MSPO 2015: AMPV multi-role vehicle. An offer for Pegasus programme

Earlier on we had known that the vehicle was going to be tailored to the Polish requirements. A little more than 2 months have passed between the MSPO 2015 expo and the presentation, which made it possible to implement the possible changes mainly on the basis of the armament and equipment systems offered by the Polish and by the German industry. Despite the fact that the vehicles are not necessarily going to be selected by the Armed Forces (including the special operations component), they are a good example of the capabilities of the companies and of the options of adapting and modifying the basic platform, in order to tailor it to the dynamic environment of the contemporary battlefield and a variety of conflicts which take place throughout different locations all around the world.

This includes changes in the interior required to fit in the communications/data transfer equipment and armament needed by the Polish Army, and to provide proper equipment-carrying and logistics support capabilities. With the permissible load maintained (2200 kg – however, this parameter may be changed, depending on the version and purpose of the vehicle), the transport compartment was expanded, its length is 300 mm larger. Thanks to the above, the vehicle is capable of carrying the required equipment, including the equipment placed in special hard-cases and protective containers.

Situational awareness was significantly improved, along with the level of crew protection, via installation of a set of sensors (including acoustic sensors and sensors for 360-degree observation). ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System For Land Vehicles) is one of the systems offered for the AMPV. This system makes it possible to cover the vehicle from the infra-red devices within the close, medium and long range spectra, within the visual spectrum from 400 to 1000 nm of wavelength and within the spectrum of laser radiation, with wavelength ranging from 550 to 1500 nm. The system has a very quick reaction time (0.4 seconds) and low mass – 15 kg with 20 40 mm grenades.

Moreover, AMPV was equipped with the FONET digital communications system manufactured by WB Electronics. The system provided the crew with voice communication, utilizing the used communication devices. The system additionally integrates the electronic equipment for the vehicle and controls cable and wireless networks.

The vehicle was demonstrated with a remotely controlled armament module (ZSMU-1276), equipped with a thermal vision camera, visible spectrum camera, laser range-finder and digital data transmission system using the primary system (e.g. BMS) or the GPS interface coupled with a digital map. 

The manufacturers, along with the vehicle itself, also offer the presented kits of additional equipment, spare parts, hardware and a variety of service, operational and training support options. There is also an option of adding additional hatches, protective systems, optronic devices – in line with the buyer’s requirements.

The vehicle is offered for the Armed Forces by a team consisting of the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rosomak S.A. companies. The platform’s structure is configurable, offering options of using additional armour-plating and equipment. In its basic variant, the vehicle provides the crew with level 3 ballistic protection and 4a/3b mine protection (4b to be reached), in line with the STANAG 4569 norm.

AMPV is placed within the 10-tonnes vehicle class and it was, according to the declarations, designed with the experience gathered during the NATO operations and peacekeeping missions, in mind. According to the basic assumptions, the vehicle is to provide mobility, along with a proper level of protection for its crew of 5. At the same time it would constitute a basis platform for the prospective special purpose vehicles.

The vehicle is propelled by the Steyr Motors 3.2 litre diesel engine, with a power output of 272 HP. Top  speed of the AMPV is  110 kph, while its range reaches 700 kilometers. There is an option of transporting the car under the CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters, or in the cargo bays of the transport aircraft,  such as the C-130 Hercules, C-160 Transall or A400M  Atlas.

Finally, AMPV may be fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station featuring a 7.62 mm machine gun, .50 heavy machine gun or a 40 mm grenade launcher. Alternatively, a ring mount with similar armament is also an option here.