CRO 30L: The 30mm/Spike-LR Combo

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 4:17am

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CRO 30L: The 30mm/Spike-LR Combo Seal_of_Croatian_Army.png.8e6c90ca72dc1d

Note: Large amount of images and videos offering a unique perspective in the “Imagery” section.

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Croatian CRO 30L Infantry Fighting Vehicles during an exercise.

Basic Description:
- The CRO 30L or BOV-P30 is an infantry fighting vehicle in service with the Croatian Army. In 2007, the Croatian Ministry of Defense selected the Patria AMV to be its next primary Armored Fighting Vehicle to transport troops and provide fire support for dismounting infantry. Deliveries of the Patria AMV began in 2008 with 6 vehicles being produced in Finland while the rest were to be built by Croatia’s Đuro Đaković Grupa d.d. Originally most vehicles were to be equipped with 12.7mm remote weapon stations however in the 2010’s orders were changed to equip around 40 units with a 30mm Remote Weapon Station. A competition between the Kongsberg’s Protector MCT-30 RWS and Elbit System’s UT30MK2 RWS commenced with prototypes being completed and tested. However, after testing and receiving feedback from the military, the Croatian Ministry of Defense selected the UT30MK2 as the winner. The new RWS was modified to meet Croatian needs, receiving the new designation UT30MK2CRO. The UT30MK2CRO Remote Weapon Station is equipped with a 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II developed by Northrop Grumman that can fire a wide variety of munitions. Coupled with the Elbit System’s FCS, the 30mm gun can fire APFSDS-T, Multi-purpose, or even Airburst munitions, allowing the CRO 30L to target low flying aircraft, loitering munitions, or helicopters. To assist with aiming, the weapon is equipped with an enhanced stabilizer and laser rangefinder to allow long range accurate firing stationary or on the move. The FCS is tailored to allow the Gunner, the operator of the vehicles weapon systems, to fire the weapons easily thanks to the simple User Interface. The FCS also is equipped with an enhanced Electro-optical sight, capable of day operations or night due to the 3rd-generation thermal imager. The RWS is also features a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun for self-defense purposes as well as a dual-Spike anti-tank guided missile launcher (ATGM) that can be stored within the turret and lift to a firing position as needed. The FCS can use most types of Spike ATGM’s, a missile developed in Israel, and can target vehicles outside of the Line of Sight. The Commander, overall in charge of vehicles operations has access to their own Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer, a 3rd-generation thermal imager with integrated Laser Rangefinder that can independently track targets from the Gunner. The Commander’s station can also take control of the Gunner’s systems in the event that the Gunner is incapacitated. For countermeasures, the turret is equipped with 8x 76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers as well as a Laser Warning Receiver that can alert the crew if the vehicle is being targeted. This Remote Weapon Station is mounted on an 8x8 Patria AMV, a Finnish developed armored personnel carrier that is designed to be modular and accept different equipment depending on the mission. The Patria AMV is equipped with strong composite armor, capable of withstanding frontally 30mm APFSDS-T rounds as well as 14.5mm AP rounds around the sides and rear. Underneath, the hull is designed to withstand and redirect detonations from mines and IED’s up to 10kg of TNT. A spall liner is also integrated into the hull of the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by a 540hp DC 12 Scania Diesel Engine located in the front next to the driver, and is coupled to an automatic transmission that allows for quick acceleration and high maneuverability. The vehicle also features 2 propulsors to allow for amphibious operations. Thermal Cameras are installed on the vehicle to enhance situational awareness as well as provide the Driver capabilities of driving at night. The crew consists of 3 personnel, the Gunner, Driver, and Commander. 7x additional personnel can be carried in the vehicle. The Driver and Gunner are located in the front of the vehicle and have access to two exit hatches. The Commander and additional passengers can exit the vehicle through a dismount hatch located in the rear. This design increases overall survivability and directs personnel away from line of fire. The CRO 30L is a next generation IFV that is expected to serve in the Croatian Army for years with completion of deliveries and upgrades by 2027.There are 118 Patria AMV’s in service with an additional 40 to be configured to the IFV pattern.
- Special thanks to @YugoSlavfor their assistance in creating Yugoslavian suggestions!
Specifications:
- Role: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- Origin: Finland/Israel/Croatia
- Operator: Croatian Army
- Armament:
  - Turret: UT30MK2CRO Remote Weapon Station
    - Primary: 30mm Mk. 44 Bushmaster II Automatic Cannon
      - Ammunition:
        
        Mk 258 APFSDS-T
        
        Mk 238 HEI-T/SD
        
        Mk 264 MPLD-T
        
        Mk 310 HEAB-T (Airburst)
    - Coaxial: 7.62mm Machine Gun
    - Tertiary:
      - Anti-tank Guided Missile Launcher:
        
        SPIKE-LR
        
        Penetration: 700mm Penetration behind ERA (Tandem HEAT)
        
        Engine: Solid-propellant Rocket
        
        Diameter: 130mm
        
        Reload: 15s
        
        Range: 200-4,000m
        
        Guidance: Fire-and-Forget/Infrared Homing
- Dimensions:
  - Length: 8010 mm
  - Width: 2830mm
  - Height: 3605m
  - Weight: 26,000kg
- Mobility :
  - Engine: ~540hp - DC 12 Scania Diesel Engine
  - Max Speed: 100km/h (10km/h in Water)
  - Transmission: Fully-automatic Transmission
  - Suspension: 8 x 8
Crew (3x):
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- 7x Personnel
Features:
- Laser Rangefinder
- Laser Warning System
- 8x 76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Amphibious
- Remote Weapon Station
  - Crew safely operate the turret from within the hull.
- Modular Armor:
  - Able to protect up to 30mm APFSDS-T rounds on the frontal arc and 14.5mm machine gun AP rounds on the sides of the vehicle.
  - Can survive blasts of up to 10kg of TNT.
  - Spall liner equipped.
- Optics:
  - Gunner: 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
  - Commander: 3rd-generation Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (Panoramic)
    - Hunter-killer Capability.
  - Driver: Thermal Cameras
In-game :
- The CRO 30L is a menacing vehicle. Armed with a powerful 30mm automatic cannon, and Spike ATGM’s, the vehicle can destroy targets behind cover, eliminate low flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones, and destroy most types of armor. The CRO 30L is highly maneuverable, able to traverse land and sea thanks to its amphibious capabilities and 8x8 design. The CRO 30L would sit well as one of the top light vehicles of a Yugoslavian tree.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 10.3.
Sources: