Belgian Army receives first Soframe CRV Taurus armored recovery vehicles.

On May 12, the Belgian Army announced it has received its first eight of fifteen Taurus, the new recovery vehicle for the operational units of the Land Component, have been delivered. This marks the beginning of a new era. Until now, the Belgian Army did not have a protected tow truck, so the recovery role could not be implemented during operations The Combat Recovery Vehicle (CRV) was developed by the French company Soframe. About forty operators and mechanics have received the necessary training thanks to this contract. Army Recognition first presented this vehicle on July 22, 2021.
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Soframe CRV Taurus of the Belgian Army (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)

Troubleshooting is one of the tasks of logistics. It exercises its missions and its work in environments where the threat is heightened. With the necessary off-road mobility and passive vehicle protection, Logisticians are now able to follow operational vehicles, such as the Dingo 2, to support Special Operations Regiment and Motorized Brigade deployments.

Some CRV Soframe Taurus characteristics

* Mercedes 8×8 chassis
* Self Tire Inflating System (STIS)
* Ballistic protection, anti-mine (equivalent to that of the Dingo 2)
* Armored cabin
* Protection against CBRN attacks
* Can be equipped with a jammer
* Communication is essential. The C4IS is located with an operational GPS, a SatCom BGAN, a Tablet PC and IK Radios which can acquire BAMS, PR4G and HARRIS systems.

The emphasis is on the protection of the vehicle and the personnel thanks to an RWCS (Remote Control Weapon Station) DeFNder Light 7.62mm and the Rosy Rapid Obscuring System (smoke launcher). The Rosy system manufactured by Rheinmetall conceals the vehicle and its occupants from the eyes of the enemy. It provides protection against anti-tank weapons guided by TV, EO, IR, IIR, laser and SACLOS. Unlike conventional systems that give off a protective smokescreen, it not only creates a wide and instantaneous multi-spectral screen but also produces a dynamic smokescreen that can protect a moving vehicle from multiple attacks.

As a support element, the combat recovery vehicle (CRV) is very well equipped to perform its essential tasks:
• recovery by winches at the front and rear with a capacity of up to 20 T.
• a towing arm that can tow immobilized systems up to 35.5 T in a guyed position, even off-road.
• additional storage spaces for transporting spare parts of all sizes with a jib for loading and unloading large sets.

The Taurus is equipped with a Battle Damage Repair (BDR) kit, electrical and pneumatic connections, and a range of tools including a hydraulic spreader shear and a circular saw to free people from a damaged vehicle.

Soframe CRV Taurus of the Belgian Army towing an IVECO 6x6 truck (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)

Recovery test of a Unimog by a Soframe CRV Taurus of the Belgian Army (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)

Four of the first eight Soframe CRV Taurus delivered to the Belgian Army (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)

Soframe CRV Taurus of the Belgian Army (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)

Soframe CRV Taurus of the Belgian Army (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)

Soframe CRV Taurus of the Belgian Army (Picture source: DG MR Directorate General Material Resources at Belgian Defence)