The Swedes are developing an armored personnel carrier for British troops

The company BAE Systems Hagglunds (Swedish unit of British company BAE Systems) is working on establishing an articulated tracked armored Viking Mk2, which will receive enhanced protection and increased cargo capacity. As reported by Defense News, a new cross-country vehicle will be offered to British forces in the tender for the fleet replacement program BTR Bv206.

Total UK Ministry of Defense intends to purchase from 47 to 212 articulated vehicles. In addition to BAE Systems Hagglunds in the tender will attend the Singaporean company Singapore Technologies Kinetics with vezdehodom Bronco.

The Swedish developers are planning to create a prototype Viking Mk2 early next year, and already the summer break for serial production. Tactical and technical characteristics of the new armored press service company BAE Systems Hagglunds is not currently disclosed.

Over the past two years, BTR Viking widely used by British forces in southern Afghanistan, although initially they were intended for use in winter conditions. However, the experience of fighting against the Taliban, the Swedish cross-country vehicle, even with a new book does not provide the necessary protection. Undermine the APC Viking mines led to the deaths of several British soldiers.

Along with the purchase of new armored personnel carriers, British Ministry of Defense intends to modernize the existing fleet in order to enhance the safety of crews.

BTR Viking (BvS10) is a further development of non-armored articulated Bv206 cross-country vehicle and an armored Bv206S. From predecessors, he has improved chassis and greater payload. The base model provides protection from armor-piercing ammunition 7.62 mm. The design of armored vehicles provides an opportunity to install several types of modular armor as well as various equipment and weapon systems, depending on the destination.

Diesel engine power of 250 horsepower allows a speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Cruising range of fuel is 300 kilometers. Maximum lift armored vehicles exceeding three tons. Capacity is 12 people.