BAE’s BvS10 Beowulf is ready to roll at DSA 2016

The adage that an army marches on its stomach may date back from Roman times but it’s a maxim that has proven true down the centuries – logistics support wins battles. Essentially, the army that has a better supply line is the one that stands better odds on the battlefield – you can’t fight without bullets and beans after all. While medieval armies had to rely on pack mules and wagons, the post-modern army today still has to rely on an assortment of trucks to get things where they’re needed. Unfortunately, trucks still have to rely in some degree on reliable road networks, not something that is entirely possible in all scenarios. That’s where something like BAE’s BvS10  Beowulf comes in.

 The BvS10 Beowulf is a new generation vehicle that is highly customisable and amphibious too Image: BAE Systems

Effectively the successor of the earlier proven Swedish Bandvagn 206 (Bv 206) tracked all terrain vehicle that is currently seeing service in 40 countries the world over, the Beowulf is named after the Nordic hero of myth who cacked a monster that was terrorising a king of yore with guerilla tactics.  The new BAE BvS10 is, like its sire, a tracked, articulated, all terrain vehicle capable of carrying up to 14 personnel or an eight ton payload at up to 65km per hour to a distance of 1,000km with its Cummins 6.7l in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel engine that rocks with 210kW and 970Nm of torque. On paper, it is capable of carrying a larger payload than the older Bv206. The tracks are wide for low ground pressure and the vehicle is low-slung to distribute its weight load to allow it to be especially nimble with less chance of getting bogged down. The rear cab is configurable, which allows it to be turned into everything from a medevac vehicle to a troop transporter.

The Beowulf features increased crew comfort and visibility, and is easy to maintain and support, resulting in reduced operational costs. Image: BAE Systems

Unlike conventional vehicles like trucks that have to rely on road networks, this baby is all terrain – it’ll get you where you need to go through rain, sleet, snow, swamp, sand, muck or shell-crater-pocked warzone and even up a 45 degree incline. It’s also amphibious too. The Beowulf is air transportable, which makes it easily shipped by a C-130 Hercules or even by a chopper like the Chinook which means it can see service anywhere it needs to be. While the BVS10 Beowulf’s abilities at fording any terrain make it invaluable to any army, its all-terrain capabilities means that you’ll likely see this in civilian applications like mining, logging, exploration, emergency response too or, for the well heeled, possibly the ultimate all terrain party wagon. BAE Systems showcased a scale model of the BvS10 Beowulf at the recently concluded Defence Services Asia 2016 Trade Show for consideration to interested buyers. To find out more about one of the most capable all terrain vehicles on the planet, swing by BAE System’s official site here.

From left: Darren Restarick, regional director at BAE Systems Hägglunds and Peter Nygren, Director Business Development at BAE Systems Hägglunds, with the BvS10 Beowulf model Image: BAE Systems