| Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle | |
|---|---|
| File:Textron Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle Concept.jpg | |
| Type | Armoured Personnel Carrier |
| Place of origin | Canada |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2014 (Projected) |
| Used by | Canada |
| Wars | None |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Textron Marine & Land Systems |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 17 tons |
| Length | 6.81m |
| Width | 2.69m |
| Height | ~ 3m |
| Crew | 3/7 passenger |
|
| |
| Armour | Composite armour |
Main armament | 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher, .50 caliber M2HB, 7.62mm NATO C6 light machine gun |
Secondary armament | C6 light machine gun |
| Engine |
Cummins QSL[1] 365 hp |
| Suspension | 4×4 wheeled, fully independent |
Operational range | 644 km |
| Maximum speed | 105 km/h (65 mph) |
The Textron TAPV (Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle) is an armoured personnel carrier/armoured reconnaissance vehicle currently in development for the Canadian Army.[1] It is based on the M1117 Armoured Security Vehicle, developed for use by the Military Police of the US Armed Forces.[2] The TAPV will replace the RG-31 MRAP's currently in service with the Canadian Army,[1] and will supplement the Coyote armoured reconnaissance vehicle as well.
Development[]
The Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program began in 2009, and in 2012 the contract was awarded to Textron Systems, Inc. The first production vehicles are slated to enter service in 2014,[3] and an eventual 500 vehicles will be purchased, with the option to order an addition 100.[1]
Engine & Suspension[]
The TAPV is powered by a Cummins QSL diesel engine, which provides 365 horse power, allowing the vehicle a maximum speed of 105 km/h, and a maximum range of 644 km. The vehicle utilizes an independent suspension axle system originally developed by Irish Timoney, and it has a central tire inflation system to prevent flat tires during combat operations.[1][2]
Armour[]
The TAPV relies upon composite armour to provide the maximum protection to the vehicles occupants. The armour is slated as being 20% better than the armour on the M1117. The TAPV also has a V-shaped hull, which provides protection against mine and IED blasts. The vehicle also has a high ground clearance, which increases protection from mine and IED blasts.[2] It can withstand up to 10 kg of explosive force directly under its hull, and can resist even 12.7mm armour-piercing rounds. Each of the seats in the vehicle are blast protected,[1] and the vehicle has vented wheel wells to disperse the energy of an explosion out from the vehicle.[2]
Armament[]
The TAPV is slated to have a remote weapons system based on the M151 PROTECTOR.[2] The weapon system is called the Dual Remote Weapon System, and can mount both a C6 7.62mm light machine gun and either a HK GMG 40mm automatic grenade launcher or a M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The vehicle also possesses numerous smoke grenade launchers located throughout the hull.[1]
Operational History[]
One Textron TAPV demonstration vehicle was built in 2011.[4] Currently, none of the 500 TAPV's ordered have been delivered to the Canadian Army, and thus they have yet to see combat.[1]
Users[]
Canada - 500 on order, an additional 100 can be ordered[1]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Textron TAPV Armoured Personnel Carrier - Military-Today.com". Military-Today.com. http://www.military-today.com/apc/textron_tapv.htm. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "CF Armoured Vehicles - TAPV project - Textron Systems". Canadian American Strategic Review. http://www.casr.ca/bg-army-tapv-textron-msv.htm. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
- ↑ "Schedule". Canadian Department of National Defence. http://www.materiel.forces.gc.ca/en/tapv-sch.page?. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
- ↑ "Textron Systems, Rheinmetall Canada and Kongsberg Protech Systems Canada announce $100 Million Contract on Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle Program". http://textrontapv.ca/2013/01/textron-systems-rheinmetall-canada-and-kongsberg-protech-systems-canada-announce-100-million-contract-on-canadian-forces-tactical-armoured-patrol-vehicle-program/. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
The original article can be found at Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle and the edit history here.