Command on light wheels: historically, successful commanders have always chosen a powerful mount to carry them onto the battlefield, and insisted that their staff officers also be well provided. This remains true today.

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The terms 'utility vehicle' and 'multipurpose vehicle' embrace a broad range of roles including the critical functions of command and control (C2). Most armoured personnel carrier and infantry fighting vehicle families include a command variant; for example, the eight manned ground vehicles being developed for the US Army's Future Combat Systems project includes the General Dynamics XM1209 Command and Control Vehicle, which will be deployed within the headquarters sections at each echelon of the brigade combat team down to the company level.

However, more numerous than the heavy command vehicles within armoured units and formations are the C2 variant of light utility vehicles that provide commanders and their staffs at all levels the ability to perform a wide range of functions; such as reconnaissance and liaison. In light infantry, airborne, airmobile and amphibious forces these are often the only C2 vehicles used. Just as armies with forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq have quickly added armour protection to light vehicles and wheeled tactical vehicles (WTV) used in logistics roles to reduce their vulnerability to asymmetrical attacks, it is critical that similarly sized C2 vehicles be armoured to prevent the loss of commanders. Significantly, C2 and liaison are high on the list of possible missions for the growing number of protected mobility vehicles being introduced to the market.

American Warhorse

The most common C2 vehicle in American service is the AM General High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, more commonly referred to as the Hummer or Humvee. First fielded in 1985 it came in 14 variants, including two- and four-door cargo/troop, shelter and weapon carriers to replace the Jeep and five other soft-skin vehicles. Almost 240,000 Humvees have been built for American and other armed forces. During 2008 AM General received ten production orders from Tacom, acting on behalf of the four American services as well as US Foreign Military Sales customers, worth $ three billion for Humvees to be delivered by the end of 2009. The US Army alone plans to order 8840 vehicles in fiscal year 2010 (FY10), 6337 in FY11, 5539 in FY12 and 1663 in FY13.

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The Humvee fleet has undergone a significant transformation since 2004, when US defence leaders, faced by escalating casualties as a result of insurgent attacks on Humvees in Iraq, directed that only armoured Humvees would be used for operational missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and launched a crash effort to fit add-on armour in theatre. These vehicles are powered by the re-designed Optimizer 6500 turbo-charged diesel engine, which, according to AM General, provides a 36% increase in power, 69% increase in torque and 16% increase in range over the original.

The army's FY09 budget request states that all variants are to be built on the Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) Chassis, which allows for additional payload and the integration of an armour package, plus the installation of add-on armour kits. The most recent model to be fielded, the M1151A1 fitted with Fragmentation Kit 5, provides: <<IED blast protection and small arms protection, while adding all the latest safety enhancements, to include the gunners restraint system, the three-point seatbelt, the vehicular intercom systems and the fire suppression system>>, according to the army.

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The penalty for increased protection is reduced performance. To help compensate for the added weight, the FY09 Humvee purchase includes prototypes of the XM1200 series ECV II chassis powered by an uprated 186-kW GEP SCCS 400, the first of which were delivered in mid-2008 for evaluations scheduled to continue into early 2009. The XM1211 command and control variant features a taller cabin although the new hydraulic suspension system enables the 210-cm-high vehicle to achieve the same 193-cm roof clearance as the M1150 series for loading aboard transport aircraft and ships. The taller cabin increases internal volume to 5.3 cubic metres in comparison with the 4.39 cubic metres of the M1165 model. Some of this extra space was found by moving the vehicle's engine forward on the chassis in an effort to reduce the huge protrusion inside the vehicle between the front seats. To boost protection against improvised explosive devices a removable parabolic-shaped blast-deflection plate can be fitted under the crew compartment. Whereas radios and other C4ISR systems are hard-wired in the M1165, they are slide in/slide out, plug-and-play in the XM1211.

A Joint Future

The ECV II, however, will bridge the transition to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which is planned to begin replacing the Humvee in US Army and US Marine Corps service in 2012. The new modular vehicle is intended to provide many benefits compared to the Humvee, including greater range, fuel economy, payload capacity, reliability, ergonomics and digital connectivity. Unlike the original Humvee the defining characteristic of the JLTV will be survivability.

The Life Cycle Management Command procurement strategy is to award contracts to three prime contractors for the 27-month Technology Development phase. During the first 15 months each team will have to deliver seven vehicles (two JLTV-A-GP, two JLTV-B-ICUSMC, one JLTV-B-IC-USA, one JLTVB-C2OTM-USMC and one JLTV-C UTL variants), four trailers, four blast hulls and ballistic panels which will be used during the following twelve months of the technology development phase for government testing. A System Development Demonstration (SDD) phase is planned to start in 2011, in the course of which two contractors will complete the design and development of the JLTV family and companion trailers and, last but not least, ultimately compete for the JLTV production contract. The JLTV-BC2OTM will seat four occupants who will be able to fully operate the battle management systems and combat net radio government furnished equipment--while the vehicle is on the move.

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On 29 October, four months later than originally scheduled, three teams were selected for the initial phase:

* BAE Systems and Navistar Defense received a $ 74 million cost share contract with industry contributing $ 15 million and the Department of Defense the remainder

* General Tactical Vehicles (GTV), the joint venture between General Dynamics and AM General, received a $117 million cost share contract with the team investing $ 58.5 million

* the Lockheed Martin-led team, which includes BAE Systems Mobility & Protection Systems, Alcoa Defense and JWF--Defense Systems, received a $ 49 million fixed fee contract.

On 7 November and 12 November 2008 two of the losing contenders filed protests with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) against the selection process and subsequent contract awards.

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At time of going to press, the GAO was scheduled to make a ruling by the end of February and a 'stop work' order has been in place until then.

The protests were to be expected. Indeed, the outcome of the JLTV competition is of huge significance for the winner, since the army and marine corps have stated a requirement for 60,000 units worth an estimated $ 20 billion, but the total production is expected to go well beyond this for both American and export customers. In October 2008 Australia became the first potential customer to express a firm interest when Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon announced that Australia would participate in the JLTV TD phase under Phase 4 of Project Overlander (Land 121) to replace the Australian Defence Force's WTV fleet.

Valanx: this is BAE Systems-Navistar team's proposal, first unveiled in February 2008; not surprisingly the design features a V-shaped hull. Officials said the two companies have benefited from their combined experience producing more than 75% of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and BAE Systems is confident that its position as 'hit avoidance' lead for the Manned Ground Vehicles portion of the army's Future Combat Systems project will be a significant advantage. To curb costs a single type of window is used.

GTV: the team builds on AM General's experience with the Humvee and General Dynamics' expertise in armoured fighting vehicles--and most notably the Stryker which is intended to bridge the army's transition from heavy legacy vehicles to the FCS. According to GTV its 'innovative JLTV design features a robust light weight hybrid hull, semi-active suspension system, digital cockpit and over 95% common components across the entire JLTV family of vehicles'. The suspension design will allow the user to choose between two ride options: a low height for air and sea transport or to obtain a stealth stance when needed and a high position for better off road mobility as well as resistance to mine blasts.

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Lockheed Martin: the team unveiled first JLTV prototype at the Association of the US Army convention in 2007 and it has since been joined by three more. Lockheed Martin is a new entrant in the field of producing military vehicles and, besides its role as prime contractor, will provide systems engineering, platform integration, design expertise and programme and supply chain management. BAE Systems Mobility and Protection Systems, which produces the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles for the US Army, will contribute its armour solutions expertise and provide a high-volume manufacturing facility.

Italian Style

Iveco's 4 x 4 LMV (Light Multirole Vehicle) is rapidly becoming the most successful European vehicle in its class having scored orders from eight European armies: Italy (1260 vehicles), Britain (401), Spain (120), Norway (60), Belgium (440), Croatia (10), Czech Republic (19) and, in January 2009, Austria (150). While most of these armies have selected the LMV as a multirole or patrol vehicle the British Army selected the LMV for its Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV) programme. Two LMV versions are now being marketed: the standard 3.2-metre-wheelbase variant that carries a 2.3-tonne payload and a new 3.5-metre, 2.5-tonne version. The latter can be fitted with either the standard four-door cab, with an extended rear stowage pod, or a short two-door cab that allows various modules to be fitted on the rear. Depending on the threat the LMV can be deployed as a soft-skinned vehicle or with one of three--light, medium or heavy--protection kits fitted to the crew cell or citadel. The modular armour system uses an innovative suite of applique panels, supplied by Germany's IBD Deisenroth Engineering, that are placed between the vehicle's inner and outer skins. The Light kit provides Stanag 4569 Level 1 (5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ball ammunition) protection while the Heavy kit boosts protection to Level 4 (14.5 mm AP ammunition). A multi-layered undercarriage structure beneath the crew citadel provides protection against mine blasts, and this can be enhanced by fitting a blast shield to protect against anti-tank mines. Iveco is working to enhance protection against buried bombs. Trials have been conducted with IBD's Active Defence System to defeat attacks from rocket-propelled grenades and similar threats.

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The Italian Army ordered 1200 vehicles, designated the Lince, in December 2004 and has stated the need for up to 2500 vehicles including command, reconnaissance and liaison vehicles, patrol, weapon carriers, ambulances and special forces variants. All Italian vehicles are fitted with armour except for 23 that formed part of the initial order.

By late 2008 BAE Systems Land Systems had built over 330 of the 401 Panthers (as the British vehicle is designated) ordered. All of the vehicles will be fitted with armour and 326 Group 2 vehicles will be armed with the Selex Galileo Enforcer overhead weapon station, mounting a 7.62-mm machine gun. The Panther is being deployed in 15 role-specific variants for use as a command vehicle for anti-tank and mortar platoons and engineer troops, a liaison officer's vehicle for armoured reconnaissance and armoured infantry units and a vehicle for radio rebroadcast by the Royal Signals. Late last year the Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a contract to upgrade an unspecified number of Panthers to 'Theatre Entry Standard' for deployment to Afghanistan in the second quarter of 2009. At this stage it is uncertain whether the option for another 400 Panthers will be exercised.

German Requirements

The LMV's direct competitor is the Eagle IV, which was developed by Mowag, now part of General Dynamics. The first family members were based on the Hummer backbone, while the Eagle IV is based on the Duro III chassis which offers better performance and an increase in all-up weight of up to 8.5 tonnes. It was recently adopted by Germany within the GFF programme (Geschtitzte Fuhrungs und Funktionsfahrzeuge or Armoured Command and Control Vehicles) as Class 2 vehicle. It is also in use in Denmark, while both Denmark and Switzerland also field previous models.

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The German Army's comprehensive Geschutzte Fuhrungs- und Funktionsfahrzeuge (GFF) programme involves the fielding of protected command and role-specific vehicles in no fewer than four categories: the lightweight, 5.3-tonne GFF 1, the 7.5-tonne GFF 2, the 12.5-tonne GFF 3 and a 25-tonne GFF 4. Both wheeled and tracked vehicles will be fielded in some categories.

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In May 2008 Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall announced a teaming arrangement to develop a new Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) in the five to nine tonne weight class. The rationale behind this initiative is the belief that only a new family of vehicles will 'fully comply with user requirements' for the GFF 1 and GFF 2 classes. A mock-up was displayed at Eurosatory 2008 and a prototype is scheduled to be completed in 2009. The smaller AMPV 1 is intended primarily as a liaison vehicle while the AMPV 2 offers a higher level of protection and heavier payload carriage. Both models will include a patrol vehicle with an unprotected floor in the rear section and an equipment carrier with a 'safety cell' extending to the rear of the vehicle.

Aravis

Command and liaison are two of the obvious roles for the twelve-tonne 4 x 4 Aravis multipurpose protected vehicle launched by Nexter at Eurosatory 2008. Nexter has already developed mission kits to enable the Aravis to be configured as a command post and an ambulance.

Nexter based the Aravis on the Unimog U5000 chassis because of its high mobility on roads and across country, not to mention the worldwide availability of spare parts. Powered by a 218-hp Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel OM 924 engine it can achieve a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 750 km. The Aravis offers 9.5 cubic metres of internal volume, of which eight cubic metres are under armour protection. As for seating, it can carry a driver, commander and up to six fully equipped soldiers. The design incorporates modular applique armour with an 'anti-blast device', a V-shaped anti-mine plate and a spall liner within the crew citadel. Nexter contends that the protection of the Aravis, based on the company's new Safepro armour technology, surpasses <<that of all existing 4 x 4 vehicles>>. Very seriously, Nexter describes the protection level as 4-4-4:

* Stanag 4569 Level 4 ballistic protection able to defeat 14.5-mm threats

* Level 4 mine protection able to defeat ten kg mines under the belly and wheels

* all-round Level 4 protection against 155-mm artillery splinters.

Additionally, the Aravis is able to withstand the blast of an improvised explosive device, equivalent to 50 kg of TNT, at five metres.

The JLTV Family

The new family will consist of three baseline variants characterised by payload; payload Category A being the General Purpose Mobility (JLTV-A-GP) vehicle which is to carry a 1588-kg payload including four personnel. Payload Category B vehicles will carry a 1814 to 2268-kg payload, but will have several sub-configurations:

* a six-seat Infantry Carrier, Fire Team (JLTV-B-IC)

* a six-seat Reconnaissance vehicle (JLTV-B-REC)

* a four-seat Command & Control On The Move vehicle (JLTV-B-C2OTM)

* a Heavy Guns Carrier (JLTV-B-HGC) which seats four and a gunner

* a four-seat Close Combat Weapons Carrier (JLTV-B-CCWC)

* a two-seat Utility vehicle (JLTV-B-UTL)

* an Ambulance (JLTV-B-AMB) which seats three and carries two litters

* payload Category C JLTV will carry a 2313-kg payload and be produced in two sub-configurations: a two-seat Shelter Carrier/Utility/Prime Mover (JLTV-C-UTL) and an Ambulance (JLTV-C-AMB) which seats three and carries four litters.

Most variants will be produced in either US Marine Corps or US Army specific configurations. The trailers for each category are to 'have similar payload and mobility as prime movers'.