Competition for military TAPV program heats up

As the deadline to submit vehicle candidates for the Canadian military’s Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program draws near, two new companies have recently driven their respective all terrain troop carriers onto the battlefield. Intended to shore up deficiencies in the Canadian Force’s armoured vehicle fleet, the TAPV program, when awarded in early 2012, will contract to procure 500 vehicles, with an option for up to 100 more.

On Wednesday, Textron systems Canada put forward a 4×4 armoured vehicle that builds on the company’s combat-tested Armored Security Vehicle platform. According to the company, its TAPV vehicle offers off-road and urban maneuverability, allowing the vehicle to serve in both offensive and defensive
capacities. In addition, the vehicle is designed with a focus on ergonomics and interior layout options so it can be configured for patrol, convoy protection, command and control, utility, mortar carrier, ambulance or
personnel carrier missions.

Led by Textron Systems Canada, the company’s TAPV Team includes Textron Marine & Land Systems; Rheinmetall Canada; Remote Weapons Systems sub-contractor Kongsberg Protech Systems Canada; and Engineering Office Deisenroth Canada (EODC), a subcontractor for the vehicle’s add-on armour.

Textron’s bid was followed on September 1 by Force Protection’s submission of the Timberwolf, a 6×6 variant of the company’s Cougar wheeled combat vehicle. If awarded the contract, Summerville, SC-based Force Protection will be the design authority and partner with CAE for in-service support. Additional partners includes Elbit Systems as the provider of a dual remote weapons system (DRWS) and Lockheed Martin Canada to provide and integrate its C4ISR real-time Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance
suite for the Timberwolf vehicle.
www.textrontapv.ca
www.forceprotection.net