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The Boxer represents the next generation of wheeled armoured vehicles.
Due to its modular construction it can be used for a wide range of dedicated mission profiles. Its terrain mobility, its adaptable modular armour and its extensive suit of counter-measures enable the Boxer to operate under extreme conditions. State-of-the-art technology provides excellent characteristics with respect to availability and operational cost.
Design
The design is based on a modular structure selected to give the maximum flexibility for multi-purpose operation. The vehicle incorporates a high level of standardization and uses commercially proven automotive components. The 8 wheeled vehicle provides a load capacity to 8t and has an maximum internal capacity of more than 14m³.
The mission modules are designed to meet a wide range of mission requirements including those for command & control, treatment and casualty recovery, transport of personnel, logistical support and infantry fighting functions.
Rapid strategic mobility of the units is ensured by the capability of being deployed by al means of transport (road, train, sea and air).
The Boxer is equipped with a national specific remote controlled weapon station on which various weapons can be mounted by means of adaptors meeting the aim of the mission.
Currently a .50 calibre machine gun is being developed in combination with a multi-role grenade launching system.
Protection
The protective armour is built up in progressive stages. The primary protection is secured through the vehicle basic structure, which is made of tempered armoured steel.
The modular add-on armour can be installed to meet the individual mission requirements and includes amongst others top attack protection against bomblets. The modular design will also allow future technology improvements to be fitted.
The structure of the vehicle is designed to ensure residual mobility after mine or fire attacks from any direction. Its residual mobility will allow the vehicle to move away from further imminent threats. In the event of serious hits it provides the crew with the means of withdrawing into the vehicle and move to a protected area, thereby ensuring survival.
The vehicle’s thermal acoustic and radar signature management capability is in the forefront of armoured vehicle stealth technology and provides a low signature.
Mobility
The vehicle will be fitted with a 530kW engine linked to an automatic transmission. Permanent eight-wheeled drive, all-round independent suspension and central tyre-inflation system (CTIS) will give excellent road and cross-country mobility. With a road range of over 1,000 km, combined with very smooth handling capabilities the vehicle provides an unaided operational deployability unmatched among in-service armoured utility vehicles.
Development and series production
The Boxer is being developed by the Boxer consortium and series production for the armies of the Netherlands and Germany is foreseen as from 2007 onwards with first deliveries starting in 2009.
The delivery will cover a number of variants being the command post version, the ambulance version, various cargo versions, an armoured personnel carrier and an engineer version.
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