VPK-7829 Bumerang (Boomerang) Armored Personnel Carrier

Russia's rearmament program will see the replacement of the iconic Soviet BTR-80 with a new armored personnel carrier known as the Boomerang.

The Boomerang is still about two years away from serial production, but it will take part in this year's May 9 parade.
 

Recently a new family of 8x8 armored vehicles was developed in Russia. The project is known as the Bumerang (boomerang). A baseline vehicle is an armored personnel carrier. The new APC was revealed to Russian military officials in 2013. The whole project is being kept in high secrecy. It is being developed alongside a new-generation Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle. First APCs were delivered to the Russian Army for trials and evaluation in 2013. The Bumerang was first publicly revealed in 2015. Once approved, full-scale production is expected to begin in 2015.

Once operational this new-generation APC should replace a whole host of ageing Russian armored vehicles. The estimated requirement is at least 2 000 vehicles.

In the early 90s the BTR-90 was developed in Russia. It had a more powerful armament, improved protection greater mobility and increased internal volume, comparing with the previous BTR-80. However it was not accepted to service with the Russian Army, possibly due to funding problems. Since 2010 Russia stopped purchasing the older BTR-80 APCs. Currently improved BTR-82 is being obtained as a stop-gap measure until a new vehicle is available. In 2011 Russian MoD issued a requirement for a modular family of armored vehicles instead of the BTR-90.

The new vehicle has modular design. It has been reported that a number of components and subsystems are interchangeable with Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle.

Engine of the Bumerang is located at the front of the hull. Troops will leave the new vehicle via rear doors, or roof hatches. It is worth mentioning that a rear-mounted engine of the BTR series APCs was a significant drawback, as troops had to leave the vehicle via side doors. Cramped side entry and exit hatches are even worse on BTR-70 APCs, which is still in service with the Russian Army. If such vehicle is ambushed, troops usually have to leave it under direct enemy fire.

It is most likely that the Bumerang will have a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. It will carry around 7 soldiers.

The new armored personnel carrier will be fitted with remotely controlled weapon station. Various stations are being developed, armed with 30-mm cannon, 12.7-mm and 7.62-mm machine guns. Vehicle might be also fitted with anti-tank guided missile launchers.

The new APC will have an 8x8 configuration. It will be fitted with a turbocharged diesel engine, developing around 500 hp. The same engine will be also used on Kurganets-25 next-generation infantry fighting vehicle. It seems that the new vehicle will be fully amphibious. On water it will be propelled by two waterjets.

Other armored vehicles of the Bumerang family will include armored ambulance, command post vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, anti-tank missile carrier, air defense missile launcher, fire support vehicle, mortar carrier, and other. It seems that with these vehicle Russia plans to equip rapid deployment brigades, similar to US Stryker brigades.

Entered service	expected in 2015
Crew	3 men
Personnel	~ 7 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight	15 ~ 20 t
Length	~ 8 m
Width	~ 3 m
Height	~ 3 m
Armament
Main gun	30-mm (?)
ATGW	Kornet-EM (?)
Machine guns	1 x 7.62-mm (?)
Ammunition load
Main gun	500 rounds (?)
ATGW	4 missiles (?)
Machine guns	2000 x 7.62-mm (?)
Mobility
Engine	diesel
Engine power	~ 500 hp
Maximum road speed	~ 100 km/h
Amphibious speed on water	~ 10 km/h
Range	~ 800 km
Maneuverability
Gradient	60%
Side slope	40%
Vertical step	~ 0.6 m
Trench	~ 2 m
Fording	Amphibious

Prophet

MISSION

Provides a near-real-time picture of the battlespace through the use of signals intelligence sensors with the capability to detect, identify, and locate selected emitters.

DESCRIPTION

Prophet is a 24-hour, all-weather, near-real- time, ground-based tactical signals intelligence/electronic warfare capability organic to the Brigade Combat Team (BCT), Stryker BCT, Armored Cavalry Regiment, and Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. Prophet contains two to four Electronic Support (ES) 1/Enhanced Systems and one to two Controls/ Prophet Analysis Cells (PACs). Prophet provides near-real-time force protection, situational awareness, and actionable intelligence by reporting the location, tracking, and identification of radio frequency emitters. It is interoperable on the Global Signals Intelligence Enterprise, delivering collected data to common databases for access by the intelligence community. Prophet's tactical mobility allows supported units to easily reposition its collection capability on the battlefield to support evolving situations.

The Prophet Enhanced System is a nonplatform dependent modular system that will allow easy integration onto a vehicle. The Sensor supports both Stationary and On-The-Move (Mobile) Operations simultaneously. The Mobile configuration also has the capability to support Manpack Operations. The Prophet Enhanced System provides increased capability over existing Prophet ES 1 Systems. The Prophet Enhanced System was accelerated to provide upgraded capability integrated on an XM1229 Medium Mine Protected Vehicle to provide better crew protection and was fielded to units in preparation for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Prophet ES System is integrated on an armored M1165 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

The Prophet ES 1 System was fielded to active and reserve units in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation New Dawn. Some Prophet ES 1 Systems were provided Wideband Beyond-Line-of-Site (WBLOS) capabilities, which is based on the present PM Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) architecture. This capability allows operation without the constraints of line-of-sight communication, increasing the system's capability to operate at extended distance and perform distributed operations. All Prophet Enhanced Systems have this capability.

Prophet Control (PC) is integrated on an armored M1165 HMMWV. PC/ PAC is the analytical node that tasks the Prophet ES 1 and Enhanced Systems for data collection and reporting. Each PC/PAC contains Satellite Communications (SATCOM). The PC has TROJAN-Lightweight Integrated Telecommunications Equipment (T-Lite) and PAC has a SATCOM Capability Set.

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Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV)- Stryker Sensor Suites

Chemical Biological Mass Spectrometer (CBMS), built by Hamilton Sundstrand, is a detection system for chemical warfare agents and biological warfare agents. CBMS was originally developed by a team lead by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

MISSION

Performs nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance and locates, identifies, marks, samples, and reports NBC contamination on the battlefield.

DESCRIPTION

The Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV)- Stryker is the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance configuration of the infantry carrier vehicle in Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, Heavy Brigade Combat Teams, and chemical companies.

The NBCRV-Stryker Sensor Suite consists of a dedicated system of CBRN detection, warning, and biological sampling equipment on a Stryker vehicle (high speed, high mobility, armored carrier). The NBCRV detects chemical, radiological, and biological contamination in its immediate environment through the Chemical Biological Mass Spectrometer (CBMS), Automatic Chemical Agent Detector Alarm (ACADA), AN/VDR-2 Radiac Detector, AN/UDR-13 Radiac Detector, Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS), and at a distance, through the use of the Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD). It automatically integrates contamination information from detectors with input from onboard navigation and meteorological systems and transmits digital NBC warning messages through the vehicle's command and control equipment to warn follow-on forces. NBCRV can collect samples for follow-on analysis.

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Army's Stryker Double V-Hull is a resounding success

Warren, Mich. (Friday, November 30, 2012) -- Over 18 months ago the Army's Stryker combat vehicle underwent a game changing transformation when the Service took lessons learned from theater and incorporated an improved hull design to protect Soldiers from improvised explosive devices and roadside mines.

This new underbody design known as a Double V-Hull (DVH) was based on proven technology similar to that found on the Service's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicles which deflects blasts away from the vehicle and the Soldiers inside. However, the Stryker DVH took the concept a step further by incorporating enhanced armor, a new suspension and blast-attenuating seats. This rapid engineering effort went from conception to production in less than one year and debuted in Afghanistan in early summer 2011.

As of this month, 673 Stryker DVHs have been produced, of which over 450 have been fielded for Afghanistan. With more than a year and a half of combat experience there is enough data to declare the Stryker DVH a resounding success.

"While deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom, the Stryker DVH has seen enemy fire and come through with outstanding survivability results. The majority of Soldiers involved in those instances have walked away from the vehicles, or returned to duty within a short period of time. Not only has the number of injuries and casualties dropped dramatically, but the severity of those instances has substantially decreased," said Lt. Col. Eric Frutchey, the Product Manager for the Stryker Fleet.

While better protecting Soldiers is by far the most important development of the DVH effort, the improved operational readiness rates are also an extremely important advancement.

"The Stryker DVH's operational readiness rate has measurably improved to an average monthly rate of 99 percent; largely due to the upgraded carrying capacity and robustness of the new 5.5, or 55,000 pound capacity, suspension," said Frutchey.

The operational readiness rate is a vital statistic to investigate because it means that 99 percent of the time the Stryker DVH is ready to roll when called upon by Soldiers in the field. This means not only has the DVH cut down on Soldier injuries, but that it has done so while being ready for more combat missions.

The Army is looking to further enhance Soldier safety in Stryker DVHs by applying an integrated mine roller system to the front of select Stryker DVHs. By initiating the explosion away from the vehicles they are attached to, Soldiers within Stryker DVH can gain even greater protection. Currently, 144 mine rollers and 80 kits for integration onto Strykers have been delivered in Afghanistan, and more are on the way.

As the Army continues to discuss the proper fleet mix of DVH and traditional flat bottom Stryker's, the Project Manager of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (PM SBCT) has begun a pilot Exchange Program, in partnership with Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) and General Dynamics Land Systems (GD), in response to the Army's request for additional DVH vehicles at a reduced vehicle cost.

"To maximize the use of fiscal resources, the Army started the exchange program to validate if components from the traditional Stryker flat bottom hull (FBH) variants could be expeditiously refurbished and installed on a new, more survivable DVH, at less cost than producing a new vehicle," said David Dopp, PM SBCT.

The process includes reusing common parts from FBHs, refurbishing them, and re-using the parts in the new DVH structure. The DVH exchange vehicles are expected to have all of the same capabilities as new DVH production vehicles - the DVH exchange vehicles are built on exactly the same production line as new DVH vehicles.

The exchange program is scheduled to be complete in early 2013. While further vehicles will have to be completed for the Army to know exact savings, it is currently estimated that DVH exchange vehicles will cost 40 percent less, when comparing them to a newly constructed DVH version. The first DVH exchange vehicle is scheduled to be fielded to the force in December 2012.

 By Bill Good, PEO Ground Combat Systems Public Affairs

MRAP FORCE PROTECTION SAVING LIVES

As further force protection, ASA(ALT) has continued investment in proven technologies such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. MRAPs are engineered with a blast-debris deflecting V-shaped hull and an armored capsule to protect Soldiers from roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The MRAPs, and the lighter weight more mobile MRAP All Terrain Vehicles, have proven their ability to save Soldiers' lives in combat. As a result of their performance in battle and proven value to Soldiers, MRAPs will remain a vital part of the Army's Tactical Wheeled Vehicle fleet for years to come. MRAPs will be assigned to specific Brigade Combat Teams so that they are available to perform key functions such as route clearance and Soldier transportation when needed.

Also, some MRAPs have been outfitted with the latest in Army networking technology. Using a software-programmable radio such as JTRS and satellite technology such as WIN-T, the networked MRAPs are able to share real-time information, such as sensor feeds from nearby robots and UAS across the force, while onthe- move. This new capability-validated in technical field tests and network exercises such as the NIE-connects units at the battalion and company levels and below to one another and to higher headquarters in real-time using Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below display screens.

MRAPs and other vehicles in the Army fleet will take advantage of lighter weight armor composites as they become available. The Army Research Laboratory is testing combinations of lighter weight materials that can out-perform traditional steel; these technologies will spin out into the force as they become available. A prime example of the search for efficiencies within major programs, the Department of Defense, Army, and Marine Corps have succeeded in achieving a $2 billion cost avoidance on the MRAP program by applying systems engineering techniques and Lean Six Sigma practices to the program. The thrust of the cost avoidance was achieved through several key methodologies; MRAP program managers streamlined and coordinated the requirements process to better determine which vehicles to upgrade and developed a database portal aimed at sharing key information across the 25,000-strong fleet of vehicles.

DESCRIPTION

The Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program (JMVP) is a multiservice program currently supporting the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the U. S. Special Operations Command. The program procures, tests, integrates, fields, and supports highly survivable vehicles that provide protection from IEDs and other threats. These four- to six-wheeled vehicles are configured with government furnished equipment to meet unique warfighting requirements. Vehicle combat weights (fully loaded without add-on armor) range from approximately 34,000 to 60,000 pounds, with payloads ranging from 1,000 to 18,000 pounds. Key components (e. g., transmissions, engines) vary between vehicles and manufacturers, but generally consist of common commercial and military parts.

Four categories of vehicles support the following missions:

1.       Category (CAT) I: Carries four to six passengers and designed to provide increased mobility and reliability in rough terrain

2.       CAT II: Multimission operations (such as convoy lead, troop transport, and ambulance), carries 10 passengers

3.       CAT III: Mine/IED clearance operations and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD); carries six passengers, plus specialized equipment to support EOD operations. The Force Protection Industries Buffalo is the only CAT III variant. This is the largest MRAP vehicle.

4.       MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV): Carries four Soldiers plus a gunner. Supports small-unit combat operations in complex and highly restricted rural, mountainous, and urban terrains. The M-ATV provides better overall mobility characteristics than the original CAT I, II, and III MRAP vehicles yet retains the same survivability threshold.

The Improvised Explosive Device

(IEDD) Defeat product is comprised of several highlighted systems: 

1.       The Self Protection Adaptive Roller Kit (SPARK) provides a pre-detonation capability mounted on the family of MRAP vehicles; the latest version, SPARK II has key improvements: variable standoff, quick disconnect, and improved articulation from inside the cab, increased down pressure, and power generation.

2.      Entry Control Point (ECP) in a box is a suite of systems that provide the Soldier the ability to detect and protect against personal borne and vehicle borne IEDs. The suite is comprised of explosive detection systems, non-lethal systems, and blast mitigation systems. This effort is a coordinated effort with PdM FPS.

3.       Jackal is an IR defeat system integrated with MRAP platforms. While the PIR is a low-density threat, it is a very lethal threat.

4.       Rhino is a high-density, low-cost system integrated on MRAP platforms used to defeat the PIR threat