Land systems developer Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics has unveiled a new concept that is aimed at improving the mobility of military vehicles over soft and difficult terrain at the Singapore Airshow 2016 held from 16-21 February.
Called the 'track over wheels' system, the concept is being showcased on a specially modified 8 x 8 Terrex armoured vehicle which has been painted in the Australian Army camouflage scheme and designated the 'Terrex 1+'.
This unique variant incorporates a number of features that are essential for the ongoing Australian Department of Defence's (DoD's) Project Land 400 Phase 2 requirement for up to 225 wheeled combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs) to replace the ageing Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs), although it is understood that the company is to offer its new 30-tonne Terrex 2 platform for the programme instead of the 24-tonne Terrex.
The variant on display includes its Adder remote weapon station armed with a 30-mm cannon, coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and non-line of sight (N-LOS) missile launcher, blast attenuating seats, as well as a spare wheel on the side of the hull.
Wrapped over the two forward wheels on the starboard side of the vehicle, however, is a set of optionally fitted rubber caterpillar tracks which ST Kinetics claims has been designed to enhance the vehicle's mobility over soft and difficult terrain.
"It's an idea that has been adapted from the agricultural and forestry industry, where tracks are fitted over existing wheels to overcome the loss of traction in soft, muddy grounds," an ST Kinetics representative told IHS Jane's . "This could be an option for [military forces] to consider in the future."
IHS Jane's understands that the process of installing the track requires minimal preparation and installation time. The vehicle is driven forward and positioned over a set of tracks, which is manually looped around the wheels and secured via a link bolt.
(Jane's)
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