BAE Systems’ FRES Scout contender and common base platform has completed mobility performance trials which verify it meets demanding U.K. Ministry of Defence growth targets for its top-priority FRES SV program.
BAE Systems engineers completed initial proving tests at the vehicle’s planned 40.4 tons gross vehicle weight. It was put through a series of trials which proved that its drive train, brakes and suspension components operate as predicted, verifying the inherent growth potential of the CV90 platform.
The demonstrator will go on to complete endurance trials during March of this year as required by the U.K. MoD FRES risk mitigation contract.
The trials have shown that the BAE Systems FRES Scout contender can successfully operate with well over 15 tons of add-on protection.
“These trials, in common with every other aspect of our bid, were designed to provide hard evidence to show that we can meet MoD requirements within the timescale our soldiers deserve,” said Chief Engineer Malcolm Robinson. “All along we have taken a rigorous test-based approach with sound engineering to back up our claims, including investing five years and GBP50m in world-beating turret technology for FRES Scout and the related Warrior upgrade programme to deliver the best solutions for the British Army.”