The US initially wanted to replace the HMMWV with JLTV, but then canceled it, as the ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) buggy was determined to be a better choice in some cases. Now they have returned to the idea with Infantry Squad Vehicle – Heavy or ISV-H for the Army.
According to the published request, a need has been identified for 606 vehicles, which will be based on ready-made solutions available on the market. At the same time, only minimal improvements to the basic commercial model are required.
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In particular, the new vehicle should accommodate six soldiers in full equipment, and the total mass of the permissible payload should be approximately 1814 kg. At the same time, the rear seats should be easily transformed for transporting a wounded person.
It is also important to have power supply both for the crew and to support the placement of additional equipment, such as troop control systems, drone-stations, means of electronic warfare, C-UAV systems or other equipment. In general, the platform will be intended for transporting personnel, combat support as well as it expected to do more than just transport personnel.
The vehucle should be able to tow trailers weighing up to 2948 kg, or other vehicles weighing up to 5 tons. At the same time, the ISV-H itself should be transportable by C-5, C-17, C-130 aircraft, or on the external suspension of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
In terms of running capabilities, the car should travel 250 miles, or 402 km, exhausting this path with 3/4 of its fuel tank capacity. It should also cover 62 miles in 8 hours according to a predetermined profile of a particular task.
As previously reported, the US Army is currently testing a prototype vehicle for this competition – NGTV, that is based on the civilian Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2. It is supplied in a hybrid version and can accommodate six people, including the driver.
In general, this is a good example of the fact that it is impossible to completely transfer the army from SUVs to buggies, although even the Stryker armored personnel carriers were replaced by them. Multi-purpose vehicles are needed that will be used at the brigade and divisional levels, can be carriers of valuable equipment and will protect personnel from natural elements.
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