26 September 2022
by Alexander Stronell
Horiba Mira's Viking unmanned ground vehicle exhibited in the logistics and resupply configuration at DVD 2022. (Janes/Alexander Stronell)
Horiba Mira is to deliver two Viking unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in an intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) configuration to the British Army in 2023, Janes has learnt.
Speaking to Janes at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2022 – the British Army's biennial defence industry exhibition – Andrew Maloney, chief engineer for defence and UGVs at Horiba Mira, confirmed that the vehicles will be delivered as part of the British Army's efforts to establish a robotic autonomous systems (RAS)-enhanced brigade by 2025.
Horiba Mira signed the contract for the vehicles with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in January 2022, with final deliveries anticipated by spring 2023. The payloads, which Janes understands are in the process of integration onto the Viking platforms, include air and ground radars, day and night cameras, and laser rangefinders.
29 September 2023
by Christopher Petrov
The Vihor 4×4 is an 8 tonne protected mobility vehicle that is designed to provide a platform for multiple functions, such as an armoured personnel carrier or a self-propelled mortar system. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)
Tehnički Remont Bratunac (TRB) from Republika Srpska in Bosnia debuted its new Vihor 4×4 at the Partner 2023 defence exhibition in Belgrade. The multirole vehicle joins a portfolio now offered by TRB, which includes the Despot.
The Vihor has a payload capacity of 2 tonnes and is powered by a Volvo TAD 840-43VW engine that produces 320 hp at 2,200 rpm and is mated to an Allison 3000 SP gearbox. The chassis is equipped with a two-speed transfer case with a differential lock and an independent suspension system to offer improved offroad capabilities. The vehicle can reach a top speed of over 120 km/h on road and can ford to a depth of 1.4 m. STANAG 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection is provided as standard, but this can be enhanced to Level 3.
29 September 2023
by Christopher Petrov
BVP M-80AB2 upgrade introduces a new 30 mm M12 autocannon from Zastava. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)
Serbia's Military Technical Institute (MTI) rolled out the latest variant of the M-80 at the Partner 2023 exhibition in Belgrade.
The BVP M-80AB2 is armed with a new Zastava 30 mm M12 autocannon, and is equipped with a new armour package and sensor suite, among other enhancements. The vehicle has been comprehensively upgraded to extend its service in the Serbian Army.
The M12 autocannon is chambered in 30×173 mm calibre, and additional armament comes via a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun and a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher. Side-mounted Malyutka 2T, 2F, and 2TS anti-tank guided missiles can also be fitted. A substantial application of applique steel armour plates has been introduced, with the front receiving solid plates while the sides have been fitted with perforated plates to save on weight. According to MTI the frontal armour is capable of stopping an unspecified type of 30 mm round. The rear of the vehicle is stated to be immune to rounds up to 14.5 mm, with the sides being the least protected, only having protection against 7.62 mm rounds.
29 September 2023
by Oishee Majumdar
The New Zealand Army's new Bushmaster vehicles at the Trentham Military Camp located in Upper Hutt near Wellington. The New Zealand MoD has issued request for proposals (RFP) to install new communications and digital systems into the army's fleet of Bushmasters. (New Zealand Ministry of Defence)
The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for services related to development and installation of communications and digital systems in the New Zealand Army's Bushmaster 4×4 Protected Mobility Vehicles.
“[These] systems will help to keep New Zealand Army personnel safe, with the latest technologies providing real-time digital maps, secure radios, and instant messaging,” Huntley Wright, assistant secretary Capability Delivery at the MoD, said on 28 September.
“They will advance a soldier's situational awareness, support their decision making, enable information collection, and improve secure communication between people and other vehicles,” Wright added.
He said that the new communications and digital systems will help to enhance interoperability with allies.
The RFP calls for a prime system integrator who can deliver and support the communications and digital systems, from design through to installation, troop training, and equipment disposal, the MoD said.
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