The CV90 MkIV is a fifth generation combat-proven Infantry Fighting Vehicle based on the CV90 family of Swedish-made tracked armored combat vehicles designed by Sweden’s Defense Materiel Administration (Försvarets Materielverk, FMV), Hägglunds which is now part of BAE Systems and Bofors during the mid-1980s and early 1990s and entered service in Sweden in the mid-90s. The MkIV represents the next step in the evolution of the CV90 concept. The CV90 MkIV was born out of a research and development program performed by BAE Systems to incorporate feedback from the seven nations that currently use the CV90 platform.
The CV90 MkIV can be fitted with a two-man turret or an unmanned weapon station. The two-man power-operated turret is of all-welded steel construction, with the commander seated on the left and the gunner on the right, with both crew members having a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the rear. Turret traverse and weapon elevation are all-electric with manual controls provided for emergency use. The vehicle is fitted with the D series modular turret which can be armed with different types of armament, from 30/40-mm and 35/50-mm automatic cannons up to 120-mm smooth-bore tank cannon. Second armament can include Spike LR or other anti-tank guided missile launchers and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.
The CV90 MkIV is motorized with a new engine, the Mk IV boasts up to 1,000 horsepower and the latest upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is increased from 35 tons to 37 tones, offering users two tones of extra payload without a decrease in vehicle agility. The torsion bar suspension of the CV90 MkIV consists on each side of seven dual rubber-tired road wheels, drive sprocket at the front, and idler at the rear with no track-return rollers. A track tension adjusting system is fitted as standard on the vehicle allowing the driver to adjust both tracks at once without leaving his seat. The CV90 MkIV can also be equipped with a Soucy type rubber band tracks.
The CV90 MkIV was unveiled by BAE Systems during the International Armored Vehicles conference and Exhibition in September 2017. Since 2016, BAE Systems has focused on strengthening relationships with local Czech industry partners in support of the Czech government’s plans to replace its fleet of legacy BMP-2 vehicles. BAE Systems is offering the CV90 MkIV for the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program of US Army to replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle which is the standard tracked armored IFV in service with the US Army since 1981.
