Eurosatory 2014: The Affordable New Generation of ASCOD Vehicles

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) displays the latest product developments of the ASCOD tracked vehicle, up to 35t variant with rubber tracks, at EUROSATORY 2014.

The original and proven features of the ASCOD tracked vehicles have been enhanced through internal development to provide a 35t tracked vehicle with rubber tracks. Benefits of this development include: best in class survivability through an innovative mine protection solution, superior mobility on and off-road, increased ergonomics, and crew comfort. This development also offers an affordable solution that benefit from being part of the Common Base Platform approach for all vehicle variants and mission roles.

The ASCOD variant displayed at EUROSATORY 2014 is capable of carrying seven passengers plus commander, gunner and driver, and is equipped with a LEMUR 12.7mm Remote Weapons Station from BAE Systems.

ASCOD – Ability to fulfill all requirements

Global military operations have demonstrated the need for a versatile family of tracked vehicles capable of performing a complete set of mission roles at an affordable cost, including common training, logistics and maintenance.

The ASCOD Family of Vehicles has been developed in response to this need and takes advantage of the latest technologies to offer the lowest possible through life costs. Three different GVW (from 31, 35 and up to 42t) provides ASCOD with the ability to fulfil the full range of customer requirements, from the most affordable APC to the most advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and Direct Fire with hunter-killer capability.

GDELS' ASCOD

Furthermore, the use of rubber track on the ASCOD decreases the noise and vibration levels of the platform, increasing its reliability and crew comfort. The wide tread design of the tracks and the “state of the art” suspension provides a minimum ground pressure, heat generation, maximum traction and wear resistance.

ASCOD – Innovate Mine Protection Solution

The GDELS developed mine protection solution, comprising advanced construction design and innovative shock-attenuation devices, can be integrated in any of the medium-weight vehicles based on the ASCOD platform. The mine protection performance according to STANAG 4569 was independently tested and certified by an independent certifying agency and a National Authority of a NATO country in February 2014.

ASCOD – Strategic alliance with Local and International Partners

As a consequence of the decision by GDELS to build strategic alliances with international and national partners, the ASCOD can be produced locally by national industries, creating the basis for know-how and technology transfers and long term job opportunities. At the same time, long term relations with local partners provide the logistic support needed for the operation of these vehicles during the whole life cycle and ensures the best readiness ratios.

ASCOD – Embodies Lessons Learned

More than 250 units of the ASCOD are in service today with the Spanish and Austrian Armies.  The ASCOD design embodies lessons learned from the latest international competition in the UK, following the award of the “Specialist Vehicle (SV)” Programme by the British MoD. It is also one of the down selected competitors for Denmark, one of the most demanding tenders currently ongoing.