BvS 10 / Viking Armored all-terrain tracked carrier

The BvS10 armored all-terrain tracked carrier is a further development of the Bv206S. It was developed by Hagglunds in cooperation with UK MoD. Improvements are based on experience gained from more than 25 years of articulated vehicle design and production. The BvS10 is in service with United Kingdom (143) and the Netherlands (74). It is locally known as the Viking in UK. This product name was later adopted by the Dutch Army. First vehicles were delivered in 2003. In 2009 France ordered a first batch of 53 vehicles out of a total of 129. In 2012 Sweden ordered 42 and later additional 102 of these all-terrain carriers.

Vehicle consists of two articulated tracked units, linked by a steering mechanism. All four rubber tracks are driving continuously. Viking has the same superior mobility over rough terrain as its predecessor.

The BvS 10 provides all-round protection against 7.62 mm ball rounds. Vehicle retains mobility even if a track is damaged by an anti-personnel mine. Optional add-on armor makes it invulnerable to the 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds.

The BvS 10 has improved payload capacity comparing with its predecessor and provides seating for a total of 12 men, including the driver. Forward unit has a payload capacity of 800 kg, rear - 2 000 - 3050 kg, depending on mission profile. Vehicle can also tow trailer with a maximum weight of 3 t.

Vehicle can be armed with 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun, mounted on top of the forward unit. The rear unit can be configured to carry various weapon systems. However in its normal deployment this vehicle remains out of contact with hostile troops.

The BvS 10 articulated tracked carrier has new engine and chassis. Vehicle is powered by a Cummins turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 horsepower. Vehicle is fully amphibious with less than two minutes preparation. It has operation range in temperature range from - 46°C to + 49°C. The BvS 10 is airportable by the C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III. It can be carried underslung by the CH-47 Chinook or split in two sections and carried by the Merlin helicopter.

The BvS 10 has already reached its limit of further uparmoring. So recently a bigger Viking Mk.2 with higher payload has been developed by BAE Systems.



Variants



Armored personnel carrier.

Command vehicle.

Ambulance.

Recovery vehicle.

BvS 10 Mk.II, improved version of the original all-terrain vehicle. It features much improved mine protection, more powerful engine, and many other changes. Improvements are based on experience gained during operations in Afghanistan. The Viking Mark II retains a carrying capacity of its predecessor. The UK MoD ordered a small batch of the Mk.II for service in Afghanistan.

BvS 10 Mk.IIB is a version used by Sweden, where it is locally known as Bandvagn 410 or Bv 410. In 2012 and 2013 Sweden ordered a total of 150 of these articulated vehicles.