BAE Systems unveils new CV90 Armadillo, RG41 MRAP at Eurosatory 2010

BAE Systems has unveiled a new build standard of its highly-regarded CV90 tracked armoured vehicle – named Armadillo. The armoured personnel carrier variant is displayed for the first time at this week’s Eurosatory exhibition in Paris. The CV90 Armadillo family of vehicles combines extremely high levels of protection with excellent mobility. The flexible modular design involves a rear roof section which can be unbolted to allow simple changeover between different mission fits. This ensures up to 80-per-cent commonality between variants and easy re-roleing of the base chassis. BAE Systems Global Combat Systems business development director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask explains: “Recent conflicts have shown the need for higher levels of protection and a high degree of flexibility to meet new threats and rapidly changing operational environments - and CV90 Armadillo offers unparalleled protection. By removing the turret we have a vehicle with a combat weight of 27 tonnes with an additional eight tonnes available for equipment or extra armour.“ CV90 Armadillo has horizontal ballistic protection well above the NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 standard and can withstand a mine blast of significantly above 10kg. It also features the Saab LEDS-150 hard kill device and an external fire suppression system. All variants have space for a crew of three – commander, driver and gunner. The armoured personnel carrier variant also carries eight dismounts. Other variants include command and control, medevac, mortar carrier and engineer vehicle. Armadillo retains CV90’s excellent reliability and its modular design improves its logistics footprint still further. Future development for the build standard will include new variants, such as a bridgelayer and additional enhanced protection. BAE Systems is launching its latest 8x8 addition to the battle-proven RG range of vehicles at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris. The new vehicle, known as the RG41, is displayed for the first time at Eurosatory. The RG41 Wheeled Armoured Combat Vehicle features a unique modular mine protected design and integrated independent suspension and driveline. The vehicle is a cost effective and highly versatile, wheeled combat vehicle suitable for multiple theatres. With a semi-V shaped hull, high payload capacity, class leading turning circle and excellent power-to-weight ratio, the RG41 meets demanding mobility and protection requirements. The vehicle's unique design means it is easy to maintain and repair in the field. The lower hull structure of the RG41 consists of five modular units joined together and bolted under the top structure of the vehicle. Any damaged modules can be removed and replaced individually with pre-fabricated replacement sections. This task can be completed by second line maintenance in an operational theatre, saving time and money. “RG41 offers exceptional protection, capability and flexibility. Current conflicts require maintenance and repairs be done in the field and the RG41’s unique design allows operators to achieve their missions while maximizing vehicle operational readiness. RG41 represents the ultimate synthesis of combat power and affordability, ideal for conventional and unconventional units,” said Dennis Morris, President of BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems.