Boxer MRAV Wheeled Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle

The governments of the UK and Germany signed a contract in November 1999 for the collaborative development and initial production of the family of next generation armoured utility vehicles.

The programme is known as the MRAV Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV) in the UK, the Gepanzertes Transport-Kraftfahrzeug (GTK) in Germany.

In February 2001, the Netherlands signed a memorandum of understanding to join the programme. The Dutch programme is called the Pantser Wiel Voertuig (PWV). In December 2002, it was announced that the vehicle would be called the Boxer.

An industrial group, ARTEC GmbH, consisting of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Landsysteme from Germany, and Stork of the Netherlands, is the prime contractor for the programme.

The programme is being managed by the European Armaments Agency, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). Stork PWV became part of Rheinmetall in March 2008.

In July 2003, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that it would withdraw from the programme to pursue a new national programme, the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES). The MoD requires a lighter more easily deployable vehicle. The MoD is committed to funding of the Boxer development phase.

Boxer prototypes and development

The UK, Germany and the Netherlands were each to receive four prototypes and a first batch of 200 vehicles. The first prototype, in German APC configuration, was rolled out to representatives of OCCAR and the participating nations in December 2002 and the first Dutch prototype, a Command Post version, was completed in October 2003.

A contract was signed in November 2004, between OCCAR (for Germany and the Netherlands) and ARTEC, for the bilateral continuation of the development programme. 12 prototype vehicles have been built and are undergoing industry trials.

ARTEC presented a bid to OCCAR for the first production batch of 400 vehicles in November 2005, which was rejected on grounds of cost. The Dutch announced in February 2006 that it would launch a new competition for the requirement. However, in May 2006, ARTEC submitted a revised bid for the Boxer.

Requirements and variants

In June 2006, the Dutch Parliament approved procurement of 200 Boxer vehicles (58 ambulance, 55 command post, 41 engineer, 27 cargo and 19 cargo / command versions). In December 2006, Germany approved the procurement of 272 vehicles (135 armoured personnel carrier, 65 command post and 72 ambulance variants). A production contract was signed with ARTEC on 19 December 2006.

The Boxer successfully completed user trials with the German Army in January 2008. First deliveries of series production Boxer vehicles are scheduled for: September 2009 to the German Army and early 2011 to the Dutch Army.

Boxer will replace M113 and Fuchs Tpz 1 vehicles in the Germany Army and YPR and M577 vehicles in the Royal Netherlands Army.

The Boxer design will provide 8x8 armoured personnel carrier and command vehicle versions and also allows for the development of other variants using the same base vehicle. The ambulance version can accommodate six seated or three stretcher casualties. Boxer will provide the capability to operate in both high-intensity conflict and in relief and humanitarian operations.

In July 2007, Boxer was one of three vehicles which took part in trials (the 'Trials of Truth') for the utility variant of the UK Army's Future Rapid Effect System (FRES).

The General Dynamics Piranha V was provisionally selected for the requirement in May 2008, although in December 2008 this preferred bidder status was withdrawn.

Design

The design is based on a modular structure selected to give the maximum flexibility for multi-purpose operation. The vehicle incorporates a high level of standardisation and uses commercially proven automotive components. The 8x8 vehicle provides a load capacity to 8t and has an internal capacity of more than 14m³.

The Mission modules, which fit into the base vehicle, provide static battlefield installations to suit the nation specific requirements, including headquarters, medical units and logistic centres. The modules incorporate a primary safety cell with a triple floor. The base vehicle operates independently from the modules. The units are air transportable. The modules are interchangeable in less than one hour.

Armament

The weapon station is reconfigurable to suit the specific national requirement and the module for mission specific equipment is replaceable within one hour.

German vehicles are to be armed with the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Type 1530 Gun Mount with 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

Dutch vehicles may be fitted with the Thales Nederland Twister remote-controlled weapon station which includes the Albatros third-generation thermal imaging sight.

Under an order placed in January 2008, Dutch vehicles will be fitted with the Kongsberg Protector weapon control system, also fitted to US Army Stryker vehicles, armed with a 12.7mm machine gun.

Protection

The basic shell is made of high-hardness steel. Modular armour is sandwiched between the vehicle cell and the steel coat and all three elements are secured by fastening bolts. Currently the modular armour, which includes top attack protection against bomblet, is a specialised ceramic mix.

The modular design will allow future generations of armour technologies to be fitted in place of current designs by simple slab replacement. The hull is designed to beat blast mine attack by shaping blast away. Additionally a double-lined hull soaks up critical blast deformation.

The vehicle's thermal acoustic and radar signature management capability is in the forefront of armoured vehicle stealth technology and provides a low signature.

Mobility

The vehicle will be fitted with a 530kW MTU engine linked to an Allison automatic transmission. Permanent eight-wheeled drive, all-round independent suspension and central tyre inflation system (CTIS) will give excellent road and cross-country mobility.

A road range of over 1,000km, combined with a very smooth and quiet ride provides an unaided operational deployability unmatched among in-service armoured utility vehicles.