Rheinmetall has successfully tested Soucy's Composite Rubber Track (CRT) on the Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle at its MILVEHCOE development and production center in Australia.
"The vehicle was reconfigured from its basic steel connector chain to the CRT system, successfully demonstrating operation of the vehicle on the CRT system, and then converted back to the basic track with great success," explained Rheinmetall Managing Director Gary Stewart the plan.
The CRT demonstration confirmed that the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle could be equipped with both steel and composite rubber tracks.
The composite rubber track is significantly lighter than the steel track. This results in a lower overall weight of the Lynx platform with positive effects on air transport and the total cost of ownership during the system's service life. In addition, with the CRT, the level of vibration and noise in the tank decreases, which has a beneficial effect on the endurance of the crew and the efficiency of electronic devices.
“Both track systems have their merits and it is up to the end user to decide whether a steel or rubber compound track is best,” Stewart added. The flexibility of the Lynx construction allows the optional equipment with one of the two systems.
With the Lynx IFV, Rheinmetall is taking part in the competition in Australia's Land 400 Phase 3 armaments program. Four weeks ago, Rheinmetall and its competitor Hanwha submitted their "Best and Final Offers". (ESuTreported) After the expected contract for a supplier in 2022, 450 armored personnel carriers are to be delivered by the end of the decade. Australia could become the second Lynx user nation after Hungary.
In addition, the Lynx is in competition in the Czech Republic and the USA, and other armed forces have expressed interest.
Gerhard Heiming
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