BAE Systems to integrate APS into Dutch CV90s
Courtesy BAE Systems
The Dutch Army has selected BAE Systems to integrate the Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) solution into its fleet of CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles following successful testing to integrate it onto the platform.
Iron Fist is an advanced technology that automatically detects, tracks and neutralises incoming threats to protect the vehicle and its crew. The Royal Netherlands Army has been working closely with BAE Systems Hägglunds to study the implementation of the Iron Fist APS onto the CV9035NL since 2015.
The first phase evaluated the feasibility of five systems. The second phase focused on the inherent performance and high level integration of the APS. With the first layer of soft-kill technology integrated onto the Dutch Army’s CV9035NL fleet, plans are underway to add the Iron Fist’s final layer.
“Over the last couple of years, we have done a thorough job in studying the integration and conducting system tests with the Active Protection System for the CV90 platform. We are now confident that it will provide the capability we need. The APS will give us a significant combat advantage and will improve tactical operation,” said Joost Vernooij, Dutch Project Manager for CV90. “I look forward to the next phase in our Mid-Life Upgrade program of the CV9035NL, with focus on integration, Human Machine interfacing and performance optimisation.”
“This development is a strategic milestone in the CV90’s holistic survivability approach. It complements the already existing, stealth- and soft-kill layers with further means to defeat the incoming threat, making survivability even more achievable,” said Dan Lindell, the CV90 platform manager at BAE Systems Hägglunds, the manufacturer of the vehicle.
The survivability of the CV90 can be seen in all of its iterations and is one of the vehicle’s most advanced features. In addition to armored protection, the vehicle’s overall survivability is enhanced by superior mobility, advanced signature management features, ease-of-use and maintainability, and high degree of design efficiency.
The CV90 is operated by six other European nations who participate in the development of the vehicle through the CV90 User Club.
The APS installation on the Dutch CV90s marks a critical addition to the vehicle’s already impressive array of iFighting combat enhancing features. The installation of the Iron Fist system developed with Elbit will provide Dutch Army with a highly defensive tool to counter threats and deliver the required protection for the CV9035NL crews.
New CV90 mortar variant for Swedish Army
Last week, BAE Systems revealed it had completed the first full rate production delivery of the CV90 Mjölner Mortar System to the Swedish FMV (Defence Materiel Administration), introducing a new capability to the fleet of CV90s by adding indirect firepower.
The first four vehicles will be handed over to the Swedish Army this month following the recent delivery that met schedule, budget and quality requirements. The CV90 Mjölner has now become the 16th variant in the family of combat proven CV90 vehicles, demonstrating the ability of the platform to cost effectively adapt to a large range of mission sets to meet the needs of our customers.
Courtesy BAE Systems
With a name that is derived mythically from “the Hammer of Thor,” the CV90 Mjölner consists of a mounted mortar system for mechanised battalions to increase indirect fire support. Developed and produced by BAE Systems Hägglunds, the turret system can add indirect fire capability to any suitable wheeled or tracked vehicle. A full-scale version of the CV90 Mjölner was on show at DSEI 2019, with support from Swedish Army personnel.
“Mjölner is a step-change solution on the battlefield – a turret system that is easy to train, simple to use and highly effective,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, General Manager for BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Having the latest variant of the versatile CV90 on display at DSEI, with the support of our FMV customer, is proof of BAE Systems’ ability to deliver new technology milestones to a demanding programme schedule.”
Mjölner’s robust mechanical loading system can rapidly and reliably reload two smoothbore 120mm gun barrels on the vehicle in all combat conditions. Targets can be effectively engaged over a wide range distances through a full 60-degree frontal engagement arch without the complexity and cost of powered turret rotation, and with an effective elevating range of 45 to 83 degrees.
“We are very pleased with the progress of the CV90 programme to date and we are meeting the key milestones for fielding on time, quality and budget,” added Mikael Frisell, Brigadier General/Director Land Systems at the FMV. “This new variant is a powerful addition to our fleet of CV90s and also helps us prepare our brigades for the future by increasing the vehicles’ lifespan in support of Army capabilities.”
The Mjölner programme for the delivery of 40 vehicle-mounted mortar systems for the Swedish Army’s CV90s started in December 2016. The first four test vehicles were delivered to the FMV in February 2019 for training and validation; these vehicles are now certified for operational use. Final delivery of the remaining vehicles will be completed during 2020.
