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Background – TAPV Project –
Textron Systems MSV Derivative |
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As its 'Mobile Survivable Vehicle' name suggests, Textron's TAPV candidate is meant to enhance its crew protection
without sacrificing the mobility of the ASVs. The secret to the latter is the AxleTech 4500 series Independent
Suspension Axle System. This ISAS, originally an Irish Timoney design, [4] is the same suspension system used
in competing TAPV designs from BAE (the South African OMC RG35
RPU and updated RG31 Mk5 ). The result is a fast and
tractable vehicle for its class.
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MSV crew protection has been enhanced by IBD Deisenroth composite armour including: AMAP-B (ballistic), AMAP-M
(mine), and AMAP-IED, and AMAP-T (armour glass). Blast protection was also improved by increased ground
clearance (MSV wheels are 2" bigger ). Textron claim a 20% increase in protection over the M1117 ASV. But there's the
rub. Textron has increased armour, vented wheel wells, etc., but the MSV is stuck with a legacy from its
predecessor, a shallow-'V' hull. Yes, that hull will deflect blast but not like the deeper-V type pioneered by
the South Africans. The question is: Can bolt-on armour make the difference?
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The higher stance of the MSV is not just a result of having larger wheels than its forebearers. The MSV upper
hull is also taller and reshaped – the roofline being higher and the windows enlarged. Internal layout remains
the same though – driver and crew commander sit up front (each with roof escape hatch), dismounts and RWS
operator sit in a central compartment (with a hinged door on either side). [5] The engine is
located at the rear on the port side. The result is a sensible, ergonomic interior. If protection levels prove as
practical, MSV will be a solid TAPV candidate.
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Textron Systems MSV-Derived
TAPV Candidate — Specifications
| Crew: |
[Recce] 4 (driver, veh commander, gunner,
operator )
[Utility] 10 (driver, veh cdr, gunner, up to 7 dismounts) |
Armament:
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Kongsberg M153 Protector RWS (poss.
dual weapon)
1 x 40mm AGL or 12.7mm HMG + 1 x 7.62mm C6 option |
Size/Weight:
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Length 6.81 m, width 2.69 m, height
3.0 m (estimated
and not counting the RWS ), gross weight:
17 tonnes |
Powerplant:
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365 hp Cummins QSL 8.9L inline 6-cylinder
turbodiesel
Allison MD3560 6-spd (+1 rev) automatic transmission |
| Performance: |
Max speed: 105 km/h (on road ), cruising range: 644 km |
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[1] Cadillac-Gage had previous submitted their V-150 as a recce vehicle. For the AVGP contest, the V-150 competed
with the Engesa EE-11, Berliet VXB, Panhard M4, Saviem VAB, and Mowag Piranha I. The latter would
enter CF service as Grizzly, Cougar, and Husky AVGPs.
[2] The M153 is also known as CROWS II (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) a developed
version of the CF in-service M151.
[3] TAPV only requires that vehicles be equipped for a RWS and anticipates armament of a machinegun
or a automatic grenade launcher. ATK's LW25, derived from the CF's M242 Bushmaster, was demonstrated
(on the MSV) to the US Army in Aug 2009 at Fort Benning, GA.
[4] That Timoney ISAS was built in the US by Meritor Rockwell Off-Highway (later Arvin Meritor) and is now
manufactured by AxleTech.
[5] Earlier Cadillac-Gage variants had horizontally-split side doors rather than hinged. There is a split door
in the starboard rear hull but it can only be reached by detaching a panel to gain access to a tunnel running
alongside the engine compartment and above the wheel well.
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"And, best of all, it's a Cadillac." Well, kind of – Textron's TAPV
the suggestion, MSV can also be traced to the Cadillac-Gage V-150 submitted for the 1970s AVGP contest. [1]
The layout remains but MSV hull-form is different and the turret gone.
Textron MSV TAPV Armament Options – Safe-Bets and Long-Shots
the M153 armed with a coaxial 7.62mm machinegun. MSV has also mounted the lightweight ATK LW25
but cannons such as this exceed the brief of TAPV. [3] For TAPV, MSV will likely be submitted with a
single-gun M153 RWS but with the option to up-arm later.