AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: Textron Systems took the AUSA opportunity to introduce a new and upgraded version of the M1117 family – designated ‘Mobile Survivable Vehicle’ (MSV). Textron engineers have increased the vehicle’s gross weight by 18%, to 38,000 lb, allowing an increase in spent armor protection and added payload capacity (220% increase). The vehicle has beefed-up exterior armor and appliqué composite armor interior. Better protection is also the result of the redesign process, for example, the utilization of blast deflection surfaces and non-structural elements designed to blow off during mine event. Elevating the vehicle has increased ground clearance by 44% and the larger; protected wheel wells have been vented and strengthened to provide better blast protection. The side windows and windshields were enlarged, providing better situational awareness from within.
The crew and passengers have individual blast protected seats. The vehicle is equipped with a more powerful 365 hp diesel engine, bringing the heavier vehicle to the performance level of the original Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) scout – road speed of 100 km/h (65 mph) and 0 – 80 km/h (50 mph) acceleration in 30 seconds. The new 4×4 vehicle also retains the ASV’s mobility and obstacle negotiation performance, The MSV is equipped with 16 inch tires, and independent suspension. Other M1117 models introduced by Textron Systems include an armored personnel carrier. The vehicle is based on the baseline ASV, extended from 237 to 261 inches (6.0 to 6.6 meters) seating two crew members and eight troops.
This year the company has developed and tested an enhanced combat survivability kit for the ASV and its new variants. The kit comprises several protection enhancement designed to fit all ASV variants. The kit includes taller and higher rated suspension, larger (16 inch) tires, increased track, anti-lock brakes, improved seating and restraints and secure door/hatch system. Another variant proposed by Textron is the Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition (RSTA) vehicle – employing the sensor pod designed for the U.S. Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). The 5-axis stabilized payload comprises a high resolution Safire LV FLIR with power zoom optics, daylight/low-light CCD, laser rangefinder and laser illuminator used for target marking and counter-sniper surveillance. The sensor is mounted on a telescopic mast, recessed in an armored stowage bustle. The two-man turret also mounts two weapons – an automatic grenade launcher and coaxial machine gun.
