Country of origin |
United States |
Entered service |
2016 |
Crew |
3 men |
Personnel |
7 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
17 t |
Length |
6.81 m |
Width |
2.69
m |
Height |
~ 3 m |
Armament |
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm |
Mobility |
Engine |
Cummins QSL diesel |
Engine power |
365 hp |
Maximum road speed |
105 km/h |
Range |
644 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
~ 0.6 m |
Trench |
~ 0.6 m |
Fording |
~ 1.5 m |
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The TAPV or
Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle was developed by Textron as a
private venture. It is a heavier derivative of the combat-proven
M1117 Guardian armored security
vehicle, which is used by the US Army. The TAPV was designed for asymmetric
warfare. Canadian Armed Forces ordered 500 of these
vehicles in 2012 with an option for 100 more. First vehicles were scheduled
to be delivered in 2014. However deliveries were set back to begin
in 2016. It was planned that deliveries will be completed in around 2018. The new vehicle
gradually replaced the
RG-31
mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, which was then in service with
the Canadian Armed Forces. It was planned that out of 500 TAPVs
ordered by the Canadian Armed Forces around 200 vehicles will be used
for reconnaissance, while others will be used as armored personnel
carriers.
The TAPV has
features of both armored personnel carrier and mine resistand ambush
protected vehicle. It was
designed to protect the crew and troops against landmines and
improvised explosive devices.
These were the major cause of death for Canadian soldiers in
Afghanistan. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull, with blast absorbing belly
armor and vented wheel wells. Blast protection was also improved by
increased ground clearance. Crew and passengers have individual
blast-protected seats. The TAPV withstands 10 kg of explosive blast
anywhere under the hull. Blast protection of this armored vehicle
equals to an mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. Hull protection is enhanced by composite armor.
It seems that the front arc withstands 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds.
All-round protection is likely to be against small arms fire and
artillery shell splinters. It
is claimed that the TAPV is 20% better protected than the previous
M1117.
This armored
vehicle is fitted with a dual weapon remotely controlled weapon
station, armed with either 40 mm automatic grenade launcher or
12.7 mm heavy machine gun, alongside with 7.62 mm machine gun. The TAPV has also mounted 25 mm cannon for arms show display, however
heavy armament exceeds the brief of the TAPV.
The armored
personnel carrier version has a crew of 3, including commander,
gunner and driver, and can carry up to 7 troops. Reconnaissance
version has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, driver and
operator. Occupants enter and leave
the vehicle via side doors or roof hatches.
The Textron
TAPV is powered by a Cummins QSL turbocharged diesel engine,
developing 365 hp. Engine is located at the
rear. This armored vehicle uses independent suspension axle system,
originally designed by Irish Timoney. Vehicle is fitted with a
central tyre inflation system. The TAPV is
not amphibious.
Despite the
basic role of armored personnel carrier or reconnaissance vehicle,
the Textron TAPV can be tailored to suit many battlefield roles.
Possible versions include armored ambulance, command vehicle, mortar
carrier or recovery vehicle.
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