KNDS completes first Boxer Tracked, but who will buy it?
Two years ago, KMW (now KNDS Germany) showed a mock-up of its private venture Boxer Tracked IFV and the company has now completed a fully operational demonstrator. Will this variant find favour with existing operators or could it open new markets?
While the Boxer 8x8 Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle is being adopted by an increasing number of countries, with the UK for example ordering a total of 623, KNDS-Germany had received feedback that some customers still preferred a tracked vehicle as this has greater mobility over some types of terrain... Continues below
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Above: KNDS’s Boxer Tracked demonstrator fitted with a remote-controlled turret armed with a 30mm MK30-2 ABM dual feed cannon and coaxial MG. (Photo: author)
A key feature of Boxer Tracked compared to other tracked IFVs is that it can take more than 20 mission modules that have already been developed and in many cases are in volume production for the 8x8, with yet more planned including one fitted with a Patria NEMO 120mm mortar turret.
According to KNDS-Germany, Boxer Tracked has an all-steel-armoured drive module with appliqué package for a higher level of ballistic protection. There are also options for explosive-reactive armour solutions.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is being quoted as 45t of which 17t can be payload (covering the mission module, fuel, crew and ammunition).
The demonstrator vehicle has been shown fitted with a KNDS RCT30 remote-controlled turret armed with a Rheinmetall 30mm MK30-2 air-bursting munition dual-feed cannon.
There are two coaxial machine gun options, the 5.56mm MG4 and a 7.62mm MG. In addition Boxer Tracked has banks of standard 76mm electrically operated smoke grenade launchers and can be fitted with a MUSS soft-kill defensive aids system.
To engage targets at long range the Rafael SPIKE-LR missile can be fitted as can an embarked UAV for short-range reconnaissance missions.
The power pack is mounted at the front on the left and consists of a Rolls Royce Power Systems MTU 881 Common Rail diesel developing 880kW coupled to a Renk HSWL 256 automatic transmission which gives a maximum road speed of up to 70km/h, a good power-to-weight ratio and an operating range of up to 500km.
In the longer term there is growth potential for another MTU power pack with hybrid solutions.
Typical crew consists of commander, driver and gunner and at least six dismounts with the latter on blast-attenuating seats that face inwards, entering and leaving via a power-operated ramp at the rear.
Additional stowage space is provided in the sponsons and standard equipment includes CBRN and air conditioning.
The best-selling tracked IFV in Europe is the BAE Systems Hagglunds CV90 family which has been constantly improved since the first one rolled off the production line as far back as 1993.
Another recent entry to the tracked IFV tracked market is the Rheinmetall Lynx which is now in production in Hungary and looks set to win a major Italian contract.
Major IFV opportunities in Europe are now few and far between. With Italy apparently all but sewn up, we are left with the Hellenic Army’s a long outstanding requirement for a new IFV and contractors are lining up for this programme which would involve local industry as did the previous KNDS-Germany Leopard 2 MBT programme.
Will Boxer operators who expressed a preference for some tracked platforms bite the bullet and convert or place new orders? The ability to mix and match mission modules across tracked or wheeled platforms might seem attractive but will require some complex logistical planning. Will any NATO army take the plunge?
Other articles in this newsletter:
Shifting allegiances – what Eurosatory 2024 told us about Europe’s defence sector
Albania joins the ranks of COTS-based light AFV suppliers
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