Governments of the UK and Germany signed a contract in November 1999 for the collaborative development and initial production of a family of next generation armoured utility vehicles. The programme was known as the MRAV Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle in the UK, and as the Gepanzerte Transport-Kraftfahrzeug (GTK) in Germany. In February 2001, the Netherlands signed a memorandum of understanding to join the programme. The Dutch programme is called the Pantser Wiel Voertuig. In December 2002, it was announced that the vehicle would be called the Boxer.

The design is based on a modular structure selected to give the maximum flexibility for multipurpose operations. The vehicle incorporates a high level of standardisation and uses commercially proven automotive components. The 8x8 vehicle provides a load capacity of up to 8t and has an internal capacity of more than 14 m³.

Mission modules, which fit into the base vehicle, provide static battlefield installations to suit each nation's specific requirements, including headquarters, medical units and logistic centres. The modules incorporate a primary safety cell with a triple floor. The base vehicle operates independently from the modules. Units are air transportable. The modules are interchangeable in less than one hour. The weapon station is reconfigurable to suit the specific national requirements and the module for mission specific equipment is replaceable within one hour. German vehicles are armed with the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Type 1530 Gun Mount, with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

Dutch vehicles may be fitted with the Thales Nederland Twister remote-controlled weapon station, which includes the Albatross third-generation thermal imaging sight. Under an order placed in January 2008, Dutch vehicles will be fitted with the Kongsberg Protector weapon control system, as well as fitted to US Army Stryker vehicles, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

The basic shell is made of high-hardness steel. Modular armour is sandwiched between the vehicle cell and the steel coat, with all three elements secured by fastening bolts. Currently the modular armour, which includes top attack protection, is a specialised ceramic mix. The modular design allows future generations of armour technologies to be fitted in place of current designs by simple slab replacement. The hull is designed to beat blast mine attacks by shaping the blast away. Additionally a double-lined hull soaks up critical blast deformation.

The vehicle's thermal acoustic and radar signature management capability is in the forefront of armoured vehicle stealth technology and provides a low signature. The vehicle is fitted with a 530 kW MTU engine, linked to an Allison automatic transmission. Permanent eight-wheeled drive, all-round independent suspension and central tyre inflation system gives an excellent road and cross-country mobility. A road range of more than 1000 km, combined with a very smooth and quiet ride, provides an unaided operational deployability unmatched among in-service armoured utility vehicles.

свернуть