Textron Marine & Land Systems [TXT] introduced two vehicles to its Commando™ family of vehicles–the Select Mortar Vehicle and the Utility Baserunner–at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2013.
Designed to meet growing requirements of international combat units for a more operationally flexible and adaptable under-armor indirect fire capability, the Commando Select Mortar Vehicle can fire up to 120mm mortars from a common mount, and stow up to 82 rounds of high explosive, illumination and smoke rounds.
The vehicle is expandable to other fire control systems. The Mortar Vehicle mount also can fire at an azimuth of up to a 360 degrees and a firing elevation of 45 to 85 degrees.
Three other Commando Select variants are being produced and fielded for the Afghanistan National Army. Like all vehicles in this line, the Mortar Vehicle exceeds MRAP levels of crew protection and takes advantage of the proven mobility and survivability of Textron’s Commando family of armored vehicles. Commando Select vehicles are easy to operate and maintain, with readily available parts, training and service support.
The new Baserunner 4×4 selectable gas/electric hybrid Commando™ Utility vehicle is built to facilitate missions in forward and rear echelon operational environments. These vehicles perform demanding tasks with ease, allowing users to efficiently and safely complete tasks. In gas mode the Baserunner powers through rough terrain and adverse conditions while electric mode provides quiet vehicle operation.
The Commando Utility vehicle line also includes the Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle ™ (SCTV) System, an MRAP-style fully armored monocoque V-hull crew capsule designed to replace the crew compartment of the Humvee in a one-for-one exchange.
The SCTV is offered by Granite Tactical Vehicles Inc. and Textron Marine & Land Systems.
“These vehicles offer current and potential customers the new capabilities they seek,” said Tom Walmsley, TM&LS senior vice president and general manager. “A number of international militaries have expressed a need for a Mortar vehicle that combines indirect fire capabilities with outstanding mobility and protection, while others have expressed a desire for a robust and flexible utility vehicle to support military base operations. We’re pleased to bring both to market while expanding the range of our COMMANDO vehicle lines.”
Textron offers four lines of Commando four-wheeled vehicles–Utility, Advanced, Select and Elite. The company also offers Commando fielding, training, maintenance and logistics support throughout each vehicle’s life cycle.