Thunderbolt 120mm Demonstrator
-
Was at the aerospace, and the United defence video caught my eye....it was showing their Thunderbolt 120mm Demonstrator.
Feels quite similar to the M8 in some way, but haben go compare the differences.
From what I see, feels like a good fit for our AMX-13 replacement needs. Comments anyone?
( PS: On one of their posters on the wall, it states that it had aided ST in the Primus....well...guess can count as offical confirmation? )
-
http://www.uniteddefense.com/pr/pr_20031006c.htm
United Defense Unveils Thunderbolt 120mm Demonstrator
Thunderbolt Illustrates Rapid Integration of Devastating Firepower and Transformational Technologies into Existing Platforms
Contact:
Doug Coffey, Media
United Defense
[email protected]
(703) 312-6121
Herb Muktarian, Media
United Defense
[email protected]
(717) 225-8004
York, PA, October 6, 2003 - United Defense Industries, Inc. (NYSE: UDI), today unveiled Thunderbolt, an advanced armored gun system demonstrator with a 120mm main armament on a light chassis featuring a rugged hybrid electric drive package, an enhanced band track system, and a lightweight ballistic composite armor package at the Association of the U. S. ArmyÂ’s annual meeting.
The Thunderbolt demonstrator illustrates the ability to deliver devastating firepower in a light package, and features transformational technologies that can be quickly integrated into current platforms to enhance soldier capabilities.
“United Defense designed, integrated and built Thunderbolt in 7 months by applying unmatched capabilities in the rapid design and prototyping of new platforms and technologies,“ said Elmer Doty, vice president and general manager. “Thunderbolt demonstrates that we can deliver significantly enhanced capabilities to soldiers quickly through the modernization of existing platforms.”
The company, which is currently developing manned ground vehicles for the ArmyÂ’s Future Combat Systems, emphasized that Thunderbolt demonstrates near-term transformational technologies complementary to the current force.
“Thunderbolt combines United Defense’s unsurpassed expertise and focus on transformational technology development to increase the mobility, lethality and survivability of our forces,” Doty said. “It’s an exciting package that showcases our strengths and exemplifies our desire to support the Army’s mission, now and in the future.”
Prior to AUSA, United Defense fired Thunderbolt repeatedly from stationary and on-the-move positions, the first time a 120mm main armament has been successfully fired off a 20-ton weight-class chassis. ThunderboltÂ’s XM291 main gun is backed by an autoloader that handles both HEAT and SABOT rounds. The autoloader handles 120mm rounds with combustible casings and rounds of varying weight distributions, and it can eject stubcases. Thunderbolt delivers firepower that can defeat heavy enemy armor and destroy enemy targets such as bunkers and buildings.
“We believe that a 120mm gun integrated on a light chassis would provide unprecedented firepower, able to effectively defeat heavy enemy armor,” Doty said.
Thunderbolt Features Transformational Technology
Thunderbolt integrates a durable hybrid electric propulsion system that provides improved performance and fuel economy, enhanced reliability and reduced emissions. The propulsion system utilizes generator, inverter and traction motor components that have performed well in testing on the United Defense Transformation Technology Demonstrator.
ThunderboltÂ’s drive power is transferred through an advanced band track system developed for 20-ton weight class vehicles. The advantages of band track include improved ride quality, longer life, and reduced noise and thermal signatures.
The mobility package integrated on Thunderbolt delivers a range of 600 miles on gravel roads, with four miles of silent mobility capability. Conversion of a standard chassis to hybrid electric drive generates significant additional interior space that can seat additional soldiers, increase the quantity of stowed ammunition, or be applied to other mission requirements.
Thunderbolt is the latest United Defense platform to feature hybrid-electric propulsion, following the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon platform, the Transformation Technology Demonstrator and two demonstrators that were unveiled at AUSA last year: the Future Combat Systems-Tracked and Future Combat Systems-Wheeled platforms.
ThunderboltÂ’s advanced ballistic composite armor design offers enhanced survivability while reducing overall vehicle weight. The composite turret armor package is designed to provide 14.5mm protection all around, with 30mm frontal arc protection.
“We set out to demonstrate what critics said can’t be done – providing heavy firepower on a light platform, and quickly and effectively upgrading an existing platform with transformational technologies that can modernize the current force,” Doty said.
“United Defense developed Thunderbolt to demonstrate that we can quickly and effectively upgrade existing platforms with transformational technologies that can modernize the current force,” Doty said. “We believe we owe it to the soldier to demonstrate combat vehicle technologies that can support and enhance the Army’s ability to complete its missions.”
Thunderbolt was designed and built at the companyÂ’s research facilities in Santa Clara, California.
About United Defense
United Defense designs, develops and produces combat vehicles, artillery, naval guns, missile launchers and precision munitions used by the U.S. Department of Defense and allies worldwide, and provides non-nuclear ship repair, modernization and conversion to the U.S. Navy and other U.S. Government agencies. To learn more about United Defense, visit http://www.uniteddefense.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Information in this release may involve guidance, expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based upon information available to United Defense Industries, Inc., as of the date of the release, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. The statements in this release are not guarantees of future performance and actual results could differ materially from our current expectations. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, and our other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of the factors and risks associated with our business. -
kewl... looks pretty much abt the rumoured Bionix chasis and 105mm/120mm gun thingie...
-
yeah...but the interesting part of this baby is....due to the new engine...they are able to become a "mini-APC"...can carry 4 troops behind. Too bad the video I saw at the aerospace isn't online. No pictures to show.Originally posted by Moonstriker:kewl... looks pretty much abt the rumoured Bionix chasis and 105mm/120mm gun thingie... -
Previously i have posted a thread about using the M8 as a replacement for our AMX-13SM1 tanks. The M8 is originally supposed to be used by the American airborne forces but the programme was later cancelled. There is some info on this inthe Tom Clancy's book :Armoured Calvary. I am actually very surprised that United Defence is still marketting this product. I think if we are not having a local programme to replace the SM1 then the new M8 will be a good choice.
-
Difference between the M8 and Thunderbolt is a bigger barrel, new hybrid engine...and tracks. Between the M8 and the Thunderbolt, prefer the thunderbolt....120mm mar...but not much info available in public domain.Originally posted by tankee1981:Previously i have posted a thread about using the M8 as a replacement for our AMX-13SM1 tanks. The M8 is originally supposed to be used by the American airborne forces but the programme was later cancelled. There is some info on this inthe Tom Clancy's book :Armoured Calvary. I am actually very surprised that United Defence is still marketting this product. I think if we are not having a local programme to replace the SM1 then the new M8 will be a good choice. -
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/2116/lighttanks.htm
While the fatally-flawed General Dynamics Land Systems "Stryker" armored car cannot even successfully mount and fire a 105mm gun, the tracked M8 Armored Gun System which the Army should buy is up-gunning to 120mm! Note that this vehicle is just a "proof of Principle" test bed not a full prototype. UDLP built it in 4 months and displayed it at the 2003 AUSA show in Washington because General Dynamics, Land Systems Division was telling (lying)to the U.S. Army that it was "not possible" to integrate a 120mm tank gun into a light combat vehicle. GDLS can't even get a 105mm gun to work on their Canadian-made Stryker MGS deathtrap armored car. This vehicle also has band tracks and a hybrid-electric drive instead of a conventional transmission.
UDLP successfully fired about 50 x rounds of 120mm M866 TPFSDS and M831 HEAT-TPT, with an autoloader, stationary and on-the-move before the 2003 AUSA Show. On 9 December, UDLP fired 5 x M829A3 SLUG rounds obtained from PM TMAS since this is the highest impulse 120mm round in development, and the UDLP firing range does not permit firing DU.
Thunderbolt's recoil severity is slightly less than that of the 105mm AGS firing the most powerful 105mm cartridge, the M900 APFSDS. The reason for this rather suprising result is that its impulse increase is less than the doubling of its recoiling mass. For comparison:
Vehicle Severity Index
M1 tank (105 &120mm) .2
Thunderbolt (120mm)
.7
AGS (105mm)
1.0
M551 Sheridan (152mm)
2.5
M56 SPAT (90mm)
5.0
M8 Buford Armored Gun System (AGS) Overview:
The ArmyÂ’s M8 Buford Armored Gun System (AGS) was designed for use by Airborne and Light Infantry/Cavalry forces and is C-130 and larger aircraft airland transportable and parachute air-droppable. The AGS fires the entire suite of 105mm munitions, from anti-personnel (beehive) to the M900 Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS-T-DU), which provides lethality equal to the M829 120mm round.
Its main gun shoots-on-the-move day or night to defeat bunkers, buildings, point targets and all type of combat vehicles such as the BMP, BTR, BRDM, SPH, and T72 main battle tank.
Status and Availability as of September 2003:
Four AGS vehicles were reconditioned and fully prepared for deployment to Ft. Lewis in summer 2000. These four fully operational vehicles are located in York, PA. One additional vehicle and a spares package, including four complete sets of on-vehicle equipment, Basic Issues Items (BII) and level II armor, and 3 sets of level III armor (defeats RPG and 30mm medium caliber guns) are with the vehicles. This package is sufficient for deployment and can be quickly supplemented for prolonged operation. Technical manuals were developed and validated under the original AGS contract and are immediately available. A complete training package, including training aids, exists. Gunnery and maneuver training device are still in the Army system for AGS and a cadre of active and retired master gunners and trainers are available. These first four vehicles could be delivered within weeks of contract start date, immediately into the hands of Soldiers.
In short, the people, equipment, support package, and the ammunition are in place to expeditiously train, deploy and support deployment of the existing M8 AGS assets. New M8 AGS production vehicles could be available within 18 months of contract award, assuming M35 cannon availability, since necessary production tooling exists for the system. Furthermore, the AGS design leverages many common components with the Bradley and M113 Gavin family of vehicles, which can be available through an already qualified vendor base.
Thunderbolt: Armored Gun System (Block II)
The M8 Armored Gun System can also be enhanced to bring Future Combat System technologies to the current force in the near term. Those advanced technologies include: hybrid electric propulsion, band track, improved ceramic/composite armor, Second Generation FLIR Night Vision technology, digitization, an 120mm main gun along with its 120mm auto loader - creating Thunderbolt: a Lightweight Silent Killer. This demonstrated system upgrade retains the M8Â’s C-130 Hercules air transport capability, as well as the AGS 3-man crew.
This spiral development approach leverages an existing platform, which results in tremendous time and cost savings. The AGS has a 1553 Digital Data Bus, which can support the insertion of additional electrical components and embedded training programs. As such, preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) processes can be instructed directly over the vehicleÂ’s communication and information system, so that tomorrowÂ’s Soldiers wonÂ’t need to dig out the technical manuals in the rain and mud. The data bus also supports the advances in situational awareness and common operating picture that is critical to small unit success on the modern dispersed battlefield, adding to the ArmyÂ’s flexibility to network with multiple joint forces.
Considerable experience has already been gained with hybrid propulsion in this class of military vehicles. Hybrid Electric Drive M113 GavinÂ’s, BradleyÂ’s, and advanced reconnaissance vehicles (the U.S./UK TRACER) have been built and tested. Further, a Transformation Technology Demonstrator (TTD) called the Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light and based on a modified M113 Gavin with Hybrid Electric Drive and Band Track was presented over two years ago at the AUSA Symposium in Fort Lauderdale. Many senior Army officers, including the then Chief of Staff, have had a test ride in this vehicle and experienced its rapid acceleration, smooth ride, and stealth mode operations. Recently, the Future Scout Cavalry System/TRACER integrated demonstrator completed field-testing in the UK, further proving that a hybrid electric tank is right at our fingertips.
The M8 AGS has a ramp door in the rear that lowers for the Engine/Transmission power train to be rolled out for easy maintenance. With the conversion to Hybrid Electric Drive and the flexibility of positioning drive train and suspension components, significant space is freed up in the existing propulsion system compartment for increased stowage and mission payload.
One such configuration could include a crew compartment for a 4-Soldier fire team akin to the IDF's Merkava heavy tank. With the Hybrid Electric DriveÂ’s flexibility, a better center of gravity and space utilization is realized. Weight reduction and related mission equipment stowage improvements are also gained. With such a propulsion and power management system, Soldiers will have a long range, extremely fast, and silent killer, with a reduced logistics tail. -
-
ooo~ eye candy!! i like it!
