Key Data
Cost: PMV and EODRV: $400,000 NSD per unit.
PU: $300,000 NSD per unit.
ATGM/AD: $500,000 NSD per unit.
DPR: $8 Billion NSD
Crew
2 + 6 crew members.
Dimensions
Length: 6.02 m.
Height: 2.52 m.
Width: 2.70 m.
Weight: 17.2 tons.
Ground Clearance: 410 mm.
Performance
Maximum Speed: 105 kmh.
Range: 945 km (maximum).
Suspension: 6x6
Propulsion: V8 Type 120 diesel engine, 450hp, 222KW.
Transmission: Beller 2000 automatic.
Armament
Weapon Station: Gunring for a variety of weapon systems, optional use of remote weapon stations (14.5 mm SMJ HMG pictured).
Additional: Rear pintle mount for support weapons (LMG, grenade launcher, etc.).
Armor & Protection
Armor: Composite 4th Generation Alloy Armor (thick metal-composite matrix outer layer, NERA, composite tiles, IRHA plates/hull, fibreglass/rubber/Spectra spall liner).
Reinforced composite glass/plastic windows, windshield.
Optional RPG cage.
Additional: NBC Protection, clean cooled air, CBRN overpressure system.
Fire extinguishing systems, foam dispensers for engine and gas tank.
Background/Design
The Luchs Protected Mobility Vehicle (Lynx or Bobcat) (PMV) is a heavily armored, damage resistant, troop mobility vehicle; it is also a series of armored vehicles used for explosive ordinance removal, anti-air, anti-tank/vehicle warfare, and other basic troop supporting roles. In urgent need of a vehicle that is capable of transporting troops at quick speeds in rough terrain - the TECT Armed Forces pressed Wolf Armaments to develop a vehicle resistant to hostile IED/mine attacks, small arms and heavy caliber weapons fire, and capable of performing multiple roles. This vehicle had to be smaller and more uniform then the Puma Wheeled AFV yet larger then its older brother, the Fuchs SLAV; by combining the best of both vehicles, Wolf Armaments combined the firepower and armor of the Puma while the Fuchs provided its mobility and uniformity. First deployed in 2007 with the TECT Armed Forces - troops welcomed the Luchs' exterior and interior qualities, most namely the added protection, comfort, and reliability.
As a PMV, the Luchs was developed for protecting troops from hostile mines and improvised explosive devices; its thick armor, reinforced view ports, and construction are all built towards crew protection. The Luchs' armor is a composite alloy, combined with layers of other protective materials to provide additional safety for crew. Windows, view ports, and the windshield are made from a reinforced glass mixed with a plastic substance to add strength - it is then added in layers upon many other layers, providing a thick layer of material capable of taking large amounts of abuse. The windshield is flanked on both its left and right side by additional windows for added visibility. The engine bloc is armored additionally to help absorb blasts, protecting crew, and come with additional features that put crew safety at top priority. A front grill is made of composite steel for protection, or ramming speed, and can mount a spare tire in case of tire loss - there are two additional slots for spare tires located on each side of the vehicle. Along the side can be mounted a rail for carrying extra supplies, or, can mount NERA blocks for added protection. Finally; a cage to protect against shaped charge attacks can be mounted entirely around the vehicle.
The hull is shaped in a monocoque type V-shaped hull, has a higher profile, and extended engine bay to increase protection for its crew against improvised explosives, mines, and other similar attacks. Its tires are reinforced and come with a self sealing gel that is deployed throughout the tire and harden when punctured, allowing the tire to stay operable until it can be replaced. The roof comes with two door openings for crew members to mount weapon systems, a center dual door system and a smaller version in the rear of the vehicle. A Remote Weapon System (RWS) can also be used as the primary weapon system in place of a mounted weapon system, such as heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and missile launchers. Explained later on will be other uses for this center mount area. A unique feature to the Luchs is its optical sensor tower located near the rear of the vehicle. This tower, which can be folded towards the front of the vehicle, is used for additional visual information gathering; allowing for reconnaissance missions, targeting, and additional information gathering for crew. Located at the top is the sensor suite that rotates 360 degrees and elevates 90 degrees - it includes a visual camera (high definition), night vision, and thermal vision all with extended zoom and quality enhancements.
Internally, the Luchs comes in two cabins - the drivers cabin and crew cabin; both are connected with a window opening. The drivers cabin comes standard with common place diesel truck equipment, such as automatic gear shifting and other controls. Adjacent to the drivers seat is the passenger seat; both seats are comfort oriented leather that can be adjusted according to the occupant. Additionally; the seats have a heater and cooling system for optimal comfort and are made with breathable fibers for adjusted temperature control. Between the two seats is a platform for storage, cup holders, and arm resting; this can be folded back fully to allow access to the rear cabin. The center console between the two seats has a touch-based interface linkable with combat networking systems, allowing for communications, directions, and other various uses; it can also add radio stations, provide local weather, and gives camera feed from the front and rear bumper cameras for tight fits. There are four air vents (adjustable) for heat and cooling in the front cabin and six in the rear cabin; it is connected to both the NBC and CBRN systems to provide comfortable conditions and protection against dangerous threats outside once sealed. The multipurpose use of the rear cabin has six deployed standard seating that can be removed or replaced; these seats are firm yet soft breathable leather for maximum comfort. Four folding seats can be added to open slots to increase the troop load, though with less comfort and reduced space for occupants. Three plug-in stations with two outlets are placed around the cabin for personal and mission devices in need of charging from the vehicle's battery; this can be a hand held device, medical equipment, or laptops, for example. Four air vents are placed strategically to provide air conditioned or heating for occupants. This rear cabin can be modified to hold stretchers instead, four specifically, or to hold more mission oriented equipment. As an off road vehicle, the Luchs performs well in rough terrain. Its tight grip tires and powerful propulsion make it a fierce traveler; it has anti-slide locks for the break system, making slick surfaces less of a danger. The added distance between the ground and the vehicle improves the vehicle's ride and reduces disturbances for occupants. Snow, desert, mountain, mud, and grass - there is almost nothing that will stop the Luchs from moving through it.
Armament
The primary armament for the Luchs PMV is its center gunring mount. On this mount can be a various multitude of armaments, which are but not limited to: heavy machine guns, light machine guns, general purpose machine guns, grenade launchers, and guided missile launchers. A Remote Weapons System is also a preferable option for users, which can be operated using a connected laptop (or other device) and controller. The operator can also utilize the visual sensor tower for added detection (though another user can operate the system with their own set of equipment). The large base of the vehicle can handle many large caliber weapons, such as 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and gatling style cannons.
Armor & Protection
The Luchs is a protected mobility vehicle designed to absorb many forms of hostile actions. It was especially designed to withstand IED and mine attacks; the Luchs is also very capable of withstanding small arms fire mostly up to twenty millimeter ammunition (tests with twelve millimeter and up ammunition showed there could be damage done however). From front the back, the Luchs is designed to absorb and redistribute explosive force from explosive ordinances; it is built upon layers of armor in monocoque style, similar to other heavily armored vehicles, and shaped in a V-type hull. This build makes the Luchs lighter and utilizes less materials with no decrease in protection; its thick armor, build, and hull are contributing to its impressive safety rating. The engine bay is extended forward to add a cushioning affect when hit by IED/mines in the front, adding additional protection for both cabins. The hull's V-shape and adjusted height reduces compressed explosive force and spreads said force around the hull - therefore, the damage taken from directly underneath is reduced, spread out, and gives the Luchs a much higher chance of crew survival.
Armor is important to the Luchs, as is its protective capabilities. On par with the Puma AFV, the Luchs is built in the similar monocoque style where armor makes up the outer layers where as other vehicles were built with standard materials and armor added over to protect the vehicle. This build decreases weight, cheapens the build cost, and does not reduce protection. Optional grenade launchers for smoke, or other optional munitions, can be mounted on each corner of the vehicle (two front and back) to add protection. The Luchs is also protected from electronic warfare by using a fully insulated design against electronic interference and data-hacking, and all communications and information exchange programs are 624 bit encrypted to ensure maximum network security. The internal compartments, once sealed, becomes an NBC controlled space. It protects the crew from nuclear, biological, and outside weather conditions using its NBC system and its CBRN overpressure system. The pressurized atmosphere creates a safe and calming sense of feeling inside once sealed, allowing for both security and comfortably for all crew members.
The Luchs uses the 'Shield' Active Protection system to protect the vehicle from active ground, aircraft, and other threats; more notably missile, incoming AT rounds, and other various ground threats are the primary targets of this system. The newer full system for tanks and other armored vehicles uses a Missile Countermeasure Device (MCD) that emits a massive, condensed infrared signal to confuse the seeker of an anti-tank guided missile. A semi-active control line-of-sight (SACLOS) system acts as countermeasures for wire and radio guided anti-tank missiles, and thermally and infrared guided missiles are also combated. The 'Shield' Active Protection system utilizes its radar sensor to quickly detect incoming threats from a 360 degree point of view. Its quick speed allows for immediate action in identifying and tracking the threat; this system uses either a munitions launcher to launch munitions to explode before hitting the vehicle or a short range missile launcher to intercept incoming threats. The system is primarily set up to protect against guided anti-tank missiles and shaped charge attacks, which are usually used by infantry or other ground units to attack vehicles. This system also works against incoming SSM and ASM missiles with both its multilaunchers and MCD launcher. This system has also shown good results in countering incoming tank shells and artillery rounds; aircraft borne munitions are included as a primary target for this system. The two launcher systems, along with the multilaunchers, mount a shield around the vehicle against incoming threats. An impressive suite of active ECM as a means of defeating incoming radar guided missiles, and the suite is usually activated if detection equipment determines that multiple radar signatures are illuminating the vehicle in question.
Networking/Electronics
Designed for the battlefield of tomorrow and today; the Luchs utilizes advanced components of networking and electronics to maintain its base standard and variant's standard of operation. As with all TECT designed vehicles, the Puma is designed to integrate seamlessly and easily into the most sophisticated of military forces. The vehicle is fitted with a highly extensive sensor suite so as to enable the transmission of as much information as possible into any extant battlenet, while possessing internal computational facilities so as to handle required downloads from it. While designed to slot into any existing battlespace architecture, the Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking is the primary combat networking system used by TECT forces. Eisen-Schloss is an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximizes combat lethality, performance, and output and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale in any vehicle, unit, and device that uses. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual platform, but from every Eisen-Schloss equipped friendly vehicle within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness. The Luchs uses this system to keep close communication between allied vehicles in its group open and to formulate strategies quickly and affectingly. At the most basic level, the Eisen-Schloss Combat System aims to accelerate engagement cycles and increase operational tempo at all levels of the battlefield and warfare. This acceleration is achieved by providing a mechanism to rapidly gather and distribute targeting information, and rapidly issue directives. Eisen-Schloss' ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources.
Propulsion and Mobility
The Luchs was designed similar to the Fuchs SLAV in its multirole and propulsion capabilities. As a large 6x6 diesel vehicle, the main propulsion utilizes a V8 Type 120 diesel engine; used in the Fuchs as well, this engine provides enough propulsion to give the Luchs a top speed of 105 kmh and excellent traverse over rough terrain. Its multirole uses called for the design that could deliver troops and support them too; a vehicle that could handle tough terrain and traverse over almost any conditions. Be it snow, sand, muddy water, mud, or a mountainside - the Luchs can move at ease. Extra tires are located on the sides of the vehicle and at the front grill; they offer excellent traction and feature technology that protects the tires from flattening by enemy fire.
Ease of the driver is assured by the on-board combat network systems; a touch pad panel is located in the dash between the driver and the passenger, an electronic display in the center dash to display maps and information, and a rear panel for crew access.
Crew Amenities
There are some light amenities to support the crew's moral. The Luchs is a busy vehicle but when it is not busy roughing the bad roads of a muddy slope, the crew can enjoy amenities inside. On board is a commonplace hot and cold water drink point, which provides hot water, cold water, and with two further compartments that can be filled with hot or cold drinks of the crew or unit's choice. As well as being morale boosting, hot water in particular can be of direct military value, with it being used to brew beverages, and most importantly, it is used for dehydrated ration packs common to many armies and armed services. Situated immediately below the drink point is a small fridge, which can either carry spare approximately two cases of soft-drinks or equivalent. To the left is a small storage for extra rations for emergency situations, or snack materials.
Additionally; there are plug in spots located around the vehicle to provide charging for devices both personal and job related. The NBC and pressure system can control the cabin's temperature and atmospheric pressure to keep the crew comfortable, creating a warm summer day on a mountaintop, or a cool day in the summer's sweltering humid heatwave.
Variants
Luchs PMV: The Protect Mobility Vehicle is the standard vehicle in the Luchs family. It is unaltered from the description above and is highly multirole in its mission capabilities. Troop transportation, gun truck, medic vehicle, the list of options for use go on.
Luchs ATGM/AD: The Anti-Tank Guided Missile/Air Defense Vehicle of the Luchs lineup is an anti-tank/air support variant of the Luchs. Its equipped armament, including two SMJ-APs and dual missile mount system (supporting twelve missile canisters), are part of an independent turret system; furthermore, both the guns and missile mounts can operate independently from the other mounts in a limited fashion. Eight canisters canbe stored inside while the canisters themselves can be replaced within minutes by hand if need be. Various ATGM and (small/medium range) SAM systems can be mounted instead of the standard 'Speer'-VLATGM and Slingshot-VBL. The turret itself is designed to fit in traditional turret and RWS mounts where applicable. It is entirely unmanned, allowing for speedier motors and additional equipment to be added to the vehicle; this includes an internally mounted Ku Band radar system and a mountable folding S Band radar on the roof if desired. The crew of three remains but with an additional gunner to assist in reloading and manning weapon systems. Any additional remaining space is utilized as storage.
Luchs EODRV: The Luchs EODRV, or Explosive Ordinance Disposal Response Vehicle, is the favored EOD vehicle of the Luchs family. This variant utilizes a robotic arm crane, a spiked plow, and other modifications to perform explosives removal and basic engineer functions. A mine clearing charge line cannon can also be mounted atop the vehicle. This vehicle is designed to treat with IEDs, mines, and other destructive hostile ordinances - a testament of its tough and rough exterior to survive premature explosions and hostile detonations.
Luchs PU: The Luchs PU, or Police Unit, is the civilian model of the Luchs. It is stripped of most internal military electronics, namely the combat networking, and other military oriented systems; the camera tower and its systems remain in place, however. Tasked with working with heavily armed police units (such as SWAT or counter terrorism), the Police Unit absorbs hostile fire, can use a mounted water cannon with water tanks attached to the sides, carry armed police units, and act as battering rams. Police can use its top as an elevated gun position, police transport, or checkpoint vehicle. Among its many uses, civilians can also purchase these vehicles for use as large cargo holders or personal vehicles.
Export
The Luchs and its variants are available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront. The PMV and EODRV are available for $400,000 NSD per unit; the PU variant is available for $300,000 NSD per unit. DPR for the entire vehicle system is eight billion NSD.