A route map for further enhancing the capability of the Bulldog was determined following the award of a contract to systems and engineering technology company Frazer-Nash by BAE Systems to investigate the impact of capability enhancements on the weight of the vehicle.
The incorporation of various Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) upgrades into the Bulldog has already significantly increased the weight of the vehicle with additional measures likely to add further weight.
Frazer-Nash Consultancy recently undertook a study to evaluate the implications on the main vehicle systems as the vehicle’s weight increases, with particular emphasis being placed on the vehicle’s reliability and performance.
Mark Dorn the Frazer-Nash Land Systems Business Manager said: “The recent upgrades of the FV430 to take it to the current Bulldog model have greatly enhanced the capability of the platform. But the constantly changing threat and the environments in which the vehicle is being asked to operate are likely to require further enhancements to be made in the future. We are pleased to be able to contribute our vehicle and systems engineering skills to enable this to happen.”
The study, completed recently, determined the potential limitations to weight growth for each of the vehicle’s sub-systems – such as suspension systems and powertrain components – and identified those systems which were most affected as the weight of the vehicle increases.
Working with BAE Systems and sub-system suppliers, Frazer-Nash recommended options to address these limitations and the economic viability of adapting the platform to accommodate further weight growth.
Following successful completion of this study, Frazer-Nash has commenced a similar study to evaluate the effect of weight growth on reliability and performance of a second vehicle platform.
The FV430 series is part of the fleet of tracked armoured fighting vehicles used by the British Army. The vehicles were produced by GKN Sankey and first entered service in 1962. The most common variant of the series is the FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier. BAE Systems Land Systems, as design authority of the FV430 series, identified the opportunity to upgrade the vehicles to provide improved performance and reliability. The upgrade programme provides Bulldog with enhanced crew protection and improved mobility, allowing it to support current operational requirements in Operation Telic. |