PMMC G5
PMMC G5 | |
---|---|
![]() PMMC G5 Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) | |
Type | light tracked vehicle |
Place of origin | Germany |
Service history | |
Used by | SeeCurrent Operators |
Production history | |
Designer | FFG |
Designed | 2012 |
Manufacturer | FFG |
Produced | 2021-present |
Variants | seeVariants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 26.5 metric tons (29.2 short tons)[1] |
Length | 6.2 metres (20 ft 4 in)[1] |
Width | 2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in)[1] |
Height | 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in)[1] |
Crew | 2[1] |
Passengers | up to 12[1] |
Armor | unknown |
Main armament | seeVariants |
Engine | MTU 6V199 TE21 turbocharged diesel[2] 580 hp (433 kW) |
Power/weight | 21.89 hp / metric ton |
Payload capacity | 8.5 metric tons (9.37 short tons)[1] |
Drive | tracked[1] |
Transmission | ZF LSG 1000 HD automatic transmission 6 forward 2 reverse gears[1] |
Suspension | torsion bar[1] |
Operational range | 1,000 km (621 mi)[1] |
Maximum speed | 74 km/h (46 mph)[1] |
Steering system | hydrostatic[1] |
ThePMMC (Protected Mission Module Carrier) G5is a family of light tracked vehicles designed and manufactured byFlensburger Fahrzeugbau GmbH(FFG) ofGermany.Although it is similar in appearance and design to the AmericanM113,and the company manufacturers modernised versions of that vehicle, the PMMC G5 is an all-new ground-up design.[1]
As of 2022, it has only been selected for use by theNorwegian Armyand is now described by FFG as a "technology demonstrator".[2]
Overview
[edit]Background
[edit]Commencing in 2012, the vehicle was developed in a private venture as an alternative to modernised M113-based vehicles, and to compete in global markets against modern tracked and wheeled vehicles in a similar weight range (e.g.Boxer,CV90,etc.). It is built around a modular design allowing the basic platform to be easily configured into the variant which best suits the mission requirements i.e. armoured personnel carrier, command and control vehicle, infantry fighting vehicle, etc.
Design objectives
[edit]The vehicle was designed to fulfil the following objectives:[2]
- 360-degree situation awareness
- Air, rail, road and sea transportable
- Class-leading off-road performance in mud, sand and snow
- Enhanced crew and troop comfort
- High level integratedmineandIEDprotection with further armour upgrades available
- Improved reliability through utilisation of proven components
- Integrated communications and battlefield management systems
- Maximum crew and troop survivability
- Reduced maintenance costs through utilisation of common components across variants and other vehicles
- Reduced unit costs through utilisation ofCOTStechnologies
- Reduced total life-cycle cost
- Single-unit power pack removal
Operating environment
[edit]The vehicle has been designed for operations in the following environments:[2]
- Operating temperature range: −40 to 49 °C (−40 to 120 °F)
- Climbing gradient: 60 degrees
- Lateral inclination: 30 degrees
The vehicle is not amphibious but can ford waterways to a depth of 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).
Design
[edit]The original design was based upon a common full-length hull upon which the different mission variants would be provided through reconfigured interiors and external equipment and weapons fitments. The design was later amended to include a version with a truncated rear hull and a rear flatbed cargo deck to support logistical variants.
Chassis and hull
[edit]The G5 is larger and heavier than the M113, with a gross weight of 26.5 t (58,000 lb). Maximum payload capacity is 8.5 t (19,000 lb)[1]
The design is unusual in that it does not provide a hatch for the driver, who is instead located behind an armoured glass window. Maximised crew survivability is provided through a blast-resistant hull design providing mine and IED protection, and a decoupled floor to minimise the prorogation of the blast to the interior. Ballistic protection against projectiles along with protection against fragments and splinters is provided through modular (applique) armour which can be easily increased for high-threat environments. Access to the rear troop/cargo compartment is provided through a large electrically operated ramp with a separately manually opening door.[2]
The chassis featurestorsion bar suspensionand hydraulicshock absorberswith six (6) road wheels each side.[1][2]
Interior
[edit]The vehicle has a total of 14.5 m3(510 cu ft) interior volume, which is greater than that for a M113.[1]
Crew and troops are provided with individual blast-resistant ergonomically designed seats. The driver is provided with a window of armoured glass along withperiscopesand day/night cameras. Rear troop seats are folding and include footrests to maximise combat capability even after an 8-hour cross country ride.[2]
The interior, including stowages, is configurable for different mission parameters (e.g. ambulance, APC, etc.).[2]
Powertrain
[edit]The engine is aMTU6V199 TE21turbo-dieselwhich is based upon theMercedes-BenzOM 501 and featurescharge air coolingto increase power and reliability. Output is up to 460 kW of power and 2200 Nm of torque and is controlled by anelectronic engine management system.[1]
AZFLSG 1000 HDautomatic transmissionwith six (6) forward and two (2) reverse gears operates through ahydrodynamic torque converterand features ahydrostatic steering systemwhich provides true pivot turns within the vehicle's own length.[1][2]
Drive is through the front sprocket and uses single piece compositerubber tracks.The vehicle has a maximum on-road speed of 74 km/h (46 mph) and a range of up to 1,000 km (620 mi).[1]
Systems
[edit]The vehicle features "Vectronics", the integration of modular communications and combat information systems, and provides:[2]
- electronic displays
- integrated and expandable communication suites
- integrated and expandablebattlefield management suites
- interfaces for weapon stations
- interfaces for power supplies to troops
A modular approach was adapted using COTS technologies and open-system standards wherever possible, so as to allow easier upgrade paths and reduced costs.
Weapons
[edit]Although the basic model is unarmed, most variants will feature a remote weapons station fitted with either a7.62mmgeneral-purpose machine gun(GPMG) or a0.50 inheavy machine gun(HMG), although larger calibre weapons may be offered as an option. Unlike many vehicles against which it will compete for sales, a version with a crewed turret is not currently available.[2]
Development
[edit]A prototype of the vehicle was first displayed at theEurosatoryInternational Defence Show inParis,France, in 2014. The vehicle underwent extensive testing in a variety of different operating conditions, including summer testing in sand inAbu Dhabiand winter testing in snow inNorway.Limited production commenced in 2018 with full-scale production commencing in early 2021.[1][3][4]
Variants
[edit]Variants ordered
[edit]Armoured recovery vehicles
[edit]The Norwegian Army ordered several recovery module to MITE to be installed on the ACSV G5 (Miller Industries Towing Equipment) in June 2023, to be delivered in 2027.[5]
It is designed to be able to recover vehicles ranging from 5 to 25 tons, such as the Iveco LMV, the Dingo 2 and the M113 for the Norwegian Army. The recovery module will be equipped with a crane for lifting and winching vehicles or parts of the vehicles and 2 arms to stabilise the vehicle.
Mobile radar system
[edit]The Norwegian Army ordered several ACSV G5 equipped with theGround Master 200 MM/Cradar forC-RAMmissions.[6]
National Manoeuvre Air Defence System (NOMADS)
[edit]It is a mobile ground based air-defence system designed byKongsberg.[7]Its features are:
- Sensors
- Weapons
- 4AIM-9X Block IIfor Norway
- 4AIM-9Xand 4IRIS-T SLSare an option
- Command and control
- NASAMS command and control heritage
- Identification friend or foe (NATO mode 5 level 2)
- Protection systems
- Remote weapon station equipped with passive sensors (day/night camera) and a thermal camera for the use of the active protection system soft killNightFighterfrom Steelrock and the M2 Browning machine gun..[11]
Variants displayed by FFG
[edit]- Armoured Ambulance:Unarmed version with stripped interior giving room to carry either two stretchers or one stretcher and seating for three patients or medical staff. Storage for medical equipment is provided.[2]
- Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV):Development of the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle saw the rear hull of the original design truncated and replaced with a rear flat cargo deck with a payload capacity of 8.5 tonnes, so as to carry interchangeableISO10-foot containers. It was this revised design which has entered production and as of 2022 is the only variant to have entered full-scale production.[2][4]
- Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC):Basic variant equipped with aremote weapon station(RWS) fitted with either aMG 3orFN MAGGPMG, orM2HMG. The roof features a large double hatch over the rear troop compartment or optional individual troop hatches. Carries 10 to 12 troops.[2]
- Command and Control Vehicle (CCV):This variant is equipped with aDynamit Nobel Defence(DND) Dual FeWaS RWS equipped with a Rheinmetall RMG 12.7mm HMG and DND's ASL-90 twin launcher for its RGW 90-HH and RGW 90-AS rockets. It is also equipped with aComrod Communication5 m (16 ft) elevating mast which can be equipped with various sensor packages.[12]
- Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV):Very similar to the APC variant, with additional applique armour, smoke dischargers and anKrauss-Maffei WegmannFLW200+ RWS fitted with aRheinmetall Rh-20220mmautocannon.Troop capacity is possibly reduced to 8–10.[2]
Potential variants
[edit]FFG originally proposed the following variants:[2][a]
- Ambulance
- Armoured Personnel Carrier
- Command & Control
- Engineer's Fitter
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal
- Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- Joint Fire Support Team
- Mortar Carrier
- Reconnaissance
- Repair & Recovery
- Short Range Air Defence
- Transport & Logistics
Operators
[edit]Current operators
[edit]Norway(50 ordered as of June 2024)
- In May 2018 the Norwegian Defence Material Agency announced it had a signed a contract for the purchase of 51 of the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) variant of the G5, with a potential for future orders of between 75 and 150 vehicles. The first vehicles are expected to enter service with the Norwegian Army in summer 2022.[4][15][16]
- Detailed orders:
- 6NOMADS(National Manoeuvre Air Defence System), a mobile ground based air-defence ordered in 2019, with 4 handed over as of July 2024, but not yet operational.[17]
- 8C-RAMmobile radar systemGround Master 200 MM/Cto be delivered i 2025.[6]
- 7(+ option for 2)armoured recovery vehicles.The recovery module was ordered to MITE (Miller Industries Towing Equipment) in June 2023, to be delivered in 2027.[5]
Future operators
[edit]Netherlands(18)
- In June 2023, theMinistry of Defence of the Netherlandsannounced its plan to purchase the Norwegian M-GBAD air-defence system based on the PMMC-G5 (ACSV). The systems are expected to be available in 2028.[21]This mobile system will replace theFennekequipped with theFIM-92 Stingermissiles.[22]
- In 2024, Kongsberg announced that the system was named"NOMADS".These are derivatives of the NASAMS 3 air-defence system, fitted with a Weibel Xenta-M radar, and they can integrate AIM-9X, AIM-9X Block II andIRIS-T SLSmissiles, and therefore reach up to 15 km.[23][24]
- In June 2024, it was specified that the Dutch Army is expecting 18 launch vehicles, but the Netherlands is looking for a solution with additional missiles on the system. And it is possible that additional ACSV G5 will be acquired for the command of the batteries.[10]
Potential operators
[edit]Ukraine
- The German government is considering the purchase of the "NOMADS" mobile ground air-defence system for Ukraine, equipped with IRIS-T SLS missiles, and depending on other countries' participation, another radar could be integrated.[10]
Failed bids
[edit]Denmark
- In 2014 theRoyal Danish Armytrialled the G5 as a replacement for is ageing fleet ofM113-based vehicles. In May 2015 the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistic Organisation announced the Piranha V as the successful candidate.[25]The competition included:
Similar vehicles
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^Given that instead of similar variants of the PMMC G5, in 2018 Norway chose theLeopard 2-based WiSENT 2 armoured engineer vehicle and Leguan armoured vehicle-launched bridge[13]and in 2021 placed an order for furtherCV90infantry fighting vehicles to supplement its existing fleet,[14]and along with limited sales to date it is highly doubtful that further variants of this vehicle other than those already in production will be developed.
External links
[edit]- PMMC G5at FFG
- FFG PMMC G5 Trialson YouTube
References
[edit]- ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstu"PMMC G5".Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH.Retrieved25 March2022.
- ^abcdefghijklmnop"Protected Mission Module Carrier G5"(PDF).Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH. July 2018.Retrieved25 March2022.
- ^"FFG from Germany presents new technology of armoured vehicle with its PMMC G5 at Eurosatory 0907145".Army recognition. 8 July 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 24 November 2017.Retrieved25 March2022.
- ^abcSamuel Cranny-Evans (28 January 2021)."Norway's ACSV G5 combat support vehicle to be delivered in 2022".Jane's.Retrieved25 March2022.
- ^abESD (28 June 2023)."Norway Orders New Armoured Recovery Vehicles - European Security & Defence".euro-sd.Retrieved20 July2024.
- ^ab"Eurosatory 2024: Norway to receive GM200 MM/C radars next year".Default.24 June 2024.Retrieved20 July2024.
- ^"NOMADS ground-based air defence system".kongsberg.20 June 2024.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^"XENTA part of system demonstration to Norwegian Army".Weibel - Doppler Radars.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^"Kongsberg dévoile son tout nouveau système antiaérien mobile NOMADS".Air et Cosmos(in French). 24 June 2024.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^abc"Kongsberg führt das mobile Luftverteidigungssystem NOMADS auf FFG-Fahrzeug ein"(in German). 19 June 2024.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^"Kongsberg dévoile son tout nouveau système antiaérien mobile NOMADS".Air et Cosmos(in French). 24 June 2024.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^Ian Kemp (22 June 2016)."Eurosatory: FFG displays new G5 command post".Shepard Media.Retrieved7 April2022.
- ^"Norway awards contract to FFG for Leopard 2 based engineer vehicles".Army Recognition. 26 September 2018.Retrieved28 March2022.
- ^"Norwegian Army adding 20 CV90s to its fleet".BAE Systems. 18 February 2021.Retrieved28 March2022.
- ^"FFG TO SUPPLY NORWEGIAN ARMOURED COMBAT SUPPORT VEHICLES".JOINT-FORCES. 5 June 2018.Retrieved28 March2022.
- ^"List of equipment of the Norwegian Army (Armoured vehicles)".Wikipedia.Retrieved28 March2022.
- ^Newdick, Thomas (19 June 2024)."Norway's NOMADS Armored Short Range Air Defense System Unveiled".The War Zone.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^"Norway and Netherlands partner on Thales' Multi Mission Radar Ground Master 200 MM/C | Thales Group".thalesgroup.25 May 2021.Retrieved20 July2024.
- ^"Norway to procure new artillery location radars from Thales".Default.24 November 2022.Retrieved20 July2024.
- ^ESD (24 November 2022)."Norway Orders Additional Counter-Battery Radars".euro-sd.Retrieved20 July2024.
- ^"Verwerving luchtverdediging op korte en middellange afstand in 1 project"[Acquisition air defence on short and long distance in 1 project] (in Dutch). 5 June 2023.Retrieved5 June2023.
- ^"Netherlands will enhance GBAD capabilities with NASAMS air defence system".7 June 2023.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^Gerhard Heiming (24 January 2024)."Luftverteidigung All-in-One auf G5".ES&T(in German).
- ^"NOMADS".kongsberg.Retrieved1 August2024.
- ^Robert Czulda (18 May 2017)."FIRST SERIAL PIRANHA 5 HANDED OVER TO DENMARK".Mönch Publishing Group.Retrieved28 March2022.