Norway Buys Rubber Tracks for CV90 Afghan Operations

Two Norwegian Army CV9030 infantry fighting vehicles have been using rubber tracks in northern Afghanistan since December. The 28-tonne BAE Systems vehicles are the heaviest to have used them on operations.

The rubber track system is jointly developed by Soucy International in Quebec, Canada and BAE Systems in Sweden: Soucy has designed and produced the tracks and BAE Systems has qualified the system in full-scale trials. The tracks reduce vehicle weight by more than one tonne compared with conventional steel tracks. They also cut noise by a massive 10dB and vibration levels by 65 percent.

“The reduced vibration levels are increasing the life expectancy of electronics, optronics and ammunition, which will significantly reduce vehicle running costs,” said CV90 platform manager Dan Lindell. “The tracks also improve stealth, reduce crew fatigue and increase mobility in many conditions, such as on snow and ice.”

Major Per Rune Hansen is CV90 fleet manager for the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organization. He commented: “Our vehicle crews were a little skeptical of the rubber tracks at first, but once they used them, they became big fans and really appreciate the reduced vibration and quieter operation.”

Noise and vibration from steel tracks are coming under increasing scrutiny because of ever-tightening health and safety legislation across the world.

“Health and Safety is another reason we are pushing the limits of rubber track technology’” says Lindell. “There have been reservations about their robustness on heavier vehicles, but rubber track performance and track life is increasing all the time, which is why Norway has bought the tracks.”

BAE Systems technical and durability tests on a CV90 over several years weighing 28,000 kg gave good results, with a track life comparable with conventional steel tracks. Trials by the Norwegian Army in late 2010 were so positive that the two vehicles were sent to Afghanistan before the planned schedule was completed.

CV90 trials at 35 tonnes will take place through 2011. The increasing vehicle weights possible with rubber tracks are the result of advances in rubber track technology and vehicle configuration. Also planned for early 2011 are mine blast trials to assess the effect of blast and fragments on the tracks.

Dan Lindell concluded: “BAE Systems and Soucy have a product which gives significant advantages and which can be transferred to other vehicle fleets. We are continuing to invest in CV90 to keep it at the forefront of its class.

BAE Systems already works with Soucy on rubber tracks for several of its lighter-weight armored vehicles, including the go-anywhere BvS10 and the M113 armored personnel carrier which Norway has deployed with rubber tracks in Afghanistan. The joint development with Soucy on rubber tracks for CV90 began as part of BAE Systems’ bid for the Canadian Close Combat vehicle program.