Armored vehicles

This photographic report is the third part of our coverage of the Latrun 2010 land warfare conference and exhibitions. This feature highlights some of the unmanned systems at the show, beginning with the Guardium, which recently entered operational service with the IDF, as part of the border security measures employed along one of the country's hot border lines. Another...

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has selected the Finnish Armored Modular Vehicles (AMV)  personnel carrier for its future APC, and awarded Patria Land & Armament Oy a contract worth approximately $336 million (SEK 2.5 billion) for the acquisition of 113  AMVs. Five vehicle manufacturers have competed for this contract. Patria has committed to an offset agreement covering 100% of...

An update on the Merkava based Infantry Fighting Vehicle “For 38 years we produced only tanks, but in the last two years we have expanded into a family of vehicles, with the development and production of the Namer IFV." Brigadier general Yaron Livnat, Merkava Tank Program Manager (PM) told Defense Update. "The Mk 4 entered service four years after its...

Assessment of the Second Lebanon War By Col. David Eshel Realizing the capabilities of the Merkava 4 tank, Hezbollah allocated their most advanced weaponry to combat this advanced tank, engaging these tanks exclusively with the heavier, more capable missiles such as 9M133 AT-14 Kornet, 9M131 Metis M and RPG-29. RPG-29 and 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5) were employed mostly against Merkava 3 and 2 while non-tandem weapons, such as Tow,...

Larson Electronics is introducing an infrared Light Emitting Diodes (LED) based headlight system for vehicles, designed to allow users to replace or augment their vehicles current headlights with infrared illumination that is visible only with the use of night vision devices. The 60 Watt LED's output is set to be in the infrared 940Nm end of the light spectrum, making...

Oshkosh Defense has unveiled today the Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV), a new class of vehicle designed to meet the military’s new trend toward lighter, deployable yet highly protected tactical vehicles. Based on its extensive experience with and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) and the medium weight variant, (M-ATV), comprising a major part of teh U.S. Army vehicle...

Russia has been testing its latest and most advanced tank - the T-14 Armata in Syria. Since the tank is currently in a developmental testing phase, it is likely that its mission to Syria is considered a field trial rather than a combat mission. First deliveries to operational units are expected next year.

The 2006 AUSA convention provided the showcase for armored vehicles manufacturers to discuss upgrades and modernizations proposed for current armored vehicles, and provide a glimpse into the future direction of AFV, particularly in relation to robotics, unmanned ground vehicles systems (UGV) and the Future Combat Systems (FCS) related programs. One of the largest exhibitors was BAE Systems, displaying a new...

The absence of new programs provided exhibitors an opportunity to highlight improvement to existing platforms. Among the combat vehicles displayed at AUSA were the M-109 Paladin Improved Mobility (PIM) and Bradley, both included in the US Army’s Enhanced Capability Programs (ECP).

The Royal Jordanian Army is upgrading 300 M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers. The U.S. Army awarded BAE Systems a $43.3 million contract to deliver complete kits to be assembled in Jordan. The company will deliver 300 modification kits comprising an uprated engine, transmission, cooling systems, electrical system and suspension, upgrading the vehicles into M113A2Mk1 configuration. “The M113 is one of...

Tight integration between sensors, weapon systems and command levels is already reflected throughout all levels of the Israel Defense Forces. The armor and mechanized units are receiving elements of "Battle Management Systems" (BMS). These units developed by Elbit Systems, integrate the vehicle's sensors such as tank commander's thermal sights, navigation and communications systems. The sight images, viewed by the...

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, a field Scania considers as 'strategic' for its international operations.

Israel Integrates "Iron Fist" Active Protection Systems (APS) in the 'Eitan' Armored Personnel Carrier and 'Panda' Armored D9 Bulldozer. A final test series completed the integration process, demonstrating successful interception tests in various challenging scenarios. The video documenting the tests depicts a new version of the APS, employing a smaller radar panel and protected launchers.

AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: 360° surveillance provides effective situational awareness for armored vehicles crew. Perimeter surveillance utilizing peripheral cameras is becoming common with modern combat vehicles, employing forward looking thermal 'driver vision enhancer' and tail mounted camera covering the rear area. Adding side looking cameras to each flank complete the system's 360° coverage. Individual images can be inspected by...