The new contract includes development, testing and verification, as well as the delivery of implementation kits for training alongside the Dutch customer.
The modification of the CV9035NL vehicles from steel tracks to a rubber track system has many benefits, including cutting the noise level inside the vehicle by a 10 dB and vibration levels by 65%.
“The reduced vibration levels will increase the life expectancy of electronics, optronics, and ammunition, which will significantly reduce vehicle running costs,” contends Dan Lindell, director combat vehicles at supplier BAE Systems Hägglunds. “What’s more, with the reduction of close to 1 tonne in vehicle weight as a result of the change to a rubber track system, there will be increased potential for continuous growth.”
The rubber track system is jointly developed by Soucy International in Quebec, Canada, and BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden. Soucy has designed and produced the tracks and BAE Systems has qualified the system in full-scale trials. CV90s with rubber track systems are already in use by the Norwegian forces and have been through the real test of active missions in northern Afghanistan.
According to the supplier, the change to a rubber track system will help to reduce crew fatigue thanks to reduced noise levels inside the vehicle, and also improves the CV90’s stealth on the battlefield and increases its mobility in challenging conditions.