The first combat infantry carriers, Stephen W. Miller. Land Warfare

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1 Land Warfare Soviet doctrine called for an armour-heavy force to break through the enemy s defence that would be followed by a fast-moving exploitation force. The BMP-1 was specifically developed to accompany the main battle tank in this assault role US DoD Fighting Talk The primary role of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is to accompany the Main Battle Tank (MBT) providing support and protection particularly against enemy infantry with anti-tank weapons. The current IFV evolved from the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC/also known as the Squad Carrier). Stephen W. Miller The first combat infantry carriers, the precursors of today s IFVs, were open-top half-tracks, like the famous Second World War International Harvester M14 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage, used extensively by the US Army. IFVs were developed as infantry needed mobility equal to the MBTs and a protection that unarmoured trucks could not provide. Alongside the M14, another early IFV was the Heer (German Army) Hanomag Sd.Kfz.251 also used during the Second World War. These vehicles would usually carry a medium calibre machine gun for self defence and to support the infantry squad it carried. Most APCs of the 1950s and 60s, like the United Defence/BAE Systems M113 family (still in use around the world), were essentially battle taxis carrying a squad under armour following the MBTs and dismounting to fight. Following the end of the Second World War in Europe in May 1945, and the activation of the new Heer as an integral part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the force continued the use of its Panzergrenadiere (Armoured Infantry) concept where infantry and armoured vehicles operate and fight as an integrated unit. As a consequence, the Rheinmetall Marder-1 IFV was fielded with the Heer to support this concept from The Marder-I s design has set the parameters for an IFV. This came to mean a gun (of 20mm calibre or greater) capable of engaging an armoured target mounted in a weapon station with a dedicated gunner, optronics and Fire Control Systems (FCSs). Other design criteria included protection against, at a minimum, 12.7mm calibre projectiles. The vehicle had crew of up to three and a rear troop compartment for five to eight infantry. The Soviet Kurgan Engineering 40 armada INTERNATIONAL 5/2015

2 Works BMP-1, first seen in 1971, took the IFV concept further, mounting a 73mm smoothbore low velocity gun, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and firing ports for the infantry in the rear. I IFVs Defined A handful of characteristics define an IFV: To operate in close proximity to MBTs the IFV should have similar protection levels; this can result in a vehicle weight approaching that of an MBT. This is demonstrated in the heavily-armoured Israel Military Industries (IMI) Namer which weighs 60 tonnes. Wheeled IFVs can be well armoured with Patria s eight-wheel drive AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle) providing hull protection against ten kilogram (22lb) mines and frontal protection against Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding- Sabot (APFSDS) shells. Other protective measures can include passive protection from direct and indirect fire, shrapnel and blast protection from mines and insurgent bombs. Standoff shields like bar armour and Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) nets have proved effective against handheld anti-tank weapons. Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of combat vehicles at BAE Systems, states that an occupant centric approach to crew survival (promoted in their Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) proposal for the US Army) has promise, manifesting itself in a recognition of the benefits of anti-shock seats, for example, in reducing blast injury. The concept of mitigating damage is also the purpose of explosion and Fire Suppression Systems (FSS). Introduced in the 1980s these are widely used today. The Spetrex SAFE FSS and those produced by Germany s Kidde Deugra are automatically initiated and suppress a fire in fewer than 150 milliseconds. They protect the crew and limit damage allowing the vehicle to continue the fight. Other passive sensors alert the vehicle crew if targeted by a radar signal or a laser permitting vehicle counteraction. Active countermeasure systems can be as simple as screening smoke, both from grenade projectors and engine smoke, to conceal the vehicle from enemy gunners. Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) seems more complex but manufacturers like Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defence suggest that it is quite simple. Its Breakwater and IronWall ERA are reliable, maintenance-free and safe. ERA fits over existing armour and explodes outward to disrupt the shaped charge warheads common to infantry anti-armour weapons and ATGMs. Another approach to reactive defence is Textron s TRAPS (Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System) that features a simple radar device and modified commercial airbag system that deploys to defeat rocket-propelled antiarmour warheads without risk of injury to dismounted soldiers. Active Vehicle Self- Protection Systems (AVSPS), meanwhile, detect an incoming projectile and engage it to destroy or disrupt its flight. They employ radar to detect incoming munitions and a machine gun to engage them. The Rafael Advanced Defence Systems/Israel Aerospace Industries Trophy AVSPS is an example. It is reportedly effective against ATGMs and RPGs and was introduced by the Israeli Army on the IMI Merkava-IV MBT in The inclusion of each of the above impacts on the entire IFV: More armour RAM MK3: Geared up for every mission RAM MK3 - All-in-one light armored vehicle for combat, reconnaissance and patrol missions Agile, multi-mission rough terrain maneuverability Outfitted and armored to customer requirements Accommodates up to eight fully-equipped personnel Dependable, low life cycle support cost mktg@iai.co.il armada INTERNATIONAL 5/

3 Land Warfare faster, more agile and more stable for accurate firing. Denel s RG41 eight-wheel drive IFV combines its advanced suspension with improved mine survivability by using five modular units bolted under the hull. This protects the hydro-pneumatic suspension which, coupled with wide tires and central tire pressure regulation, assures high cross-country mobility. The RG41 also has shock-absorbing seats for the eleven crew and troops, an exceptional eleven ton payload and 14.9 cubic metres (526.1 cubic feet) of interior volume. Israel s Namer gives priority to protecting the infantry inside the vehicle. This reflects Israeli Army tactics which view the vehicle s primary role as assuring the safe delivery of the dismount section to where it will fight on foot US DoD increases vehicle weight. AVSPS can be expensive and some have concerns that ERA can put dismounted personnel at risk. Even lightweight stand-off armour such as the RPG net can have the negative effect of increasing the width of the vehicle making it more difficult to move down narrow passages. I Tactical Mobility Tactical Mobility is the IFVs second important characteristic; the suspension, power-to-weight ratio provided by the power pack (the engine and transmission) and the vehicle s dimensions are contributing factors. IFVs traditionally were tracked vehicles but advances in wheeled suspension have seen six-wheel and eight-wheel drive designs introduced. The benefits of wheeled armoured vehicles are their ability to travel long road distances and lower maintenance demands. The compromise is they can have less cross-county mobility. Higher engine power to vehicle weight offers better acceleration, responsiveness and top speed. The challenge is that the greater the vehicle weight the more power is required and the larger the engine has to be. Mr. Signorelli adds that BAE Systems does not see the challenge as achieving these power levels, but rather in providing engine cooling and the efficient use of this power. The introduction of electric drives holds many advantages in this aspect. BAE Systems views the hybrid engine (combining an internal combustion engine and electric motor) as offering significant benefits including 30 percent fuel efficiencies compared to conventional engines and greater exportable power to meet the increasing demands of on-board electronics. Engine size and volume have the greatest impact on IFV design: the greater the IFV s volume the more area that must be protected. This increases overall vehicle weight. Thus, engine manufacturers have focused on compact engines and drives. For example, MTU s 800 series of diesel engines is extremely compact but offers 880 horsepower (hp). The suspension dictates the ability of the vehicle to use engine power to traverse rough terrain. It also provides a smooth ride for the crew and embarked infantry and a stable weapons platform. Rough ground, high vehicle speeds and weight increases force on the vehicle. Efficient pneumatic and gas suspensions like Horstman Defence System s Hydrogas struts, suspensions, and dampers are used on the AMV, for example. Computing technology allows sensors to read the suspension to measure and predict the forces and automatically tune the suspension for the optimum ride. Active damping technology has been adapted and used by BAE Systems on its CV90 IFVs. BAE Systems CV90 platform manager Dan Lindell stated that the vehicle is 40 percent I Firepower Firepower consists of the IFV s weapons and optronics, FCS and weapons stabilisation as a complete system. The 20mm or 25mm guns typically used by IFVs since their inception are being replaced by 30mm and 40mm weapons. This is needed to defeat the increased protection of opposing armoured vehicles. The use of a manned turret has in the past been common for IFVs but this is also beginning to change. The Heer selected the Rheinmetall MK30-2/AMB 30mm weapon for the Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann (KMW) Puma IFV. This calibre provides more onboard rounds than larger calibres. Reflecting its primary targets, it can fire APFSDS and a multi-purpose Kinetic Energy-Timed Fuse (KETF) munition with an air burst capability. The CV90 IFV used by the Armén (Swedish Army) mounts a BAE Systems L70 40mm weapon. This calibre offers ammunition for employment against armour, personnel, materiel and aircraft. Some armies prefer to accommodate more rounds in their vehicles which are reflected in the export versions of the BAE Systems offers its CV-90 as a complete family of armoured combat vehicles with full automotive commonality. The Swedish Army s CV90 mounts a 40mm auto cannon (shown), while exported versions have either 30mm or 35mm guns BAE Systems 42 armada INTERNATIONAL 5/2015

4 Some IFV developers see the remotely-operated turret as the way to meet the challenge of providing increased protection to the crew while also mounting larger calibre and more powerful main armament, with the German Army s new Puma positioning the entire crew inside the hull KMW CV90 IFV which mount 30mm or 35mm guns in the CV90/30 and CV90/35 Mk.III variants respectively. Although manned turrets remain most common on IFVs use of Remote- Controlled Weapons Stations (RWS) is growing. The Puma has positioned the entire crew inside the hull with the turret and weapons controlled from there with commander, gunner and driver sitting side-by-side. They rely almost entirely on video and sensors. The vehicle has an independent fully-stabilised 360-degree periscope controlled by the commander or gunner. In addition the gunner has a day/ night coaxial sight and a laser rangefinder. All video, including that from five rear cameras, can be displayed and shared by the crew and embarked troops. Regarding the benefits of the RWS, a written statement supplied to the author by Nexter stated that a an RWS does not require the same level of protection as the crew; since less metal is required, significant savings in weight and dimensions are achieved (and because) such systems do not intrude into the vehicle s structure, much space is saved inside allowing more occupants and payload. However, some turrets still require manning, for example those of reconnaissance vehicles. It is ultimately a question of mission. I Fightability The concept of fightability is difficult to define yet is the most important element of IFV design. It directly impacts the ability and efficiency with which the IFV and its soldiers perform their missions. It includes crew and troop accommodation, personal space and accessibility; space for mission Superior Mobility under Protection COBRA II COBRA APV URAL ARMA 6X6 TULPAR ARMA 8X8

5 Land Warfare Iveco and OTO Melara developed the Freccia IFV from its successful Centuaro tank destroyer. The wheeled IFV has benefits of being able to travel long distances particularly on roads and lower automotive maintenance needs OTO Melara/Iveco equipment and sustainment in the form of ammunition, water, food and batteries. Fightability also includes communication between crew and embarked soldiers. The reality of combat is that the simplest task can be difficult. Cold, extreme heat, fatigue, darkness, fear, apprehension and uncertainly all complicate the ability to perform necessary actions smoothly. A key aspect of fightability is situational awareness. OTO Melara engineers told the author that digitisation represents the best solution to increase the operative capabilities of combat vehicles. It allows the integration of medium-calibre weapons, optronics, communications, and command and control systems. The ability to smoothly receive, distribute, view and act on information from a range of sources and sensors offers a critical edge. Disembarking with a familiarity of the surrounding and tactical situation allow the infantry section to deploy effectively and maintain the attack s momentum. I Current Programmes IFV efforts today are either fielding new vehicles, as in Germany, France and Italy, or upgrading existing IFVs. The latter efforts are driven by the need to recapture performance lost by weight increases. For example the US BAE Systems M2 Bradley family of IFVs grew from 25 tons to 34 tons as it has undergone improvements during its life. Another impetus is to take advantage of the major advances in electronics and computing. The Heer drew directly from its Panzergrenadiere doctrine and the Marder-I IFV for its new Puma IFV which was approved for fielding in The KMW and Rheinmetall joint venture, PSM Projekt System Management, will deliver 350 Pumas to the force by Nexter chose an eight-wheel drive design for its next-generation IFV. The Véhicule Blindé de Combat d Infanterie (VBCI/Armoured Vehicle for Infantry Combat) entered service with the Armée de Terre (French Army) in 2008, with 630 vehicles ordered as of In 2014, Nexter showed an improved 32-tonne VBCI with enhanced protection, a reduced turning radius of 20 metres (65.6 feet), and additional troop space. It will be delivered to the French Army from Italy also selected a wheeled solution in its Iveco/OTO Melara Freccia. The Esercito Italiano (Italian Army) ordered 253 in 2005 with a second order in 2010 for 381 systems in several versions including IFV, command, mortar carrier, and reconnaissance. The Freccia proved itself with Italian units in operations in Lebanon and Afghanistan. It is used with the Medium Brigades while its tracked cousin the Iveco/OTO Melara Dardo equips the Heavy Armour units. The Russian Kurganmashzavod BMP-3 IFV was introduced in The vehicle has a 100mm gun/missile launcher and a 30mm gun coaxially mounted. It is in service with seven armies most recently that of Indonesia which received 17 BMP-3Fs (a model with an enhanced amphibious capability) in November 2010 and 37 in January In May 2015 the Russian government placed a three-year open order for hundreds of vehicles. Eventually the BMP-3 is to be replaced by the Kurganets-25; a tracked, 25-ton IFV just completing development, and first seen publicly in May It is not yet clear how many or when these vehicles could enter service, although a potential date of 2018 has been reported. A total of 789 GKN Defence FV510 Warrior IFVs and variants were manufactured for the British Army, and 254 modified Desert Warrior versions for the Kuwaiti Army. The British Army is upgrading its Warriors to extend their service life to It Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) consists of a Modular Protection System (MPS), Enhanced Electronic Architecture (EEA) and a Fightability Lethality Improvement Programme (WFLIP). The latter effort equips 44 armada INTERNATIONAL 5/2015

6 The German Marder reflects an IFV system design that supports the tactical concept of an integrated armored combat vehicle and dismounted infantry section that operate closely together. It is in service with the German and Chilean armies Saab 449 Warriors with a new Lockheed Martin turret that uses the telescoping caseless round 40mm gun from CTA International (a joint venture involving Nexter and BAE Systems). The upgraded Warrior is to be fielded in 2018 and is expected to remain in service until Modernising the US Army s M2 Bradley IFVs involves an ECP (Engineering Change Proposal) Programme. Led by BAE Systems, the ECPs commenced in 2014 and will continue into The first phase, ECP-1, focuses on improving protection and survivability with additional armour, improved suspension, a rearranged interior and blast seats. ECP-2B is scheduled to commence in 2016 to address lethality with improved and integrated sensors including an advanced thermal sight. Finally, there is a programme for network integration and digitisation. The ECP effort will maintain over 2000 M2A3 IFVs in service to In the interim, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Debolt at the US Army s Training and Doctrine Command advised that General Dynamics and BAE Systems were awarded contracts in June each worth $28 million to examine science and technology that might be applied to IFVs, as the initial phase of the Future Fighting Vehicle (FFV), and are expected to deliver their findings in The FFV initiative will eventually develop a new vehicle to replace the M2 Bradley family. Over the next five years these companies and Army labs will seek to determine what is possible, regarding future IFV design. General Ray Odierno, the US Army chief of staff, acknowledged earlier this year that past programmes such as the cancelled Ground Combat Vehicle for a new IFV tried to build the perfect vehicle laying out requirements that were too high. The objective of the concept studies is to preclude this from occurring again, and assuring achievable requirements. The combat proven reference CREATING NEW REFERENCES IN DEFENCE I