Flyer advanced light strike vehicle (ALSV) is a lightweight, air transportable tactical wheeled vehicle designed and manufactured jointly by General Dynamics and Flyer Defense for the US special operations command (SOCOM).
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General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems secured a $5.8m order from the US SOCOM in October 2013 to deliver ten non-developmental V-22 internally transportable vehicles (Flyer ALSVs). The three-year contract also includes integration and logistical assistance and training for the vehicles.
Design and features of the Flyer ALSV
The light strike vehicle (LSV) was born for fast hit-and-run raids, scouting missions, special forces support and low-intensity guerilla warfare.
The design of Flyer light strike vehicle is based on tabular space frame chassis with integrated roll cage. The vehicle can be internally transported by the V-22, CH-53E, CH-47D aircraft and externally by the UH-60L aircraft. It offers high-performance and superior manoeuvrability. It can operate in all weather conditions.
The Flyer ALSV has a length of 4.57m, height of 1.52m and a width of 1.52m. The wheelbase of the vehicle is 3.1m. The mission ready curb weight and gross vehicle weight are 2,041kg and 3,400kg respectively, and the payload carrying capacity is 1,360kg.
The modular vehicle is fitted with two forward and two rear seats that feature four-point seat belt. The seats can be folded up or down. The vehicle can carry a five patient litter.
The ALSV is equipped with three 62Ah batteries including two 24V systems and one 12V system. It also consists of a 14V, 140A alternator and a 14V / 28V, 50A / 100A alternator. It is also fitted with LED white, blackout and LED IR lighting systems.
Armament and self-protection
The Flyer vehicle is equipped with a ring mount weapon system providing 360º coverage. The turret mounted over the centre of the vehicle is armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun which can be replaced by a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. Each door of the vehicle can be fitted with swivel station for mounting 5.56mm or 7.62mm machine gun.
The vehicle is also offered in armoured configuration with four-door cab offering level B6 ballistic protection, armoured rear cargo area, and roof line with level B6 ballistic protection. All doors of the vehicle are also provided with ballistic protection.
Variants of the Flyer ALSV
The Flyer vehicle can be reconfigured as rescue and personnel recovery vehicle, reconnaissance variant, command and control, cargo re-supply, communication, and light strike assault vehicle (armoured or unarmoured). It can also be modified as C4ISR (Sensor, UAV, SOWT, RSTA) variant.
Engine and mobility
The Flyer ALSV is powered by a Euro V compliant DOHC turbocharged inter-cooled diesel engine with common rail direct fuel injection system. The 1.9L engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission system generates a power of 150hp and a torque of 350Nm. The vehicle has a fuel capacity of 68L and its fuel consumption rate is 24mpg at 40mph.
The ALSV is fitted with power steering and four-wheel disc power assisted brake system. The independent front/rear suspension consists of four-wheel coil over shock absorbers with air bag spring. The vehicle is fitted with 37 x 12.5 R17 tyres with run flat inserts or a bead lock retention system for superior off-road and cross-country mobility across difficult terrains. The ALSV can attain a maximum speed of 136kmph. It has a cruising range of 725km at a speed of 64kmph on flat ground.
The Flyer has a turning radius of 5.48m, while the maximum gradient and dynamic side slopes of the vehicle are 60% and 40% respectively. The vehicle can cross a vertical step of 35.5cm and can ford a depth of 76cm without preparation. The loaded ground clearance of the vehicle is 30.5cm while its unloaded ground clearance is 35.5cm. The vehicle has an approach angle of 59°, a departure angle of 50°, and a ramp over angle of 155°.
The global armoured vehicles and counter IED vehicles market 2011-2021
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