ARCTIC amphibious all-terrain vehicle Beowulf will be tested by the US Army
By June 14, 2021, BAE Systems will deliver two prototype Arctic field vehicles to the US Army for evaluation. Known as Beowulf, it is BAE's proposal to replace the aging Small Unit Support Vehicle (SUSV) under the Army's Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle program.
As part of its newest program, CATV follows the Army's Arctic strategy review, a report that laid out how the US must modernize and expand its Arctic presence to counter Russia and China's attempts to entrench themselves in the region. Beginning in August, the Army wants to be able to test Beowulf prototypes in extremely cold weather at the Cold Regions Test Center in Alaska, as part of the modernization program.
The aim is to design a light, all-terrain vehicle capable of moving soldiers and supplies from swamps to the arctic ice cap to remote locations.
BAE Systems Hagglunds in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, designed and built the BvS 10 for the British Royal Marines. The British Royal Marines purchased the BvS 10 in 2005 and designated it as the Viking All-Terrain Vehicle. As well as the Netherlands Marine Corps and France's armed forces, the aircraft is used by Sweden, Austria, and the United States. France made its first defence purchase from Britain in decades with the latter deal.
A rubber-tracked, unarmored vehicle, Beowulf has two articulated compartments with rounded edges and smooth contours that make the vehicle radar stealthy. It is possible to steer these units vertically and horizontally over extremely rough terrain by moving them in relation to one another. Furthermore, it is designed to be easily modified and upgraded and allows for several variants to suit different missions. Beowulf is also easy to maintain because of its modular design.
Beowulf has not been given full details, but most likely it will be similar to Viking, weighing 8.5 tonnes and carrying 12 passengers. It could reach a speed of 40 mph (65 km/h) on land and 3.1 mph (5 km/h) on water if it were powered by the Viking's Cummins 5.9 litre diesel engine.
Published: March 22, 2022
