>> EQUIPMENT / STRYKER
Strykers in theatre are fitted with cage armour in addition to the usual armoured double V hull.
A US soldier reloads the APM mortar of a Stryker BCI on a recent training session.
THE ARMY’S 4,187–strong Stryker fleet includes 10 flat–bottom platform and seven double V–hull design variants and continues to maintain an overall readiness availability rate of more than 96% in Afghanistan. But as US Army engineers design and implement important Stryker upgrades, efforts are focused on achieving even stronger engines, improved suspension, more electrical power and next–generation computing.
“We’re taking a leap forward to bring this platform to where it will benefit the Army for years to come,” said Steven Campbell, Army systems co–ordinator, Stryker. Phase 1 of the engineering change proposal (ECP) will lead to the construction of a demonstrator vehicle next summer. The thrust of Phase 1 includes an electrical power upgrade to a more powerful 910 amp alternator and an engine upgrade to 450 horsepower. “We’re using a Caterpillar C9 engine, and will provide enough cooling for it to operate effectively,” said Lt. Col. Jim Schirmer, product manager, Stryker. “The Stryker ECP also includes a stronger suspension – improving mobility at higher weights – and an in–vehicle network, giving the platform a ‘digital backbone’ for data and video sharing between crew stations.”
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The in–vehicle network will include display screens and processing units
The Stryker fleet continues to maintain an overall readiness availability rate of more than 96% in Afghanistan
which provide secure and reliable data–sharing between the systems on–board the vehicle, including thermal and odometer readings, Blue Force Tracker, One– System–Remote Video Terminals and screens which show weapons and targeting–related information – all shared seamlessly across workstations. The ‘Victory’ open architecture networking standards ensure maximum interoperability and enable a single computer to run a host of interoperable applications and functions. This means the vehicle can streamline and more easily exchange and transmit information while ensuring that the maximum number of programmes and applications are possible on any computer. These areas of improvement have cost–benefit implications. “We want to make sure that we capture what we need within fiscal reality and other Army priorities,” said Norman Stuckey, Army systems co– ordinator, Stryker.
The IAV Stryker is a family of eight–wheeled, armoured fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems for the U.S. Army. It has four–wheel drive and can be switched to all–wheel drive.
A prior upgrade programme saw over 1,000 Stryker vehicles rebuilt – because of the wear and tear of battle – by Anniston Army Depot and returned to operations. The US Army improved its fleet of Stryker vehicles with the introduction of improved semi–active suspension, and modifications reshaping the hull into a shallow V–shaped structure, to protect against improvised explosive devices.
Also included were additional armour for the sides, redesigned hatches to minimize gaps in the armour,
globaldefencemedia.com | winter 2012_13
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