Originally Posted by
RC-N
In Camp Marmal, the Boxer Armored Transport Vehicles (ATV) were prepared for their mission in Afghanistan. When their crews arrive in the next days, the modern armored transport vehicles will further increase the combat effectiveness of the force in the north of Afghanistan.
"The Boxer ATVs are all combat-ready," states an employee of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in Camp Marmal. On the 23rd and 24th of July, two Antonov transport aircraft brought a total of five Boxer ATVs to Mazar-e Sharif. After they were unloaded on the airfield of Camp Marmal, the armored transport vehicles were immediately examined as to any possible damages during the flight. Then, the functions of the electronic systems had to be tested under the climatic conditions in Afghanistan. Within five days, all vehicles had been checked and are now ready for their handover to the Task Force (TF) MES. When the TF MES has taken over the Boxers, soldiers will deploy to the Observation Post (OP) North with four of them. In patrol operations, it provides high combat power through modern optics and remote-controlled weapon stations.
Smooth maintenance and repair
A smooth maintenance and repair of these vehicles is of enormous importance to the force due to their protective performance. Thus, large amounts of spare parts are kept ready by KMW in Camp Marmal. The same amount is planned for the OP North. Soldiers have been previously trained for smaller repair works in OP North by KMW in Aachen, Germany. A fifth Boxer ATV is retained in Camp Marmal as an exchange reserve in order to be able to quickly react to failures. In case a Boxer breaks down, the replacement vehicle is immediately provided to the TF MES. The broken down vehicle will be brought to Camp Marmal, unless it can be repaired in the OP. There the required repair is carried out.
The Boxer ATV is based on a modular system. It can be used as group transport, command or medical vehicle, depending on the requirements. For this, individual assemblies have to be exchanged.
Improved protection for the soldiers
The safety of soldiers inside the vehicle has also reached new levels. For example, the seat belts contain airbags which – just like in a regular vehicle – inflate upon impact and protect the soldiers.
The Boxer ATV does not only have a different look than the Dingo and the Eagle. It also provides soldiers with extensive stowage space for weapons, ammunitions and other materiel in the crew compartment. The seats can be adjusted in height and slid towards the middle of the crew compartment or towards the outer hull. In addition, there are height-adjustable headrests for optimal relief of the neck area. The armrests between the seats also serve as rifle holders.
A special feature for the soldiers is the possibility to heat up water inside the vehicle by means of an installed 2-stage electric kettle. One ready-made meal of the field ration of a soldier also fits in a part of the electric kettle. Soldiers can directly tap the warm water from a faucet. In this way, the Boxer ATV can also support soldiers with regard to their physical sustainability. No food no fight.
“The idea is that the crew can remain aboard the Boxer with their rations for at least 72 hours," said Henning D., employee of KMW in Camp Marmal. For this timeframe, other areas have to be considered as well. Toilet seats can be quickly installed by hand under the seats. Afterwards, the inbuilt feces bag is disposed of and the seat cushion reinstalled.
After all, however, the added value for soldiers on missions lies in the improved mine protection and the ballistic protection against fire from medium-caliber weapons. The Boxer ATV enables soldiers to operate autonomously on the battlefield and in the end increases the combat effectiveness of the infantry group by its improved protective equipment.
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
