The nature of warfare is changing, resulting in new requirements for vehicles. Whilst there is a persistent need to protect troops from mines, roadside bombs and IED’s using highly armoured patrol vehicles, the consequent escalation in armour and protection has led to vehicles designed to move troops across country and rough terrain becoming increasingly heavy and cumbersome to the point where they may be described as “mobile pillboxes”. For example the M1151 Humvee weighs more than twice the original model, the M998, and all the additional armour and equipment, whilst having its place, means the vehicle can no longer fulfill many of the roles for which it was originally designed.

These developments, coupled with a continuing and increasing need to move small bodies of men over short range and across extremely rough terrain, have highlighted the need for much smaller, lighter, relatively unarmoured vehicles to fulfill a range of missions. Thus, the light strike vehicle (LSV) was born for fast hit-and-run raids, reconnaissance missions, border and security patrols, special operations support and counter-insurgency work. Whereas traditional vehicles are having to be fitted with six inch thick blast protection panels, it is much harder to set an IED trap for an LSV that does not have to use roads or predictable routes. This allows the LSV to remain light, fast, agile and true to its original design intentions whilst also maintaining a reasonable payload capacity.

The Solution

The PHOBOS system has been developed to provide an operational and commercial solution for forces and organisations requiring a LSV capability.

Based around a core design that ensures high levels of parts commonality and minimizes the time from order to delivery, PHOBOS can be configured to satisfy a range of operational requirements. These include:

·        2 man extreme terrain reconnaissance vehicle

·        3 man light strike and reconnaissance vehicle

·        4 man light strike and reconnaissance vehicle

·        2 man PHOBOS utility / pickup for remote forward operating positions

·        Casualty extraction / transport vehicle

Development to date

A prototype vehicle was built and has been in testing for over 12 months during which period refinements to the original concept have been identified. Testing included assessing several different types of suspension units to find the ideal solution offering performance, strength, ease of maintenance and “tuneability” to allow one type to meet the range of needs across the PHOBOS system.

The spaceframe has been re-designed to incorporate these improvements while increasing strength and occupant safety. The re-design has also been focused upon producing a frame design that can be built cost effectively. To this end, the frame is designed to be built as a set of two-dimensional sub-assemblies that can be assembled in simple planar jigs before construction of the final assembly that is largely self-jigging.

A pre-production vehicle (two seater) is now in assembly. This is being used as the base to develop modular wiring and plumbing systems and other details prior to final design for series production.

The PHOBOS concept and model has been discussed with a number of senior military and security personnel, and received favourable responses. It has already attracted interest from a western European customer looking to source a three-seat platform for a North Asian client.

Specification is as follows

TIG welded spaceframe built from Clubman 500 CDS

110″ wheelbase

Double trianguated four link suspension front and rear

16″ travel suspension struts all round, springless, internal hydraulic bump and limit stops, fully adjustable

Full hydraulic high speed steering

Ford PUMA 2.4 l diesel engine (as in current Land Rover Defender)

4 speed ZF automatic box, fully adjustable shift pattern

Land Rover full-time 4×4 transfer case with locking differential

Custom axle housings

High Pinion 9″ differentials with air operated lockers

1.5″ 300M 35 spline shafts all round

Axle is built to be disassembled / repaired very quickly. For example outer knuckles are held on by 2 bolts, unit bearings are pre-assembled and replace with only 4 bolts.

37″ x 12.5″ tyres (can run up to a 42″)

Forged aluminium rims with internal beadlocks

HIgh performance winches front and centre / rear

FIA approved / burst proof / anti-explosion fuel cells giving over 1000km range

Panels are kevlar composite with a carbon fibre outer layer

To see the original extreme motorsport version in action click here

For more information contact Mike Strevens at Aerco. mstrevens@aerco.co.uk

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