The Canadian Armed Forces are
looking for something they call a “Close Combat Vehicle” (CCV)
According to the Department’s
Close Combat Vehicle (CCV) Project web site:
The CCV project will deliver to the Land Forces an
extremely well protected armoured vehicle with very high tactical mobility,
able to deliver a combat ready Canadian Army infantry section in close combat,
while operating in intimate support of CF tanks.
The Project scope is for the acquisition of 108 CCV
(including IFV and FOO variants), with an option for up to 30 additional
vehicles, plus an associated long-term or through-life in-service support
contract.
Background
The experience of the CF and that of other nations in
operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and other operational theatre
demonstrates the requirement for a new highly survivable medium-weight (25-45
tonnes) armoured CCV. The threats of mines, Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs), Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFPs) and anti-armour weapons have
proliferated and are likely to be faced in most medium to high-threat missions.
A more robust vehicle with both passive and active protection appropriate to
the mission will likely be required frequently in the future.
The CCV is intended to overcome the aforementioned
deficiencies in capabilities as well as fulfill future operational concept
requirements. Changes in recent years to the threats facing the CF on
operations have led to increased attention on protection.
The CCV is envisaged as a medium armoured
capability (25-45 tonnes) that will bridge the gap between the current light
(5-20 tonnes) and heavy armoured (45 tonnes +) vehicle fleets. (emphasis
added)
Specifically,
the CCV will increase force/crew survivability, providing troops with the
enhanced protection and mobility of a medium armoured vehicle, allowing them to
effectively operate in intimate support of CF tanks in close combat with enemy
forces.
After the usual, for the DND,
needlessly complex procurement process they have announced three
compliant bidders for the next round of evaluations.
At present, the announced candidates are BAE Hägglund's CV9035 and two wheeled vehicles, Nexter's
VBCI 25/30 and GDLS-Canada's Piranha 5. The presence of wheeled IFVs in the CCV
contest came as something as a surprise.
GDLS-Canada (GDELS) Piranha
5
CCV Candidate Specifications
Crew:
|
3 (driver, gunner,
veh cdr) + 8 dismounts (transporter)
|
Armament:
|
Rheinmetall
30mm Lance Modular Turret System [5]
|
Size:
|
Length 8.0m,
width 2.99m, height 2.34m ( to hull top of transporter version,
no height released for IFV type)
|
Weight:
|
17 tonnes
(empty), 30-33 tonnes (GVW),
16t payload
|
Powerplant:
|
580kW MTU 6V199 turbo
diesel, ZF Ecomat auto trans
|
Performance:
|
Max 100 km/h,
range 550 km (with mixed on/off road)
|
BAE Systems (Hägglunds) CV9035
CCV Candidate
Specifications
Crew:
|
3 (driver,
gunner, vehicle cdr.) + 7-to-8 dismounts
|
Armament:
|
main gun: 35mm Bushmaster
III 35/50 dual-feed gun (with programmable ABM ), 1 x coaxial
7.62 mm C6, optional roof-top Lemur RWS ( MG or 40mm AGL )
|
Size:
|
Length 6.8m, width
3.2m, height 2.8 m, clearance .4m
|
Weight:
|
Max: 35,000 kg (GVW
depending on exact armour fit)
|
Powerplant:
|
600 kW Scania DS14
diesel, Perkins X 300 auto (4+2)
|
Performance:
|
Max forward: 70km/h,
reverse 43 km/h, range 600 km
|
Nexter 'VBCI 30' (
VBCI VCI )
CCV Candidate Specifications
Crew:
|
3 x crew (driver,
gunner, veh cdr) plus dismounts
|
Armament:
|
1 x Hitfist
30 turret armed with 30mm ATK MK44
+ coaxial 7.62mm C6 & flexible 7.62mm C6 GPMG |
Size:
|
Length 7.6m,
width 2.98m, height 2.25m (varies)
|
Weight:
|
Empty: under 18
tonnes, combat: 28 tonnes
|
Powerplant:
|
405 kW (550hp) 12
litre 6-cyl. Volvo-Renault D12
turbo-diesel with ZF 7HP 902 (7+2 speeds) auto. |
Performance:
|
Speed: 100km/h
(paved road), max range: 750 km
|
There is another possible
candidate. General Dynamics Land Systems has recently offered a Tracked Stryker to the U.S. Army for the Army's Armored Multi-Purpose
Vehicle program to replace the M113 APC.
“ General Dynamics has created a tracked version of the Stryker.
The vehicle keeps the highly survivable double-V hull, and tracks were attached
using externally mounted suspension. It is considerably heavier at 70,000 lbs
(35 tons), but the tracked suspension can handle up to 84,000 pounds (42 tons)
to allow for additional armor, weapons, and cargo. Its power plant offers 700
horsepower and has the vehicle has greater than 60 percent commonality with
wheeled Strykers. The Tracked Stryker also has greater fuel efficiency and a
wider track and a wider track for better mobility than the M113.”
This vehicle, as described,
is compatible with Stryker vehicles which to a large extent means it is compatible
with a LAV. It also finds that weight sweet spot that the DND characterizes as
“Medium” Weight.
It solves the tracks vs.wheels debate. If DND were to procure Stryker + Tr (as GD has dubbed it) it
would give them a mixed fleet with enhanced off-road capabilities. It would
also give them the option at some future date of replacing Canada’s M113 fleet with
additional Stryker + Tr’s.
Given the twists and turns of
DND procurement policy it is understandable that General Dynamics is not
interested in derailing an already lengthy process with a new offer. It is also
possible that offering this vehicle would pit one division of the company with
another. However, if it was possible to acquire this vehicle it would meet Canada’s immediate
needs and give the Forces enhanced options for future procurement if they
should become necessary.
