General Dynamics [GD] and the Specialist Vehicle (SV) industry team yesterday said they have successfully completed cold-weather trials on the Mobile Test Rig (MTR), achieving another key risk reduction test ahead of the prototype stage and ensuring the vehicle’s operational capability for the coldest theaters.
These trials follow testing of the cooling system under full load for assured operation in extremes of heat and mean that SV will have an operating envelope spanning 80°C, ensuring the British Army can operate globally with this equipment in the future.
The testing, which included starting and running the vehicle’s engine at -32°C, was carried out in a special military cold- climatic chamber at the Instituto Tecnológico ‘La Marañosa’ (ITM) near Madrid April 1-12.
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| SV MTR Cold Weather Test Photo GD |
This latest trial follows an extensive series of operational and tactical (O&T) mobility trials to demonstrate the ability of the vehicle’s automotive systems to meet the demanding mobility requirements of the SV program. During the trials, the MTR towed a total of 92 tons train weight over 300 km as part of a grueling Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) schedule designed to replicate pre- defined battlefield missions and conditions.
On completion of the ALT activities, the MTR will have covered a total of 10,000 km and will have provided crucial reliability and performance data to inform the design and manufacture of the six prototype SV platforms.
“This cold weather trial is a key part of the overall testing we put the MTR through to ensure SV will operate efficiently and effectively no matter what climatic conditions it faces in the future,” said Kevin Connell, vice president, Vehicle Programs at General Dynamics UK. “The Ministry of Defense and General Dynamics have thought ahead in designing SV to be as capable in freezing temperatures as it will be in the hot temperatures the British Army is operating in today. As the British Army’s core Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) capability for the next 30 to 40 years, it needs to be prepared for anything and it will be.”