MDM 2011: Ceradyne unveils HMMWV Recap contender
Ceradyne revealed its contender for the proposed HMMWV Recap programme at Modern Day Marine on 27 October. The prototype vehicle was developed jointly by Ceradyne Vehicle Armor Systems and Gravikor with a number of other technology partners.
Speaking to Shephard, Marc King, president of Ceradyne Armor Systems, said, 'the concept is particularly adapted to the marines, although we think it will also suit the US Army. It will help the USMC get them back on ships. We know the marine corps is looking to get back to being expeditionary and amphibious.'
The prototype incorporates an advanced spaceframe design borrowed from the motor sports industry for a vehicle crew cab that the King says provides versatility to scale the armour application to the mission. In base form, the vehicle is fitted with canvas doors but can be upgraded to undisclosed full ballistic protection levels depending on the threat.
'What you have is a lightweight, very strong, very rigid solution,' King stated. The concept allows the armour to be scaled on the vehicle itself and also to develop as armour technology changes.
In addition to the visible armour elements, the solution incorporates a blast shield of advanced materials under the crew cab. The parabolic blast shield is made from unique blast absorbing materials developed by Cellular Materials International. All of this combines to give increased crew survivability, King added.
Finally, he described how Ceradyne had invested a lot of 'thinking time' in developing the prototype, with concept work beginning some 18 months ago. The prototype itself was built in 45 days.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Israel brings down drones using a laser, claiming operational first]()
Israel brings down drones using a laser, claiming operational first
The announced successful deployment of a prototype laser foreshadows Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ plans to begin rolling out versions of its Iron Beam laser, beginning later this year.
-
![Hanwha contracted to further develop long-range missile defence radar]()
Hanwha contracted to further develop long-range missile defence radar
The new Multi-Function Radar (MFR) is being developed under Phase II Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM-II) and is planned to provide three to four times greater coverage than the earlier version of L-SAM.
-
![Improved British Army Javelin launcher passes milestone as more missile orders placed]()
Improved British Army Javelin launcher passes milestone as more missile orders placed
Almost US$2 billon has been placed in orders for the Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) in the past 18 months with the British Army just announcing firing of its Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) over an extended range.
-
![Canada unveils plans for mobile artillery]()
Canada unveils plans for mobile artillery
Canada did deploy the US M109 155mm/39 cal tracked self-propelled artillery system as its only mobile weapon for many years but these were finally declared surplus in 2005.
-
![German MARS III tests Kongsberg NSM]()
German MARS III tests Kongsberg NSM
Germany is looking to expand its artillery capability and like other countries is looking to improved costal defence.
