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Welcome to the Dutch CV9035 NL MLU, this suggestion will introduce you to a potentialy new vehicle into the French/Benelux technology tree.
Introduction
The CV9035 is the second export model of BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90) tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). An improved version of the CV9030 MkII, it features a 35mm auto cannon and is considered the MkIII in Sweden. The Royal Netherlands Army was the first to order the CV9035 in 2004, followed by the Danish Army a year later. Surplus CV9035s from the Dutch Army have since been sold to Estonia.
The Royal Netherlands Army initially ordered 184 CV9035 vehicles in 2004. Deliveries began in 2007 and were completed by 2012. Subsequently, 44 surplus vehicles were sold to Estonia. In January 2021, the Royal Dutch Army received its first CV9035 vehicles that had undergone the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU). A total of 122 vehicles will be upgraded between 2024 and final delivery in 2027, extending their service life until 2039. The principal upgrade includes BAE’s new MkIV D-Series turret, equipped with a dual Spike LR2 ATGM launcher and Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS), aligning most of the vehicle’s capabilities with those of the CV90 MkIV, albeit the overall vehicle baseline chassi is still based upon MkIII with an overhaul.
Background
The CV9035 Mk3 differs from the Mk1 and Mk2 CV9030 models with several key changes:
- New 35mm main gun
- Frontal armor modifications
- New SAAB Active Protection System (soft)
- Additional storage box
- Changes to the rear of the turret
- Engine and transmission overhaul
Firepower
The CV9035 NL is equipped with the Bushmaster III automatic cannon by ATK Alliant Techsystems, a 35mm calibre auto-cannon capable of firing different ammunition types such as the latest programmable air burst munitions KETF and APFSDS-T. Key features include:
- Ability to fire 35mm Oerlikon
- Compact size facilitating easy upgrades of existing turrets
- Supports linked and linkless feed systems
- Proven safety, reliability, and low life cycle costs
- Dual feed system of 35 x 2 ammunition handlers
The CV9035 incorporates a Munition Programmer for Air Burst Munition and a target-driven gunner Man Machine Interface (MMI). The Fire Control System autonomously sets:
- Type of ammunition
- Lead and super elevation angles
- Fuse setting (air burst, impact, or delayed detonation)
- Burst and dispersion patterns
It is also the first CV90 IFV model to feature a Commanders Independent Sight, enabling the commander to search, engage, or hand over targets to the gunner, similar to a third-generation main battle tank. Both ammunition types are developed and produced by the German-Swiss company Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall DeTec. The ABM/KETF round features a programmable time-delay fuse, essentially modernized shrapnel. These shells contain tungsten-alloy pellets in front of a burster charge. The velocity of the projectile is measured in the barrel, and the delay setting is calculated and programmed inductively at the muzzle using data from the fire control computer. An electronic impulse sets the time fuze on the shell as it exits the muzzle, timing it to detonate just before reaching the target. This creates a cone-shaped spray of pellets, akin to a large shotgun blast. The ABM/KETF can effectively counter various modern battlefield threats, including armored vehicles, field fortifications with anti-tank guided missile systems, exposed troops, and attack helicopters. Recent trials during the initial procurement of the MkIII back in 2004 have demonstrated its capability to fire ABM ammunition. The gunner can choose between single or multiple shot modes and utilize an anti-aircraft mode with the laser range finder in “pulse fire” mode. The gun’s standard rate of fire is 200 rounds per minute. Additionally, a 7.62mm machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main armament for engaging light targets and providing close quarters defense, with an increased elevation of up to 50 degrees for urban warfare situations.
Protection
The CV9035 features new base armor with attachment bolts across the external surface, allowing for the mounting of modular armor such as MEXAS, AMAP, and RUAG’s RoofPRO-P Armor, as well as other passive armors. The vehicle includes full NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection and is compatible with both soft and hard kill Active Protection Systems as per client requirements. The standard soft kill APS classifies targets, provides threat warnings via the Vehicle Information System (VIS), supports the driver with maneuvering instructions, and deploys countermeasures to reduce the risk of being hit. The frontal arc armor is engineered to shield the vehicle and crew from 30mm armor-piercing ammunition. Additionally, the vehicle offers comprehensive allround protection against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery fragment impacts.
Mid-Life Update Details (MLU)
At the International Armoured Vehicles Conference, BAE Systems Hägglunds detailed the Mid-Life Update (MLU) for the Royal Netherlands Army’s CV90s. This update, contracted on January 13, 2021, aims to keep the vehicles operationally relevant until the end of their service life in 2039. The update process began with a pre-definition study in January 2020 to identify required improvements, focusing on four key areas: situational awareness, NATO General Vehicle Architecture compliance, enhanced protection, and improved firepower. In general, the vehicle will receive the latest turret, Mk IV, or “5th generation” turret alongside minor upgrades to the vehicles baseline. This means it will be a focus on turret capability and what comes with the latest generation. Not every upgrade will be implemented since the MkIII cannot support all of the MkIV generational improvements because of the hull itself.
Situational Awareness Enhancements
The updated CV90 will feature significant improvements in situational awareness, addressing previous limitations. The current CV9035NL model includes a chassis-mounted daytime situational awareness system but lacks 360°-night observation capability. To address this, a mast-mounted electro-optic head will be installed at the center of the turret, providing all-round unimpeded vision at 10° negative elevation when the mast is raised 500 mm. This positioning helps avoid blind spots caused by other sensors on the vehicle roof.
This advanced system includes a laser rangefinder and an elevation arc of –20° to +60°. The mast can be raised to various heights up to the 500 mm limit, with the computer automatically correcting parallax errors based on the operating height. The sensors are fully operational and stabilised at maximum height and speed, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness.
The identification range of the electro-optic head matches the long-range lethality effectors, such as antitank missiles, for both day and night operations. Additionally, the system integrates Artificial Intelligence algorithms to enable automatic target detection, reconnaissance, identification, and tracking, significantly reducing crew workload.
These enhancements ensure that the updated CV90 provides superior situational awareness capabilities, vital for modern combat operations.
Protection Upgrades
The integration of Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist LD active protection system offers 360° coverage through strategically placed sensors and radars. This system neutralizes incoming projectiles and enhances situational awareness.
Firepower Improvements
The 35 mm gun has been repositioned to create more space in the turret, increasing the number of ready rounds by up to 25%. A twin missile launcher for Spike LR2 missiles has been added, offering multiple firing modes and enhancing long-range lethality.
Turret Redesign and Production Plan
The turret has been redesigned, maintaining a steel structure with added armour for enhanced protection. A new vetronic architecture will allow easier future upgrades. The turret is being built in Sweden, with production later moving to the Netherlands. The final design review was scheduled for December 2023, with the first delivery, that has been made, in 2024.
Mobility
Steel tracks will be replaced by new rubber tracks provided by Soucy of Canada. This will further improve the overall sound quality both inside and outside of the vehicle. Albeit, the CV90 has a strong track record of being silent in comparison to equivalent IFV’s, this will further help improve its sound characteristics.
Characteristics Standard CV9035 NL MkIII
Characteristic Result
Main Gun 35mm Bushmaster III auto-cannon, Elevation -8 to +35°
ATGM Capability Yes
Secondary Weapons Coaxial 7.62mm Machine Gun
Ammunition Storage 35x2 ready rack and 133 stored 35mm, x? 7.62mm
Engine Scania DS16 41A 616hp (460Kw) Diesel
Transmission Perkins X300 Series, 4 speed forward/2 reverse
Top Road Speed 70 km/h
Road Range 600km+
Fuel Capacity 525 litres
Vertical Obstacle 1m
Water Capability 1.4m
Trench Crossing 2.4m
Gradient 60%
Side Slope 40%
Length Gun Forward 6.87m
Length Hull 6.6m
Width 3.19m
Height 2.80m
Ground Clearance 0.45m
Weight 31.75 tonnes
NBC Protected Yes
Standard Armor Type Steel, Laminated
Optional Add-on Armor Type Composite, Spaced, Modular
Active Protection Systems Soft-kill
Crew Commander, Gunner, Driver
Why do we need this?
With the implementation of the Benelux into the French nation in the game and the lack of IFV’s in general for the French technology tree I believe this will be of outstanding complementation and a most welcoming sight. This vehicle will fulfil an important role as a fast, agile and supportive IFV in the game. Since its deployment for the Dutch/Netherlands nation and because of the current game state I do believe it is possible to implement this vehicle into the French nation technology tree.
Sources
Official sources:
BAE Systems delivers upgraded CV90 with brand new turret to the Netherlands | BAE Systems
Relevant Articles:
CV9035 Mk-III (NL), Evolution, rather than revolution - Dutch Defence Press
Hägglunds köper israeliskt skyddssystem till CV90 | Försvarssektorn (forsvarssektorn.se)
New Turret for the Versatile CV9035 Mk.IV by BAE Systems at Eurosatory 2024 (armyrecognition.com)
BAE Systems Hägglunds details the Royal Netherlands Army CV90 MLU - EDR Magazine
CV9035 Infantry Fighting Vehicle | Full history, operators & variants (fighting-vehicles.com)
First of Royal Netherlands Army’s CV90 IFVs completes MLU - Army Technology (army-technology.com)
Official BAE PDF file:
Sight system:
UTAAS Tank and Anti-Aircraft System | Saab
ATGM:
Iron Fist:
Iron Fist system | Elbit Systems
New rubber tracks:
Composite Rubber Track (CRT) and Climatic Conditions | Soucy Defense Division (soucy-defense.com)