The US military’s renewed attention to the Arctic and conduct of operations in extreme terrain and weather conditions of the northern regions requires a class of vehicles with special capabilities and performance.
The BAE System’s BvS10 BEOWOLF presented at AUSA 2022 (Booth 7227/7532) is such a system.
With a battle proven drive-train and dual-body configuration is intended to reliably travel where other vehicles cannot. It combines the best of its Bv206 predecessors in a configuration that levers commercial automotive technologies and state-of-the art ergonomics. The result is a vehicle with exceptional crew comfort, decreased maintenance burden, and overall superior reliability. Its large windows and spacious heated crew compartments are crucial to effective operations in northern or other difficult terrain.
BEOWOLF was elected to fill the US Army requirement for its CATV, an amphibious vehicle that can carry up to nine soldiers and withstand temperatures to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
BEOWOLF is fully amphibious without preparation with the ability to accommodate approximately 8,000 kg (3637 lb) payload (or up to 14 personnel) in snow, tundra, soft-soil and severe weather conditions. It has a maximum operating range of 1000 km with top speed of 65 kmph (40 mph) and 4 kmph swim. The articulated design and wide tracks keep the vehicle above snow and wet, swampy ground where even a soldier can not stand. This and its Cummins 6.71 six cylinder 285 hp in line diesel engine facilitates its 45-degree slope climbing, 2-meter gap crossing and negotiating 1 meter step. The modular design facilitates configuring for logistic support, disaster, search and rescue, and troop transport/small unit weapon support. It is external liftable by the CH-47 while each of the halves can be carried under the UH-60.
The initial CATV’s will be fielded mid-2033 to the 11th Airborne Div in Alaska. The first four will be part of a projected 110 vehicle Army requirement.
by Stephen W. Miller
