Major players make joint bid for Germany's AMPV

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Munich and Rheinmetall Defence of Düsseldorf have launched a joint programme to develop a highly protected new vehicle family in the 5 to 9 ton weight class. The first of the four-wheel drive Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) vehicles should be ready for serial delivery by 2011. A life-size mock-up of the vehicle will be on show at Eurosatory 2008 in Paris this June, one of the world¿s leading venues for land systems. Completion of the first prototype is planned for 2009.

Responding to the Bundeswehr's current GFF ('protected command and role-specific vehicle') procurement programme, Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann have decided to develop a family of GFF 1/2-class vehicles which will fully comply with user requirements. The two defence contractors are financing the development project on their own.

The objective of the joint project is to supply the armed forces of Germany and other nations with a vehicle that sets an entirely new standard for mobility, modularity and protection technology; and to safeguard and promote certain technologies vital to German national security.

The vehicle family encompasses two type series. The agile AMPV 1 is the smaller of the two, and makes an ideal liaison vehicle. A higher level of protection and a heavier payload are the primary characteristics of the bigger AMPV 2. However, the entire vehicle family is based on standardized engineering principles and technologies.

Both type series feature a patrol vehicle with an unprotected floor in the rear section, and an equipment kit carrier with a safety cell extending all the way to the rear of the vehicle.

Also planned is a special patrol version of the AMPV1 that can be airlifted in a CH53 transport helicopter.

Source: Press release

Rheinmetall expands its' influence with new purchase

Rheinmetall has purchased Stork PWV from its' Dutch parent Stork NV.

"Stork PWV (has been) responsible for the Dutch share of the Boxer programme, which is worth around €500 million and encompasses the development and production of 200 vehicles for the Royal Netherlands Army. Rheinmetall is producing 85 of the 272 vehicles ordered by Germany's Bundeswehr, representing €212 million for the Dusseldorf-based company, which is also in charge of supplying the electronic components in all of the German and Dutch vehicles, generating an additional 60 million in sales."

This means Rheinmetall is now the majority shareholder (64% with the gain of Stork's 50%) in the Artec consortium that builds the Boxer armoured vehicle. This leaves Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) holding the remaining 36%.

Sources: Various and Rheinmetall Press Release

Sweden joins the Dutch on Geniepanzer purchase

In December we covered The Netherlands purchase of new Armoured Engineer Vehicles (AEVs). According to Defense Industry Daily the news is that Sweden has now opted in on the deal.

The Dutch and Swedish platforms are aiming for over 90% compatibility with obvious exceptions such as radios. The total order amounts to EUR 100 million for supplier Rheinmetall with 10 systems for the Dutch and 6 for the Swedish Army. Delivery is set for 2011 & 2012.

Source: As cited

Czechs cancel Pandurs

The cancellation of the Czech Republic's order for Pandur 8x8s is news. It is not, however, totally unexpected. The agreement had been signed during the last weeks of the previous government and selection of a singular APC platform has been questioned. In August, for example, Croatia chose the Finnish Patria vehicle but is receiving a mixture of 8x8 and 6x6 platforms.

Whatever the reason(s) are for the cancellation reported quality issues effecting acceptance of initial deliveries were reasons enough. What will happen? Certainly manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is not going to let a billion dollar contract die without a fight. Expect to hear them come back with a mixed platform offering, at least. Original contract semifinalists Patria and Rheinmetall are bound to be knocking on doors in Prague as we speak.

Sources: Various
Photo: Czech Army

New AEVs For the Netherlands

The Dutch military have announced the purchase of 10 Kodiak Armoured Engineer Vehicles. This is a RUAG and Rheinmetall collaboration based on the Leopard 2 platform. The Dutch will partner with Sweden (6 units) on the deal to achieve unknown economic benefits

"The armoured engineer vehicle (AEV 3) - KODIAK is a multifunctional, top-modern equipment which enables the combat engineers to fulfil the requirements in the scope of the combat engineering.

The vehicle concept is based on the modification of pre-used chassis of main battle tanks Leopard 2 and it features the following main implements:

• Dozer system with quick die change equipment for the implements (e.g. dozer blade, universal calmshell and concrete cutter)
• Dozer system up to 4.02 m width, with tilt and pitch function.
• Two winch systems with 9 t of traction force each and 200 m cable length. The traction force can be increased by pulleys.
• Mine clearing equipment consisting of a mine clearing plough (can be installed in place of the dozer system) and lane marking.
  

A complex camera and vision system as well as state-of-the-art control and display units allow the user to work efficiently even when the hatches are closed."

Sources: NIS News and RUAG