The ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development) armoured fighting vehicle family is the product of a cooperation agreement between Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG and Spanish General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas (both companies are now divisions of a unit of General Dynamics). In Austrian version is called “ASCOD ULAN”.
The ULAN mounts a 30 mm Mauser MK-30/2 autocannon in a fully traversable electro-mechanical turret. As secondary armament, the Ulan carries 200 rounds of 30 mm and 600 rounds of 7.62 mm rounds in the turret, a further 205 rounds for the 30 mm gun and up to 1,290 for the 7.62 mm machine gun are stored inside the hull.
ASCOD ULAN Armoured Fighting Vehicle
The Ulan is fitted with a digital fire control system built by Kollsman. The gunner’s sight is manufactured by Elbit and the integrated thermal imager can be accessed by both the gunner and the commander.
The Ulan has been fitted with MEXAS composite armour, which increases ballistic protection against up to 30 mm APFSDS rounds fired. The Ulan is also fitted with spall-liners in order to decrease casualties in case of armour penetration.
The Austrian Ulan fitted withs a 720 horsepower (540 kW) MTU 8V-199-TE20 engine, Renk HSWL 106C hydro-mechanical transmission, suspension based on torsion bar and rotary dampers; designed and manufactured by “Piedrafita”.
The TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Blazing Sun) is Russian-made multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon system which is designed for fire support of infantry and tanks, defeating enemy personnel at unconcealed environment and under the shelter in various kinds of offensive and defensive combat action, and also for incapacitation of light armored transport and vehicles. TOS-1A is used in combat formation of supported forces from unconcealed and concealed positions. The TOS-1A is designed and manufactured by the Russian Defence Company JSC of Uralvagonzavod.
The armament of the TOS-1A consists of a block launcher with 24 guide pipes of 220 mm caliber with 3,725 m length for launching unguided missile. The TOS-1A fires an unguided missile via ballistic course after its boosting by solid-fuelled thrust engine. The projectile nose is equipped with special thermobaric explosives. At missile fuse activation at the target area, central initiation – destructive charge destructs thin-walled capsule of the projectile nose and dispenses thermobaric explosives at ground air lair. The TOS-1A uses BM-1 combat vehicle components based on the chassis of the Russian-made T-72 main battle tank. The vehicle is motorized with a V-12 multi-fuel engine V-84-1 developing a power of 840 hp. at 2,000 rpm. The latest version of the TOS-1A uses now the chassis of the T-90 MBT (Main Battle Tank).
The Italian Army (Esercito Italiano) is the land-based component of the Italian Armed Forces of the Italian Republic. The army’s history dates back to the unification of Italy in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China, Libya, Northern Italy against the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, Abyssinia before World War II and in World War II in Albania, Balkans, North Africa, Russia and Italy itself. During the Cold War, the army prepared itself to defend against a Warsaw Pact invasion from the east.
Italian Army (Esercito Italiano)
Since the end of the Cold War, the army has seen extensive peacekeeping service and combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Its best-known combat vehicles are the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, the Centauro tank destroyer and the Ariete tank and among its aircraft the Mangusta attack helicopter, recently deployed in UN missions. The headquarters of the Army General Staff are located in Rome opposite the Quirinal Palace, where the president of Italy resides. The army is an all-volunteer force of active-duty personnel.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, electronic warfare suites, signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems, data links and communications systems and radios.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world.
Elbit Systems’ shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
Video by ElbitSystems.com
The International MaxxPro MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle is an armored fighting vehicle designed by American company Navistar International’s subsidiary Navistar Defense along with the Israeli Plasan Sasa, who designed and manufactures the vehicle’s armor. Extensively tested by the military and used in theater today, the MaxxPro features a V-shaped hull and other design features that greatly improve survivability. With so much protection, it’s the vehicle that every crew wants when they’re out in the field. The vehicle was designed to take part in the US Military’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program, led by the US Marine Corps, as well as a similar US Army-led Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program.
International MaxxPro Plus with Frag Kit 6
MRAPs are categorized as category 1 or category 2, depending on usage and passenger compartment space, and Navistar produces the MaxxPro in both sizes, although the vast majority of those sold have been category 1 MRAPs. The MaxxPro Plus model comes with dual rear wheels for increased load carrying capacity, such as an ambulance or EFP protected variant. The latest model produced is the MaxxPro Dash, which is a smaller and lighter category 1 model. Both the Plus and Dash models use the MaxxForce 10 engine with 375 hp, in place of the DT 530 with 330 hp, used in the original base model produced. On June 16, 2008 Navistar debuted a new version called MaxxPro Plus. MaxxPro Plus has increased engine power and payload, as well as Frag Kit 6 enhancements for increased explosively formed penetrator protection.
International MaxxPro Dash
The MaxxPro utilizes a crew capsule with a V-shaped hull, mounted on an International 7000 chassis. The V-hull deflects the blast of a land mine or improvised explosive device (IED) away from the vehicle to protect its occupants. Because the chassis is mounted outside the armored crew capsule, there are concerns that it will likely be destroyed in the event of an ambush, leaving the soldiers inside stranded. However, according to Navistar Defense spokesperson Roy Wiley, the MaxxPro “did extremely well during the tests, and we are extremely pleased.” This design may prove as effective as the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann ATF Dingo that uses a similar design, one which mounts an armored capsule to a Unimog chassis. This design has survived a 7 kg (15 lb) land mine blast with no injuries.
International MaxxPro MRV
Initially just two vehicles were delivered for testing at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in March 2007. About 9,000 MaxxPro vehicles were bought by the U.S. Army between 2007 and 2011, and they plan to keep only about 3,000 of them. Navistar is pitching the MaxxPro MRAP as a vehicle that can be upgraded into a mobile command post or power generator. With budget cuts, the plan would allow the Army to get solutions they want from the existing fleet. The company is also planning to make it a maintenance vehicle and mortar carrier. The MaxxPro has been exported to a number of countries. Largest operators are Jordan (100), Romania (60) and Hungary (42).
The Ray-Ting 2000 or RT-2000 AMLRS (Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System) developed by Taiwan-based Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Army. The wheeled multiple launch rocket system replaces the existing Kung Feng VI 117mm rocket system. The RT-2000 is an accurate Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System designed to fire against amphibious assault and to enhance the firepower of conventional tube artillery. There are three kinds of Ray-Ting 2000 rockets with their maximum range. Ray-Ting 2000 launcher with self-reload crane is mounted on a high mobility 8X8 cargo truck. The design of sealed rocket pod reduces the reloading time and process remarkably. Such design also lowers the maintenance requirement and eases stockpile.
RT2000 Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System
The Taiwanese Army has a total requirement of about 150 Ray-Ting 2000 systems. It received its first Ray-Ting 2000 AMLRS from CSIST in September 2012. Ray-Ting 2000 launcher is equipped with fully automatic fire control system, elevation and azimuth driven systems, and position and direction determining system. Over 50 RT2000 systems are currently planned for production by the Republic of China Ministry of National Defence (MND) at a cost of $483m. All the units are deployed under the 21st Artillery Command and each artillery group is equipped with three Ray-Ting 200 batteries comprising 18 RT2000 launchers. The main role of the RT2000 is costal defense. It is intended to neutralize enemy amphibious craft with troops and equipment before reaching the beach.
RT2000 Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System
Mounted on the rear of the chassis is the powered launcher that can be fitted with pods of unguided surface-to-surface rockets that are aimed and fired with the crew remaining in the forward control cab. The first variant of the RT-2000 was based on the American Oshkosh Defense M977 HEMTT truck. The truck is powered by the Detroit Diesel 8V92TA engine, developing 450 horsepower. The latest production system is mounted on an 8×8 MAN military truck. Three types of launcher units can be mounted to the back side of the chassis, 117 mm with 60 rockets, 180 mm with 27 rockets, and 230 mm with 12 rockets. Mounted in the fully enclosed forward control cab is the fire-control panel which allows the crew to aim and fire the rockets with key elements of the system including the electronic unit, position and attitude determining system, controller box, servo motors, amplifier and the communications processor.
RT2000 Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System
The RT2000 uses three types of rockets: Mk15, Mk30 and Mk45. The mark number of each rocket type indicates the maximum range in kilometers. The RT-2000 can use 60 Mk15 117-mm rockets. It is the same rocket used with the Kung Feng 6A launcher. The Mk30 180-mm rocket is larger and launcher can hold 27 of them. The Mk45 is a 230-mm rocket and has a range of 45 km. It is claimed that a full salvo of the Mk45 rockets covers area of 200 000 m², destroying all small landing craft and damaging larger ones. The RT-2000 can hold 12 of the Mk45 rockets. The Mk30 and Mk45 can utilize high explosive or cluster warheads. It is worth mentioning that the RT-2000 can fire while moving. The Mk45 can destroy all small landing craft and damage large sized ships. All three rocket-types in the Ray-Ting 2000 are powered by solid propellant motors. They are equipped with four fins for in-flight stabilisation. Each rocket can be equipped with a front-mounted warhead of high-explosive or sub-munition.
The ACV-19 (Armored Combat Vehicle) is the general name for a class of 15-19 ton, modern high performance vehicles derived from the highly successful FNSS ACV. The vehicle was previously known as the Armoured Combat Vehicle — Stretched. The ACV-19 is a further development of the ACV-15, which is developed from the M113 series of armoured personnel carriers built by United Defense of the United States. The vehicle is in service with Turkey and has obtained export orders from Jordan, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. ACV-19 offers the latest developments in high value vehicle performance for internal volume and payload but maintains the advantages of commonality with ACV family of vehicles. The ACV-19 retains the basic shape of the M113, although it is actually derived from the ACV-300, an infantry fighting vehicle derived itself from the M113
FNSS ACV-19 Armored Combat Vehicle
The differences between ACV-15 and ACV-19 consist primarily of a longer (stretched) hull (6 road wheels), heavy duty final drives, and more aggressive suspension. The ACV-19 offers more volume under armor, more payload capacity than ACV-15. Consequently, the ACV-19 chassis can support heavier payloads such as larger turrets, without compromising the mobility offered by ACV-15. Additionally, 90% spare parts commonality among ACV-19 and ACV-15 make maintenance more convenient for users of both variants. The ACV-19 chassis are provided with a unique, space laminated armor system combining steel and aluminum technology to provide a high level of armor protection against direct KE threats. Also, the hull provides protection against mines. the vehicle remains air-portable on many western aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules, C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, and C-17 Globemaster III.
The ACV-19 IFV25 is fitted with a 25 mm one man Sharpshooter Turret and has the capacity of carrying 11 personnel including driver and commander/gunner.
The ACV-19 CFV variant is the Cavalry Fighting Vehicle configuration. It is armed with a two man turret which can be equipped with a 25 mm or 30 mm automatic cannon. The vehicle has the capacity of carrying 7 personnel including driver, commander, gunner and 4 dismounts.
The LGM-V is a laser guided missile carrier vehicle configuration of the ACV-19 FoV’. 8 rounds of ready to fire laser guided missiles are installed on the remote control missile launcher turret. The missiles are capable of destroying enemy bunkers as well as light and medium armored vehicles. The vehicle has the capacity of carrying 4 personnel and 8 Spare Laser Guided Missiles stored inside the vehicle.
The TLC variant is the Tracked Logistics Carrier configuration of the ACV-19 FoV’. It is configured with a fully armored driver and crane operator cabin placed in the front left side of the vehicle. An open flat cargo bed is available on the rear to carry loads and logistic supplies. It is equipped with a hydraulic crane to load and unload the heavy materials carried by the vehicle. It is also equipped with a self-recovery winch and a 12.7mm MG fitted on top of the vehicle. It is capable of transporting 6,000 kg of ammunition and general cargo to forward areas in support of field units. The vehicle has a capacity of carrying 2 personnel including driver and a gunner/winch operator.
The AAPC variant is the Advanced Armored Personnel Carrier configuration of the ACV-19 vehicles. The vehicle is armed with a 12.7 mm MG and has the capacity of carrying 13 personnel including driver, commander and gunner.
The ACV-19 CPV is the Command post variant of ACV-19 FoV’. It is used as an operational staff officer’s command post at the Brigade and Battalion level. It can also be configured as a Fire Direction Centre. It has the capacity of carrying 8 personnel including driver, vehicle commander and staff officers.
