TAPV Blast Test Failure At AberdeenProving Ground....Some news has come into Defence Watch from Aberdeen Proving Ground where the Defence Department is running its tests on the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle and the Close Combat Vehicle.
https://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2011/11/15/tapv-blast-test-failure-at-aberdeen-proving-ground/
The testing is proceeding smoothly and the program, for the most part, is still considered on track. The schedule calls for a contract for both TAPV and CCV to be awarded next year and both appear immune from any cost-cutting by the Harper government.
Sources say one TAPV contender has failed its blast testing in Aberdeen. Not sure who that might be. Some of the TAPV contenders I’ve seen, such as Force Protection’s Timberwolf (essentially an MRAP), are pretty robust so I’m thinking it wouldn’t be that vehicle.
In addition, BAE’s RG35 missed one of its testing slots (for live firing trials) for unknown reasons.
Defence Watch will update if more details emerge:
The tactical armored patrol vehicle would replace the Army’s existing fleet of RG-31 mine protected vehicles and the Coyote wheeled light armored vehicles. Besides the initial procurement of 500 vehicles, there is an option for an additional 100. The TAPV will be delivered in two variants, a reconnaissance vehicle and a general utility variant.
The CCV will provide the Canadian Army with a medium-weight infantry-fighting vehicle between 25 and 45 tonnes. Canada will acquire 108 of the vehicles with an option for up to 30 more.
Also thanks to an Access to Information request more detailed cost figures about both programs have been put into the public domain. It is strange that the Access law had to be used to get these figures but here are the official costs:
CCV: $2.065 billion
TAPV: $1.247 billion
As well, costs on a couple of other projects of interest:
LAV 3 Upgrade: $1.315 billion
Force Mobility Enhancement Project: $375.4 million