Search Results for: "Air+Rover"
US to take stake in key European mission to Mars
Relevance Score: 3.340 2009-06-16 21:29:51
NASA is likely to shoulder a major chunk of a planned unmanned European mission to Mars that has been troubled by rows over design and budget, the European Space Agency (ESA) said on Monday. The ExoMars mission, the flagship of ESA's "Aurora" programme to explore the Solar System, was initially sketched in 2005 as a small robot rover that would be sent down to the Red Planet and cost no more than 650 million euros (890 million dollars). But as the project developed, its design became more ambitious and the likely cost ballooned at one time to nearly twice the original figure, an estimate rejected by ESA's member states. Its launch, initially scheduled for 2011, was pushed back to 2013 and was delayed last year for a third time, to 2016. At a press conference at the Paris Air Show, ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain said the agency was "close to having an agreement" with NASA over sharing out the project. "We should have an exchange of letters of intent by the end of the month," he said. "Through this agreement with NASA, which is a long-term cooperation agreement on robotic exploration of Mars, NASA will contribute significantly to the ExoMars mission," said Dordain. "I think this significant contribution will keep on the European side the most important technologies that we wanted to demonstrate, which is landing, moving on the surface and drilling. "The lander, the rover and the device to drill the surface of Mars will be provided by ESA while NASA will provide the launcher and the carrier orbiter," he said.
Land Rover Launches Versatile New Discovery Armoured
Relevance Score: 2.979 2009-04-27 09:44:22
Land Rover is introducing a new armoured version of its multi award-winning Discovery 4x4 vehicle. The new Discovery Armoured combines Land Rover's legendary all-terrain capability with discreet, state-of-the-art protection, whilst providing highly versatile and comfortable transportation for five people and a generous 500kg payload. Benefiting from Land Rover's extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, including the Range Rover Armoured, the Discovery Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians. "The broad range of capabilities provided by the new Discovery Armoured make it the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations," says John C Wright, Land Rover's manager, Government and Direct Sales. "The Discovery has been carefully engineered to help enable occupants to travel across challenging terrains with confidence." Ballistic armour Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides B6 level ballistic and blast protection in accordance with European standard EN1522 level FB6. Standard specification includes run-flat tyres, bullet resistant glazing and under-floor shielding. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation. Detailed engineering changes were made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintained optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour. Modifications include uprated springs and dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and upgraded front and rear brake callipers. All-terrain capability Like the standard Discovery, the armoured version comes equipped with the latest 4x4 technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain capability. This includes Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle's performance to suit virtually any surface from tarmac to the off-road challenges of mud, grass, snow or sand. An advanced 2.7-litre V6 common-rail diesel engine provides effortless and refined power delivery, and is complemented by a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle features independent air suspension at all four corners, for a supple, level ride. The Discovery Armoured offers a commanding elevated driving position, with a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is also significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload. Comprehensive support Land Rover provides armoured vehicle customers with a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase, including a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty. A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full driver training programme; a dedicated technician can also provide a number of scheduled visits each year, to assist with vehicle familiarisation and servicing.
Air Force Supervisors Describe Plan To Improve ISR Capabilities.
Relevance Score: 2.477 2009-07-08 01:21:04
Air Force supervisors outlined the service's "flight plan" to acquire intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to counter threats on the war zone, in space and cyberspace during the next 20 years. The plan is the latest in a series of steps the service has taken since late 2005 to bolster ISR capabilities and create a more responsive organization capable of deliver the necessary resources to combat commanders. At the heart of the plan is an interactive database, transparent to all users, that incorporates input from the joint-service combatant commands as well as the Air Force major commands. Through a collaborative process that engages industry and academia as well as the other services and battlefield commanders, the Air Force plans to refine ISR requirements to better cooperate with warfighters, said Brig. Gen. Veralinn Jamieson, director of strategy, integration and doctrine for the Air Force deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The new approach represents " is a crucial cultural change for the Air Force," Jamieson said. Instead of focusing on specific weapons platforms and how they might be upgraded, the service is focusing on capabilities. Technology alone will not meet the gaps in capability the Air Force seeks to fill, she said. The new approach provides a process for evaluating doctrine, training, leadership, personnel, facilities and policy. For instance, it has become clear in recent years that the Air Force needed far more intelligence specialist to evaluate the flood of data and images ISR assets are gathering on the battlefield. So Air Force senior leaders have approved changes that would redeploy 2,500 troops from elsewhere within the service to new positions devoted to handling the data. As the United States redoubles its efforts to defeat insurgents in Afghanistan, the changes in how the Air Force is approaching this issue are making a difference on the ground, said Lt. Gen. David Deptula, deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. For example, as part of the service's more focused ISR efforts, the Air Force has been the proponent for remotely operated video enhanced receiver technology, known as ROVER, ground troops use to view video images captured by unmanned aerial systems in real time. The latest version of ROVER, developed by Harris Corp., is a small handheld device that relays high-resolution, full-motion video, which makes the tool much more useful to the Marines and soldiers who rely on the surveillance images captured by drones. For decades, the Air Force aimed to be able to strike any target at any time, Deptula said. "We can do that. Now the issue is, 'What do you want to accomplish?' To answer that, combat commanders will need better intelligence, he said.
Iveco Massif Light Support Vehicle, Spain
Relevance Score: 2.171 2009-05-18 20:56:54
The Iveco Massif is the latest heavy-duty four-wheel-drive vehicle from Fiat (Iveco is their commercial vehicle section). The Massif was produced in conjunction with the Spanish 4×4 producer Santana, (Santana and Iveco signed an agreement in May 2006 – the Massif is basically a rebadged and restyled version of the Santana PS-10 'Anibal' 4×4 vehicle), who previously had a successful relationship with Land Rover from 1958 to 1985 – they built 'Spanish' Land Rovers for the armed forces in Spain right up until 1983. The new Iveco Massif has a lot of Land Rover characteristics (body styled by Giugiaro) but is a distinctly different vehicle with a chassis based on the Iveco Daily 4×4 van (which has been used for heavy duty military applications in the past). The vehicle is the first heavy duty 4×4 vehicle that Fiat / Iveco has produced since their highly successful Campagnola Jeep that was used by the Italian Army for many years. The Iveco Massif will be released for the UK market in January 2009 but is now available in Europe in left-hand drive long (five-door) and short (three-door) wheel-based versions with hard tops as well as a long wheel base pick-up and chassis truck version. A van body version is currently in development. Iveco have said that the vehicle will be available in a military specification if required and like the Santana PS-10 will be fully air transportable. All versions of the Massif will have full metre-wide rear openings allowing a standard euro-pallet to be carried. POWER UNIT AND SPECIFICATIONS The engines for the Massif range will include: 146bhp / 258lb/ft (HPI) and 176bhp / 295lb/ft (HPT) versions of a previously developed and reliable 3l diesel (Euro IV-compatible), with a variable-geometry turbocharger, a six-speed manual transmission (ZF 6S400 overdrive six-speed transmission) and also selectable rear-wheel / four-wheel drive with a low-ratio two-speed transfer box , based on the Santana 2500 unit. The Massif has parabolic leaf springs to give good handling and flexibility and can negotiate a 40% slope with ease in second-low just with the engine ticking over. The Massif has all-around disc brakes and a disc transmission handbrake. "The Massif was produced in conjunction with the Spanish 4×4 producer Santana."A double 'H' hydraulic circuit with vacuum servo-assistance is used to actuate ventilated disc brakes on the front axle and also simple discs on the rear axle. There is recirculating ball-type power steering equipped with a ZF pump and a reasonable turning circle of 6.5m. Beam drive axles are used both front and rear and have a common final drive ratio of 3.909:1. The final drive gearing used on the front axle is of a helicoidal design whereas that on the rear axle is a hypoid gear set in order to provide improved ground clearance for the centrally mounted drive shaft. The Massif can also be supplied with a wide range of transmission and transfer box PTOs (Power Take-Offs) and also easily accessible electric connections for bodywork.
Supacat bids for new U.K. combat vehicle
Relevance Score: 2.052 2010-01-25 12:15:31
Supacat is gearing up to supply British forces fighting in Afghanistan with a new generation of light protected patrol vehicles. Unveiled by the company earlier this week, Supacat has delivered the SPV400 to the British Defense Ministry for detailed testing alongside machines from two other suppliers in hopes of replacing the Snatch Land Rover with a better protected vehicle. The SPV Series is the next generation design from Supacat, intended to boost what the company calls its successful range of "high-mobility vehicles." These include the Jackal and Coyote, which are currently being used by British forces deployed in Afghanistan. The protection system has been developed with NP Aerospace and the system features mine blast seats and configurable ballistic armor to meet specific operational threats. The SPV400 prototype is competing against the new Ocelot vehicle design from Force Protection Europe and Ricardo Specialist Vehicles. Another team short-listed by the Ministry of Defense for the trials failed to provide vehicles after prime contractor Babcock withdrew at the last moment, according to reports.
Plasan Announces Delivery Of 25 SandCats To Bulgaria
Relevance Score: 1.808 2010-02-12 15:32:27
Plasan has announced the delivery of 25 SandCat vehicles in cooperation with Oshkosh Defense, for the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. Earlier this month, Plasan welcomed Israeli Minister of Defense Ehud Barak to its facilities in Kibbutz Sasa. This visit marks an additional award to deliver 79 SandCats specifically designed for the Israeli Border Police Patrol; a contract valued at $14 million. As opposed to vehicles currently in use by IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) such as the Armored HMMWV'e (190hp), Up-armored Storm Jeep (180hp) and Armored Land-rover "David" (122hp) the SandCat is equipped with a 6.4L, V8 Turbo Diesel engine with 350hp output capable to reach a maximum speed of 130km/h. The SandCat is based on an upgraded commercial off-the-shelf Ford F-Series 4x4 chassis, adapted by Oshkosh Defense for military use and fitted with Plasan advanced Metal Composite and Ceramics Composite armor. The SandCat provides a high level of protection for the crew while maintaining excellent maneuverability capabilities. The SandCat design is state-of-the-art in all aspects: exterior design, choice of materials, ergonomics, integration of advanced electronic systems, NBC safety systems, suspended/collapsible seats are part of the Blast mitigation system and the advanced composite materials against IEDs and road side bombs are providing high level of crew survivability.
New Sunscreen For ISRO's Manned Mission
Relevance Score: 1.579 2009-07-27 20:32:29
The intense radiation from the sun that roasted India's first unmanned lunar satellite's key orientation instrument - the star sensor - has raised concerns over the safety of Indian astronauts on the country's first manned space flight, planned around 2015. A scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) pointed out that radiation can kill astronauts if the emissions from the sun are intense. Scientists at ISRO are taking no chances. Chandrayaan programme director M Annadurai told DNA that they are looking at "increasing the thickness of the radiation shield for Chandrayaan-II." The star sensor failure has forced them to rework their design. The improvised radiation shield will protect the next unmanned moon mission, Chandrayaan-II, scheduled for 2012-13. ISRO scientists say the shield for Chandrayaan-II will be a tester for the manned space flight. ISRO wants to send two Indian astronauts for about a week into an earth orbit. As an indication of how deadly the blasts of radiation can be, the education and outreach programme of NASA's Radiation Belt Modelling for Living With a Star narrates: "A major flare that occurred half way between the Apollo 16 and Apollo 17 moonwalks, would have had a much more deadly outcome had it arrived while astronauts were outside their spacecraft (on the moon) playing golf. Within a few minutes, the astronauts would have been killed on the spot with an incredible blast of radiation." Scientists plan to land a robotic rover that will explore the lunar surface in their Chandrayaan-II mission. They are now awaiting the conclusion of ISRO's review meeting to take stock of the Chandrayaan-I mission, including the failure of the star sensors, which will be held later this year. Annadurai admitted that since this was the first time that India had sent a satellite into a close lunar orbit at an altitude of just 100 kms, "we have learnt from our experience that we need to improve the radiation shield for the next mission." At a distance of just 100km from the moon's surface, any lunar satellite receives an overdose of radiation - primarily the direct blasts from the sun, and secondarily, the reflected radiation off the moon's surface. One of the avenues before space scientists while dealing with high radiation threatening satellites is to completely close down the satellite's operations. "But we cannot close down the star sensor as that would mean losing the orientation of the satellite, which is difficult to regain later," said Annadurai. The star sensors keep the satellite pointed in a particular direction. This is a key instrument for satellites that can help the camera side pointed at the earth's or moon's surface.
New Sunscreen For ISRO's Manned Mission
Relevance Score: 1.575 2009-07-27 20:32:29
The intense radiation from the sun that roasted India's first unmanned lunar satellite's key orientation instrument - the star sensor - has raised concerns over the safety of Indian astronauts on the country's first manned space flight, planned around 2015. A scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) pointed out that radiation can kill astronauts if the emissions from the sun are intense. Scientists at ISRO are taking no chances. Chandrayaan programme director M Annadurai told DNA that they are looking at "increasing the thickness of the radiation shield for Chandrayaan-II." The star sensor failure has forced them to rework their design. The improvised radiation shield will protect the next unmanned moon mission, Chandrayaan-II, scheduled for 2012-13. ISRO scientists say the shield for Chandrayaan-II will be a tester for the manned space flight. ISRO wants to send two Indian astronauts for about a week into an earth orbit. As an indication of how deadly the blasts of radiation can be, the education and outreach programme of NASA's Radiation Belt Modelling for Living With a Star narrates: "A major flare that occurred half way between the Apollo 16 and Apollo 17 moonwalks, would have had a much more deadly outcome had it arrived while astronauts were outside their spacecraft (on the moon) playing golf. Within a few minutes, the astronauts would have been killed on the spot with an incredible blast of radiation." Scientists plan to land a robotic rover that will explore the lunar surface in their Chandrayaan-II mission. They are now awaiting the conclusion of ISRO's review meeting to take stock of the Chandrayaan-I mission, including the failure of the star sensors, which will be held later this year. Annadurai admitted that since this was the first time that India had sent a satellite into a close lunar orbit at an altitude of just 100 kms, "we have learnt from our experience that we need to improve the radiation shield for the next mission." At a distance of just 100km from the moon's surface, any lunar satellite receives an overdose of radiation - primarily the direct blasts from the sun, and secondarily, the reflected radiation off the moon's surface. One of the avenues before space scientists while dealing with high radiation threatening satellites is to completely close down the satellite's operations. "But we cannot close down the star sensor as that would mean losing the orientation of the satellite, which is difficult to regain later," said Annadurai. The star sensors keep the satellite pointed in a particular direction. This is a key instrument for satellites that can help the camera side pointed at the earth's or moon's surface.
Light Utility Vehicles of the Future
Relevance Score: 0.777 2009-07-05 13:50:50
A modern fighting force needs good land transport, whether it is for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering; routine patrols; or transportation of troops, small or large fighting forces, or vehicles. Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that the theatre of warfare is forever changing and allied troops continue to fight a deadly insurgent and guerrilla war where roadside bombs and mines form a large part of the attacks made on allied vehicles. The rules have changed and vehicles need to change with them to guarantee the safety of troops. As international forces continue active service, their organisations are beginning to step-up to protect them with a number of new vehicle systems in development. "With additional armour vehicles can becomes heavier, cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre."Against attack The most important factor to consider during R&D is the vehicle's purpose. Mike Sweeney of BAE Systems Land Systems says that if the vehicle is to go into a combat situation it needs to be armoured to protect troops against small arms attack as well as the possibility of mine attack. But with this additional armour the vehicle becomes heavier, cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre. To make a vehicle resistant to roadside bombs and mines side armour is needed for defence against lateral attack, while an armoured hull can resist mine attack from beneath. Shaped hulls and chassis underneath the vehicle can direct the blast away from the cabin but injuries can still occur if the shock of the blast is transferred to the personnel inside the vehicle. The only way to reduce this is for the armour to be thick and heavy – again making the vehicle weightier. Increasing the mobility of the machine to ensure optimum safety also needs to be considered. Many light utility vehicles are based on four wheels but an attack might make the vehicle immobile and a sitting duck by virtue of losing a wheel. Therefore, newer vehicles are now adopting six and eight-wheel drive systems. Weapons systems for these types of vehicles also have to be relatively light – 7.62mm and 12mm heavy machine guns or light recoil-less cannon weapons offer a good rate of fire and effective stopping power. For patrols conducted by forces in recent conflicts, lower-echelon vehicles have been subject to substantial attack and so measures need to be adopted for these protected mobility vehicles to secure the survival of the troops being carried. In conjunction with the actual body of the vehicle, electronic countermeasures against roadside bombs, shock-mounted seating, inner spall liners against small arms attack and run-flat tyres, all offer additional safety. Two-pronged approach Light utility vehicles are now becoming much more specialised and the days of the modified, all-purpose vehicles like the Snatch Land Rover could be almost over. To ensure that troops are protected to the best level that technology can offer there are two ways to go: either make a vehicle very light, fast and manoeuvrable, or produce a highly armoured heavy vehicle for maximum protection of forces on patrol. For both of those extremes there are light vehicles in use. On the one hand is the BvS 10 Viking which runs on rubber tracks and has a low ground pressure (to avoid mine detonation) but still has armour and is commonly used by the Royal Marines. In addition there is the Mastiff, which was introduced into the Iraq theatre at the end of 2006. It has substantial blast and ballistic protection being based on the 6x6 Cougar platform used by the US Marines (a similar vehicle in this vein is the BAE Systems Land Systems RG-33). This 23.5t vehicle can proceed at 90km/h and provides the highest level of protection, but is not highly manoeuvrable. "Roadside bombs and mines form a large part of the attacks made on allied vehicles."At the other end of the scale are the quad bikes being used by some special forces which have no protection but are highly mobile and very light. In support of this second approach is the fact that the lighter a vehicle is, the less likely it will give the pressure required to set off larger mines. However, the latest Afghan Taliban tactics favour using a lighter anti-personnel mine on top of a heavier mine because much less weight and pressure is required to detonate the smaller mine. An important development in vehicle development is the US joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) programme, which will produce a range of four or more vehicle types based on the same platform but for different duty levels that will replace today's models. The scheme has set a number of design demands for the vehicles including a 30kW generator to support operations, a trailer, a standard spare ammunition carrying capacity, jam-resistant doors, automated fire-extinguishing system, extra spall liner to give further protection to troops and multiple additive armour kits for different duties. Fit for purpose An example of a range of armoured vehicles designed for varying operational and combat situations is that from Force Protection Inc. The range includes the Cheetah, the Cougar 4×4, the Cougar 6×6 and the Buffalo (mine handler). The Cheetah is a light utility vehicle for urban operations and reconnaissance of just 16,000lb but with a capability of being able to go over 80mph. It is lightly armoured but still with the good design of the V-shaped monocoque hull. The more highly armoured, thus heavier, Cougar is available in two basic variants – 6×6 or 4×4 – and these have been designed with mine-resistant armoured protection in mind. More importantly they can be easily modified to fit the electronics and armour specification required by a range of different armed forces. The Cougar 6×6 has already been very successful, as the Mastiff for the British Army, the Badger ILAV for the Iraqi Army and of course in several variants for US forces such as the HEV (hardened engineer vehicle) and the JERRV (joint EOD rapid response vehicle). Other variants have also been sold to the Italian and Canadian Armies. "An important development in vehicle development is the US joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) programme."In many ways the range of vehicles from manufacturers like Force Protection Inc has provided a good base for the JLTV programme because of the extensive vehicle range and the customisability of these vehicles. Other refinements are now being introduced to light utility vehicles to increase their operational usefulness. These can include additional power units that can be used in case of engine failure to get the vehicle out of trouble or allow the vehicle to be used as a remote control drone for unmanned reconnaissance, as is the case with the spider light strike vehicle. Remote control is also becoming popular with weapons systems, whereby the troops have the ability to operate them from the inside of the vehicle – this is possible in both the Cougar and Ridgback. In addition, weapons active protection systems such as the 'Quick Kill' from Raytheon are being introduced to intercept and destroy attacking anti-tank missiles, rockets and grenades. As individual vehicles become more specialised to fit varying purposes so the cost implications of the build and the training needed to handle the machines rise. But critically, so does the safety of the troops and their ability to tackle enemy forces. As active service continues for troops across the globe, this has to be a priority and a critical spend for international militaries.
Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle (CLV) Light Armoured 4x4, United Kingdom
Relevance Score: 0.726 2009-05-10 11:48:36
The Defence Procurement Agency of the UK Ministry of Defence announced in July 2003 that the BAE Systems Land Systems (formerly Alvis) multirole light vehicle (MLV) has been selected as the British Army's future command and liaison vehicle (FCLV). The first procurement contract was signed in November 2003 for an initial 401 vehicles, with an option for up to 400 more. The vehicle has been named the Panther command and liaison vehicle (CLV). The vehicles are being built during the period 2006 to 2009 and will replace a range of vehicles which are reaching the end of their operational lives, for example the Land Rover, Saxon, FV432 and a number of combat vehicle (reconnaissance) tracked. The vehicles will also enter service with the Royal Air Force Regiment. "Panther has been selected as the British Army's future command and liaison vehicle."The Panther command and liaison vehicle has successfully completed and passed the UK MoD reliability and qualification trials. The first 56 vehicles were delivered by September 2007. The Panther CLV entered service in June 2008. By June 2008, 217 vehicles had been delivered. A small number of vehicles are undergoing hot weather trials in Afghanistan with 1 Mechanised Brigade. A total of 401 Panthers are scheduled to be delivered by September 2009. Multi-role light vehicle The MLV is based on a design by Iveco Defence Vehicles Division of Italy. It is designed primarily for strategic and tactical mobility with a high level of protection against anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, modular and with tuneable armour protection and stealthy design. In peacekeeping operations, currently undertaken by heavy armour and infantry fighting vehicles, the MLV provides a lower profile while still providing a high level of crew protection. In high intensity conflicts, the MLV can be configured as a scout, command or liaison vehicle or as a weapons platform. The new Bowman tactical communications system, from General Dynamics UK, will be fitted as Government Furnished Equipment. In June 2004, Thales Defence Optronics was selected to provide the driver's vision enhancer (DVE) for the Panther CLV. Thales's DVE driver's sight is based on an uncooled thermal imager. CLV design The design was based on creating the maximum distance and protection between the seat of a mine explosion and the cabin. The wheel stations are located away from the crew cabin so that if a wheel detonates an anti-tank mine, the explosion is vented upwards, leaving the crew cabin undamaged. The bonnet is hinged to the chassis to reduce the shock transmitted to the cabin. "The MLV can be configured as a scout, command or liaison vehicle or as a weapons platform."The light alloy rear body is fitted with a canvas roof over a supporting frame. It is sacrificial and severs from the cabin in the event of a mine detonation under a rear wheel. A number of features have been incorporated into the design to protect the cabin from an explosion of an underbelly mine. The underside of the vehicle is v-shaped and the ground clearance has been maximised to allow maximum dissipation of the blast. The location of heavy components under the cabin floor has been avoided because they can be projected through the cabin floor by a mine blast. The lower part of the vehicle has a three-layer sandwich structure that collapses on detonation of a mine under the belly, absorbing a high percentage of the energy that has not been vented away laterally. The chassis is available with two different wheelbase dimensions, 3,200mm and 3,500mm. The chassis has high resistance steel C-shaped spars with longitudinal reinforcements and tubular cross elements. The double A-arm type suspension is fitted with helical springs and coaxial shock absorbers. A Health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) is also fitted to the vehicle. CLV cabin The internal features of the cabin further reduce residual and secondary mine explosion effects on the crew. There are two adjustable anti-mine front seats and three foldable anti-mine back seats. The seats are suspended and not fixed directly to the floor which avoids direct transmission of the shockwave to the crew. The air-conditioned and heated cabin is fitted with a high-resistance roll bar, a two-piece tiltable windscreen and a canvas roof with a dismountable frame. The four doors are fitted with sliding and dismountable windows and are built to withstand the shock wave of an explosion. A two-seat and two-door short cabin version of the vehicle is available as an option. "The Panther has a maximum road speed of 130km/hour and the range is over 500km."Armour protection The armour protection is tuneable by the replacement of armour packs within the vehicle's external skin. The basic add-on armour pack provides ballistic protection against small arms fire and a heavier kit provides protection against ambush including mines. Self-defence weapon station In May 2004, BAE Systems was awarded a contract to provide the self-defence weapon station (SDW) for the FCLV. SDW combines the surveillance, target acquisition weapon sight (STAWS), which is based on an uncooled thermal imager with the Enforcer remote controlled weapon station (RCWS). STAWS is produced by Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems Ltd (formerly BAE Systems Avionics). The Enforcer RCWS, developed by Rafael of Israel, is being licensed-produced by Selex S&AS following the insolvency of AEI Ordinance Systems who previously held the license. The weapon station can be armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. Iveco F1C engine The 3,000cc, Iveco F1C, common rail Euro 3, variable geometry turbo charged engine provides 136kW at 3,700rpm and generates 456Nm torque at 1,800rpm. The automatic gearbox has six forward and one reverse gear. A five forward plus one reverse manual gearbox is available as an option. The full time transfer box with a built in electro-pneumatically locked longitudinal differential, is installed in the vehicle's rear compartment. The silencers and the exhaust manifolds are installed within the C-spars of the vehicle chassis and the turbocharger is installed under the engine in order to minimise thermal radiation. CLV transportability The 2,050mm width and 6,500kg weight of the vehicle allow the vehicle to be air transported to the area of operations by a number of aircraft including the EH101 (two vehicles), C-27J, C160 Transall, C-130J (two vehicles) and on heavy lift helicopters CH-53 and CH-47 (two vehicles). Vehicle manoeuvrability The vehicle has a maximum road speed of 130km/hour and the range is over 500km. The turning circle is 14m. The underbelly ground clearance is 473mm and the vehicle is able to manoeuvre over obstacles such as 0.5m steps and cross side slopes of 30% and gradients of 60%. The vehicle can ford water obstacles to a depth of 0.85m without preparation and with minimal preparation can ford rivers to a depth of 1.5m. The air hydraulic braking system allows the vehicle to tow loads up to 4.2t.