and stealth. These are the attributes
where the new type of air-deployable all-terrain vehicle should
excel. The US Marine Corps is looking for a light strike vehicle
transportable internally in CV-22, CH-53 and C-130. Such vehicles
will enable Marine recon units to carry out long range deep
penetration raids and long-range patrol missions. The Internally
Transportable Vehicle (ITV) is conducted through a joint program
with the U. S. Special Operations Command; the Marine Corps
being the lead service. At Modern Day Marine 07 several vehicles
were displayed claiming for this title. Among the all terrain
vehicles on display at MDM 07 were two types of the Growler,
a Tomcar and a new hybrid-electric powered ATV called HyDRA.
Urban combat environment can be particularly dangerous to soldiers
remaining in disabled vehicles. Rapid recovery is therefore
imperative, and military users are examining many alternatives
to facilitate rapid, safe recovery of disabled or damaged vehicles
without putting the crew or rescue teams at unnecessary risk.
A number of systems on display at MDM 07 reflected the growing
interest in those simple but effective vehicle recovery solutions.
Other topics covered in this review:
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