Stryker

   The Stryker armored personnel carrier is based on Canadian LAV III light armored vehicle. It is considered as an interim vehicle, until more advanced future designs will be available. A contract was signed with General Dynamics Land Systems for 2 131 Stryker vehicles of all variants to equip six rapid deployment Brigade Combat Teams. First operational vehicles were delivered to the US Army in 2003.

  Basic armor of the Stryker APC protects against 7.62-mm NATO ball rounds. A ceramic appliqué armor can be added if necessary to give protection against 14.5-mm machine guns. Interior of the vehicle is lined with to protect occupants against spalling. An undercarriage was strengthened to survive mine-blasts. Fuel tanks are mounted externally and are designed to blow away from the hull in the event of explosion. This armored personnel carrier has an automatic fire-suppression and NBC protection systems. Strykers employed in combat zones are fitted with steel cages, called slat armor, providing protection against RPGs. Recently an explosive reactive armor kit was designed. It is intended to replace the slat armor in combat areas.

   The Stryker is armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun or 40-mm automatic grenade launcher, mounted in remote weapon station.

   This armored personnel carrier takes advantage of high-tech information technologies. It is fitted with a battlefield information management system. It links up with other similarly equipped vehicles and command posts. Position information is available through GPS receiver.

   The Stryker armored personnel carrier has a crew of two, including commander and driver and can carry a squad of 9 fully equipped troops. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear ramp or roof hatches. The baseline M1126 armored personnel carrier provides protected transport and supports dismounted assault of it's occupants.

   Vehicle is fitted with a Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine, developing 350 horsepower. Engine and transmission can be removed reinstalled in less than an hour. Driving wheels can switch between 8x8 configuration on roads and 8x4 configuration on cross-country terrain. Vehicle is also fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which allows to adjust to different terrain, thus extending cross-country mobility. The Stryker is fitted with run-flat tyres and can move a couple of kilometers before the tire completely deteriorates. It is also fitted with a self-recovery winch. Unlike most modern APCs this vehicle is not amphibious.

   Stryker is transportable by  the C-130, C-141, C-5 and C-17 transport aircraft. It can be airlifted and deployed anywhere in the world within 96 hours. Each rapid deployment Brigade Combat Team has more than 300 Strykers of all variants.

   Variants

   M1126 ICV - armored personnel carrier;

   M1127 RV - reconnaissance vehicle;

   M1128 MGS - mobile gun system, fitted with 105-mm gun;

   M1129 MC - mortar carrier, armed with 120-mm mortar;

   M1130 CV - command vehicle;

   M1131 FSV - fire support vehicle;

   M1132 ESV - engineering squad vehicle;

   M1133 EV - medical evacuation vehicle;

   M1134 ATGM - anti-tank guided missile carrier, armed with TOW missiles;

   M1135 NBCRV - NBC reconnaissance vehicle.