Non-Subscriber Extract
UK FCLV contest down to three
- Article Tools
| 14 May 2001 |
CHRISTOPHER F FOSS JDW Land Forces Editor
London
The UK Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) has now shortlisted three contractors for the next phase of the British Army competition for the Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV).
The six companies that were issued an invitation to tender (ITT) late last year were Alvis Vehicles, BAE Systems RO Defence, Consorzio IVECO-FIAT, Hunting Engineering, NP Aerospace and Vickers Defence Systems.
The three companies shortlisted are: Alvis Vehicles (with Alvis Scarab and General Motors Defence Brute); Hunting Engineering (ACMAT TPK 430 BL); and Vickers Defence Systems (RG-31M and RG-32M). All the vehicles are of the 4 x 4 type with varying levels of armour protection. The Scarab, RG-31M and RG-32M have the highest protection against anti-tank mines.
JDW sources, however, indicate that Consorzio IVECO-FIAT has been urged by the DPA to offer the armoured version of its new 4 x 4 MLV, undergoing trials in Italy, to Alvis Vehicles or Vickers Defence Systems.
This proposal could well find favour with Alvis Vehicles as there is now some doubt over the future of the Canadian Brute.
The vehicle, based on a Swiss Bucher Duro chassis, was considered to be a strong contender for the Canadian Army's requirement for 802 light utility vehicles (LUV).
However, it has been disclosed that General Motors Defence is no longer bidding Brute for the LUV requirement (JDW 9 May).
General Motors Defence has a high workload in the coming years. Teamed with General Dynamics Land Systems, its 8 x 8 LAV-III was selected by the US Army for its interim Brigade Combat Teams, with 2,131 vehicles to be built in Canada and the USA over the next few years.
Following talks the final FCLV contenders will be awarded firm fixed-price contracts for the risk reduction studies and trials phase which will start late in 2001. This, however, will cover only part of the costs of the trials; the contractor will also contribute.
The army will carry out extensive tests of the competing vehicles at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit.
After these trials one contractor is expected to receive the ITT for full production and support of the FCLV next year. Between 500 and 600 vehicles are expected to be purchased.
The projected FCLV in-service date is 2005.