Eurosatory 2024: Patria unveils FAMOUS ATV all-terrain concept for Arctic operations.

On June 17, 2024, at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris, the Finnish company Patria unveiled a new concept for an all-terrain tracked vehicle developed under the European FAMOUS (Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems) program. This vehicle is designed for extreme operational conditions and could serve as a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional articulated and light tracked vehicles, complementing the BvS10 Beowulf.
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 Unlike the BvS10 Beowulf, which uses articulated parts to navigate sharp curves, the FAMOUS ATV vehicle is engineered to push through obstacles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The FAMOUS (Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems) ATV vehicle, distinct from the Beowulf, features a single, elongated structure measuring approximately nine meters in length. Unlike the BvS10 Beowulf, which uses articulated parts to navigate sharp curves, the FAMOUS ATV vehicle is engineered to push through obstacles, a capability emphasized by Simo Saukko, the vehicle’s research-and-development manager. Patria plans to have a prototype ready for testing by the end of 2024.

Following feedback, the vehicle will be refined over the next few years, and will be followed by a second prototype armed with a Protector RS6 remote weapon station from Kongsberg to conduct live fire trials in Finland. Targeting completion between 2026 and 2027, The FAMOUS program will likely replace aging tracked vehicles such as the MT-LB, M113, M548, and Saurer 4K 4FA.

Juha Lahteenmaki, the director of the vehicle's technology portfolio, explained that the engine's central positioning behind the drivers and the front transmission configuration adjust the center of gravity, making the vehicle behave like a boat. This setup enhances its ability to traverse snow in Arctic conditions. The initial version of the FAMOUS vehicle will serve as a personnel carrier, accommodating ten troops, based on Patria’s 6x6 armored personnel carrier. Future adaptations could include roles as an ambulance, command-and-control center, or mortar carrier.

The FAMOUS ATV concept, weighing 15 tons with a payload capacity of 3.5 tons, can accommodate a crew of two and transport ten troops. Powered by a 250 kW engine, it reaches speeds up to 80 km/h and has an operational range of 600 km. It is designed to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -46°C to +44°C and complies with STANAG K1 and M1 protection standards for light armored personnel carriers (APCs). The vehicle also has amphibious capabilities, allowing water operations at speeds of 4 km/h with a fording depth of two meters.

At the Eurosatory exhibition, the concept featured a Protector RS6 remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) from Kongsberg armed with a 30mm cannon from KNDS, and equipped with optics from Escribano. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Part of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), the EDF FAMOUS 2 project, currently in its implementation phase from 2022 to 2026, focuses on the development, prototyping, and verification testing of next-generation armored vehicles to improve ground combat capabilities. Finland, with Patria as the industrial coordinator, leads the program, responsible for design, system integration, and prototype manufacturing. Funded by 95 million euros from the EU, with an additional 19 million euros co-funded by member states, the project involves a consortium of nine countries and 35 companies.

Coordinated by Patria, this consortium includes major defense companies from across the European Union, such as KNDS, John Cockerill, Indra, Diehl Defence, Arquus, and Millog. At the Eurosatory exhibition, the concept featured a remote-controlled weapon station with a mount from Kongsberg, a weapon from KNDS, and optics from Escribano. However, details about the vehicle's tracks, essential for movement through snow and water obstacles, were not disclosed.

Key focus areas of the FAMOUS program include enhancing the tactical and operational mobility of vehicles in diverse environments, such as urban, arctic, and mountainous terrains. The development of hybrid operation systems aims to ensure efficient performance in various conditions. Additionally, the program emphasizes power generation and energy storage to support extended operational durations. Advanced situational awareness systems, cybersecurity measures, and comprehensive C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) solutions are integral to enhancing military personnel's awareness and secure communications.

Incorporating robotics and autonomous systems is another significant aspect, aimed at reducing risks to human personnel and increasing operational efficiency. The development of modern weapon systems and comprehensive life cycle support solutions is also a priority to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these advanced armored vehicles.

The FAMOUS ATV concept, weighing 15 tons with a payload capacity of 3.5 tons, can accommodate a crew of two and transport ten troops. (Picture source: Army Recognition)