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Asuragen | Armored Technology: Armored RNA asuragendx.com | Asuragen | Armored Technology: Armored RNA asuragen.com |
The M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle, or ASV, is an all-wheel drive armored vehicle manufactured by Cadillac Gage of Textron for use by the United States Army Military Police Corps. Its armament consists of a Mk 19 grenade launcher and M2 Browning Machine Gun, mounted in a turret similar to that used on the US Marine Corps' Amphibious Assault Vehicle; and a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon mounted outside the gunner's hatch. The vehicle has become very popular with U.S. Military Police Units and Convoy Security Units in Iraq. It is a more heavily protected and heavily armed alternative to the armored HMMWV which was not originally designed to be a protected fighting vehicle.
[edit] HistoryBy the 1980s, American military doctrine emphasized two distinct types of equipment. Heavily armored tanks and infantry fighting vehicles were for front line combat, and unarmored utility vehicles would be used for transport behind the lines.[1] In 1993, the Pentagon had refused to send armored vehicles so the force had to fight through Mogadishu in unarmored Humvees. This led to the development of armored HMMWVs. Many generals doubted the benefits, but the Military Police Corps, tasked with patrolling the "safe" rear area behind the battle line insisted that the Army to fund a slow but steady production of the bullet resistant M1114 armored Humvee. In 1999, the Army began buying a limited number of M1117s (originally the ASV-150) for the Military Police Corps. This purpose-built ASV was derived from Cadillac Gage's previous Commando family of AFVs which was used in Vietnam, by allies and for base security. The ASV 150 is a much improved version the earlier Cadillac Gage 100/150, with improved armor protection and better maneuverability due to the use of Timoney's independent suspension system. The ASV uses an advanced modular expandable armor from IBD, consisting of ceramic composite applique on the exterior and spall liner on the interior. At $700,000 each, the M1117 was more expensive than the $140,000 price for an armored Humvee.[2] The program was canceled in 2002 because of budget priorities. The Army believed that existing vehicles could be used without an "unacceptable level of risk."[2] When the Iraq war began in 2003, the U.S. Army only had 49 of the ASVs. However, the onset of events in Iraq have given a new lease on life for this program as HMMWVs have proven vulnerable to attacks and a large source of casualties. Uparmored HMMWVs were not designed to be armored cars like the M1117 which are designed to withstand hits from small arms, mines and rockets in frontline combat units. Some members of congress visiting Iraq have favored them over other mine protected vehicles. As of mid-2007, 1,729 vehicles were delivered or under contract. In response to urgent U.S. Army requirements in the mid-2000s, production has increased from one ASV every three weeks to the complete 56 vehicles per month. The main plant that produces the vehicles is located in New Orleans and was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The manufacturing facilities have since been rebuilt and expanded to five buildings and personnel have more than doubled. The vehicle is a 21st century version of the V-100 Cadillac Gage Commando which was used by the US Army Military Police during the Vietnam War,[3] whose duties often consisted of providing armed escort for wheeled convoys. The USAF in South Vietnam utilized an open hatched (turret-less) Commando for base security missions.[4] A variant was to be evaluated by the US Marine Corps as part of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. As of May 18, 2007, Textron received word that they would not receive further orders as part of the MRAP program.[5] However in early 2008, Textron was awarded a contract to build 329 ASVs worth $228 million. They will be delivered with the latest fragmentation protection kits. The total number of ASVs produced or remaining to be delivered to the U.S. Army is at 2058 vehicles at that time.[6] [edit] DesignAt about 15 tons, the M1117 is lighter than the 20 ton Stryker ICV or 25 ton M2 Bradley armored vehicle. It is only 7 feet 9½ inches (2.4 meters) wide, compared to 11 feet 9½ inches (3.6 meters) for a Bradley. Buttoned up, the crew has 360º visibility. In size and capability, it fits between the Humvee and the $1.42 million Stryker. The crew compartment is fully air-conditioned. The ASV is built by Textron in Louisiana. [edit] SurvivabilityThe Guardian's armor is designed to defeat .50 caliber armor piercing ammunition, 12-pound anti-tank mines, and 155 mm artillery from 1,034 feet (15 m) above. The armor is angled presenting no vertical surfaces, deflecting many Rocket Propelled Grenade hits. If an RPG does hit the vehicle directly, it can still function, although crew deaths and injuries will vary depending on where the RPG hits.[7] Angled armor is more resistant to attack than vertical armor due to the V-shape hulls deflecting explosive forces (due to their shape), as opposed to a single-plane hull which takes the entire force impact. ASVs in Iraq have withstood several IED attacks, some vehicles multiple times. One ASV returned 28 miles (45km) after an IED blew out all four tires.[citation needed] As for chemical and biological attacks, the ASV’s gas particulate air filtration system provides additional protection. The ASV has had several incidents of rolling over. Soldiers have a higher survivability rate when rolling over, as the turret is fully enclosed protecting the gunner from ejection. The ASV has a high survivability rate, although it is vulnerable to RPG attacks and IED attacks as evidenced by the current conflict in Iraq. [edit] MobilityThe typical mission profile of an ASV involves 50% primary roads, 30% secondary roads, and 20% cross-country conditions. Front and rear independent suspension provides smooth highway speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h), while it is still capable of fording 5-foot (1.5 m) depths of water, climbing gradients of 60%, and overcoming obstacles of two feet. Six ASVs can fit on to a C-17 fully loaded, ready to roll off. [edit] VariantsThe following variants are known to be in production/service:[8]
[edit] Export variantsBulgaria uses a variant of the M1117 APC fitted with a NSVT heavy machine gun instead of the M2. Not all vehicles have been converted this way. The Iraqi Armored Personnel Carrier ASV variant is configured for transport. [edit] Operators
[edit] Future operators[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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