Eurosatory 2018: Latest innovations in tracked and wheeled armored vehicles.

More than 250 military vehicles were exhibited last week at Eurosatory 2018, held in Paris (France). Selecting 10 systems among them was a difficult job because each vehicle was in itself an innovation. We then chose to concentrate on a few brand new armored vehicles. Here is our final selection. 

KNDS - EMBT

Among more than 250 armored vehicles showcased at Eurosatory, the most famous one was certainly the EMBT main battle tank jointly proposed by Nexter and KMW through their joint venture, KNDS. Nexter designates the new EMBT as "Enhanced" Main Battle Tank, while its German partner KMW says "European". The hull, engine and entire chassis comes from the Leopard 2A7 and were modified to host the compact and light turret with automatic loading from the Leclerc. By assembling a chassis, which is certified to MLC70, and a light turret operated by only 2 crew members instead of 3, the EMBT brings together the best in the battle tank state of the art, with an exceptional growth potential (roughly 6 tonnes) which allows to integrate many evolutions.

Nexter Systems - Jaguar

The Jaguar EBRC 6x6 armoured is a part of the Scorpion Program to replace the AMX10RC, the ERC-90 Sagaie and the VAB Hot in service with the French Army. The EBMR program includes the delivery of 248 Jaguar EBRC to the French Army which could be started in 2020. A total of 110 vehicles expected to be delivered until 2025. The Jaguar EBRC will be fitted with a two-man turret 40 CTAS armed with one 40mm CTC cannon with Ammunition Handling System (AHS). The 40mm cannon will have a maximum range of 1,500 m. Each side of the turret will be fitted with MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée - Medium Range Missile) missile designed by the French Company MBDA.The Jaguar EBRC has a crew of three including driver, commander and gunner. It has an armour STANAG 4569 Level 4 that provides protection against fire of small arms 14.5mmx114 AP, 155mm artillery shell splinters at 30m and mine blast protection of 10 kg TNT under the wheels.

Rheinmetall - KF-41

At Eurosatory 2018 Rheinmetall presented its new Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to the international public for the first time. Rheinmetall has developed the Lynx KF41 family of vehicles and the companion Lance 2.0 turret, resulting in a revolutionary IFV with a level of adaptability, survivability and capacity not seen before in an IFV family. The Lynx KF41 features the latest generation of propulsion technology with an 850 kW (1140hp) Liebherr engine and a proven Renk transmission. The Lance 2.0 features enhanced protection for critical subsystems against kinetic and fragmentation threats, improving system survivability during close combat. The next enhancement is the integration of the new Wotan 35 electrically driven cannon that fires Rheinmetall’s proven and in-service 35x228mm ammunition family.

BAE Systems - CV-90 Mk IV

The Defence Company BAE Systems presented at Eurosatory 2018 its CV90 MkIV, a new generation of tracked vehicle based on the family of CV90 IFV. With upgrades to the drivetrain, the CV90 MkIV now has a new engine with up to 1,000 horsepower and a more powerful X300 heavy-duty transmission, while providing users with an additional two tonnes of payload without compromising the vehicle’s agility. The latest CV90 also offerts a host of new capabilities including a new all digital turret, which can be configured to meet all key customer needs, and BAE Systems’ solution for the future battlefield known as iFighting®. The MkIV generation will also be the first Western IFV with a qualified Active Protection System. The new CV90 MkIV showed at Eurosatory 2018 is fitted with a two-man turret armed an automatic cannon, one 7.62mm coaxial machine, one 40mm automatic grenade launcher and two anti-tank guided missile launchers mounted on the right side of the turret.

Patria - Patria 6x6 Armored Vehicle

Patria launched at Eurosatory a new vehicle - Patria 6x6, which brings the basic principles behind its predecessor into the present day, with its multifunctional transport capacity and modularity that adapts easily to the customer’s needs. The vehicle is driven by all three axles and steered from the front two, or all three, depending on its equipage. The protection of the armoured 6X6 reaches STANAG level 4, which means protection against even heavy machine gun fire. Patria 6X6 can be equipped with a variety of weapon systems and, if required, the Patria Nemo 120mm mortar system. The 6X6 meets NATO standards and is ideally suited to e.g. peacekeeping missions anywhere in the world. The vehicle’s life cycle support is an integral part of the Patria 6X6.

FNSS - Pars 4x4 Anti-Tank Vehicle

Developed by FNSS to meet the needs of Turkish Land Forces Command, the PARS 4x4 Anti-Tank Vehicle (ATV) made its first world appearance at Eurosatory 2018. The two prototypes, produced as part of the ATV project, will spend the coming months undergoing qualification tests once the manufacturer’s verification tests have been completed. The PARS 4x4 is armed with an unmanned, remote-controlled anti-tank turret, also of FNSS design. In addition to ballistic protection, the turret also has two anti-tank missiles and a 7.62 mm machine gun.

GDELS - ASCOD MBBT

GDELS - ASCOD MMBT

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) presented two new offerings in the ASCOD family of tracked vehicles. With a GVW of 42 tons, the ASCOD Medium Main Battle Tank (MMBT) is fitted with a modern 120mm manned turret system, armed with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. The 120mm smoothbore gun fires standard NATO ammunition and is coupled to a computerized fire control system giving the commander and gunner stabilised day/thermal sights incorporating a laser rangefinder.

GDELS - ASCOD IFV

GDELS - ASCOD IFV

With a GVW of 35 tons and increased volume for the rear troop compartment, the ASCOD IFV is fitted with an unmanned turret including a 30mm dual feed cannon, 7.62mm co-axial MG, a pod of two anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), a Hard Kill Active Defence System and an advanced 360 degree sight system for increased situational awareness.

Otokar - Tulpar 105 mm

Otokar - Tulpar 105 mm

Turkish Defense Company Otokar, a Koç Group company, has unveiled its TULPAR 105mm Light Tank for the first time at Eurosatory 2018. The vehicle is integrated with CMI Cockerill®’s3105 turret with autoloader, which is capable of firing all kinds of 105 mm NATO ammunition and the Falarick Gun Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile (GLATGM) with its high pressure 105 mm tank gun. ULPAR features a modular armor technology that can be configured and scaled according to threats as well as the best mine protection in its class. TULPAR can be integrated with active protection systems and has the capacity to accommodate 3 crew (Commander, gunner and driver) plus 2 personnel.

KMW - Amphibious Protected Vehicle Tracked

KMW - Amphibious Protected Vehicle Tracked

At Eurosatory 2018, the German vehicle manufacturer KMW unveiled a concept demonstrator for the Amphibious Protected Vehicle Tracked (APVT) program. According to KMW, the APVT is similar to existing armoured personnel carriers, and is operated by a two-person crew and can carry up to eight soldiers. It is powered by a MTU diesel engine (816 hp) allowing a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of up to 550 km. For waterborne operations, the APVT is propelled by a waterjet, providing a speed of about 13 km/h and a range of more than 50 km.