ARMY: New Combat Ground Vehicles Debut at AUSA Expo [UPDATE]

First Look.

Northrop Grumman’s Hellhound Light Reconnaissance Vehicle prototype draws a crowd at AUSA exhibit hall.
(4GWAR photo by John M. Doyle)

UPDATE adds additional Hellhound photo and information about the Oshkosh Defense M-ATV 6 X 6

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Six hundred companies exhibited their wares this week at the annual Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference and trade show and, as usual, several new platforms — from ground combat vehicles to helicopters — were on display.

Northrop Grumman introduced the world to the Hellhound, a light reconnaissance vehicle prototype. The glossy black 4 by 4 vehicle at the show seats sixscouts (two in the front and four in the back) from a reconnaissance platoon and comes with an ATK M230LF 30mm gun on the roof that can be folded down for easier air transport. The gun is operated remotely by a gunner sitting inside the vehicle.

The Hellhound, named for Grumman’s F6F Hellcat, a World War II carrier-based fighter plane, is the company’s offering for the Army’s upcoming light reconnaissance vehicle acquisition program. Designed with the crew and mission in mind, the Hellhound is designed for off-road operation. It can be transported by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter either under the helo with an outside sling or — after hydraulic system lowers the vehicle’s height to fit inside the aircraft.

It also has 120 kilowatt generator manufactured by a German company, Jenoptik, that can produce 100 kW more than the vehicle needs to operate. That extra power can run sensors, radios, electronic warfare equipment or turn the Hellhound into a remote command center. With its 250 horsepower Cummins engine, the Hellhound can travel at speeds up to 70 miles an hour and has a range of 400 miles.

 

Another look at Northrop Grumman’s Hellound LRV prototype.
(4GWAR photo by John M. Doyle)

Attendees at AUSA also got a first look at Oshkosh Defense’s bigger, badder mine-resistant all terrain vehicle: the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle 6 X 6 technology demonstrator. MRAP stands for mine resistant ambush protected. The heavy armored vehicles were developed in response to roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were killing and maiming U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan who were riding in lightly armored vehicles like the Humvee.

The 42,000-pound, six-wheeled vehicle builds on the technology of Oshkosh Defense four-wheeled M-ATVs. The 6 X 6 has two hatches in the rear and on passenger’s side and can seat 15 soldiers. Overall the big rig can carry an additional 12,000 pounds of payload above its own 42,000-pound weight.  It also comes with all-wheel steer to enhance maneuverability.

The 6 X 6 can his a top speed of 70 miles per hour and has a range of 300 miles.

Possible missions  could include troop transport, explosive ordnance disposal or command and control.

Oshkosh Defense M-ATV 6X6 at AUSA 2015
(4GWAR photo by John M. Doyle)

Click on photos to enlarge image.