The BVS10 - is an All Terrain Armoured Vehicle produced by BAE Systems Hagglunds of Sweden. This vehicle, referred to as Viking by the UK forces, was originally developed as a collaboration between industry - Hagglunds Vehicle AB - and the UK MOD on behalf of the Royal Marines Commandos. The BVS10, not to be confused with the BV206 or BV206S, is a much larger and fully amphibious armoured vehicle based upon the characteristic twin-cab, articulated steering system typical of Hagglunds all terrain vehicles. Originally designed for the British Royal Marines Commandos and named Viking, the vehicle underwent an extensive trials and development programme from 2001 - 2004, led by Major Jez Hermer MBE RM, before the Royal Marines accepted 108 vehicles into service, with delivery commencing in 2005. The Royal Marines Armoured Support Company took the vehicle onto operations for the first time in Afghanistan in September 2006. The UK currently operates three variants of the vehicle: The Troop Carrying Variant (TCV) capable of carrying 2 crew plus 10 passengers; the Command Variant (CV), which carries 2 crew plus up to 8 passengers with the rear cab being designed as an enhanced digital communications platform and the Repair and Recovery Variant (RRV), carrying 4 specialist maintenance (Vehicle Mechanic) crewmen. The rear cab of the RRV carries a HIAB crane, a full mobile workshop, an air compressor and a 9 tonne capacity CAPSTAN winch, together with hydraulic anchors. All three variants are fully air-portable under a CH-47 Chinook helicopter (either complete or in two separate front and rear component parts) and are also fully amphibious; being capable of swimming in varying sea-states with a full load of passengers and stores.
Some 33 British Vikings were deployed to Afghanistan at the end of summer 2006 when the Royal Marines relieved the Parachute Regiment in Helmand province. They have been fitted with anti-RPG slat armour, which have already proved effective in combat, like those used on armoured vehicles in Iraq, and already their ability to move over rugged terrain at speed is proving invaluable. Another advantage is that they are too light to trigger most of the anti-tank mine types that litter the countryside. In May 2007, the MoD placed an order with BAE Hagglunds for a further 21 units, some of which are to be used as an equipment transporter for the new Watchkeeper UAV.[1]
Netherlands Marine Corps
The BVS10 has also been ordered for the Netherlands Marine Corps, 74 units are to be delivered. The main differences with the older Bv206s is a more powerful Cummins 5.9L diesel engine, improved ground clearance and newly developed chassis, power train and steering units that give the vehicle considerably enhanced speed and comfort on road and in terrain, as well as greater load carrying capability (up to 5 tons), and the ability to add various modular sub-systems such as add-on armour, weapon-mounts, a load-changer and cargo platforms.
See also
External links
- Manufacturer's website
- Video British Bv S10s part of ISAF convoy in southern Afghanistan (source: British Ministry of Defence).
