Scout SV - Tonnes of capability
The Scout SV delivers a step change in ground-based ISTAR capability. Scout SV more than doubles the stand-off range at which targets can be identified and studied from the ground; while its automated search, detection and tracking make the process faster and much more accurate, and reduce crew workload.
This 24-hour all-weather surveillance capability can detect and identify elusive targets in undergrowth, fast UAVs and cloud-masked helicopters, and is not readily fooled by decoys. Unlike airborne ISTAR assets, Scout SV can loiter almost indefinitely in a concealed and quiet mode with its mission systems, powered by its ultra-quiet auxiliary power unit.
Scout is a purpose designed ground-based Intelligence Platform, Its array of high performance sensors coupled with the latest (20 Gbs/sec) Gigabit Ethernet intelligent open architecture enable it to capture, analyse, manipulate and store over 6TBs of intelligence, including a vast array of still and moving images, and to share this intelligence in real, or very near real, time. Scout's large 1.7m diameter turret ring ia a key enabler, ensuring that the crew has the best possible working environment in which to carry out their vital mission.
As a result, the skilled crew are able to provide Commanders with the type of decision support material currently available only from expensively based airborne ISTAR or UAVs, both of which are limited by poor weather. Data can be readily passed to other secure C4I systems, including those of US allies, thanks to the prospect of much greater integration of Bowman and other on-board C4 systems with the vehicle electronic architecture, a feature which is difficult to recreate on legacy land platforms.
Enabled by 7 pairs of road wheels on each side, wide track and a high power to weight ratio, Scout SV's mobility equals CVR(T) 2 and greatly exceeds Warrior TES(H) and WCSP. This opens up a far greater area of battlefield geography for the conduct of essential ground-based ISTAR operations.
Scout SV has much higher survivability against a wide range of modern and evolving threats, enabled by all-round modular protection (including Mastiff levels of blast protection), acoustic detection, powerful far-target thermal sights and local situational awareness sensors. Scout's 'PSO' mission fit offers a remote weapon system for 360 degrees high-angle targets, an important feature in urban or mountainous terrains.
Scout SV will provide the land environment with the only protected vehicle that has real growth potential. The hull and power train growth are designed for a 25% increase in weight, and there is 100% growth capacity in sub-system electrical power and data throughput, all built-in at the outset. The open scalable 'security accredited' electronic architecture will enable upgrades to be integrated with relative ease through life. As a result, Scout provides the kind of growth capability that the USER will need to face the uncertain challenges of Force 2020 and beyond.
Scout SV provides the Common Base Platform (CBP) for the whole SV fleet of variants, as well as the Scout Reconnaissance Platform. This has the potential to reduce the number of discrete platforms in service and brings significant commonality, logistic and training benefits, all of which contribute greatly to maintaining downward pressure on whole life costs. The CBP is able to accommodate a wide range of mission sub-systems, including for example a 120mm Direct Fire variant which could be one option for the eventual replacement of CR2. Indeed, the CBP remains the backbone for an incremental medium weight capability.
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