In 2013, the Dutch Ministry of Defence launched a procurement program aimed at replacing the Mercedes-Benz G280 CDI fleet of the KCT. While experiences with the Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Afghanistan and Mali were generally satisfactory, the vehicles lacked power, payload capacity and clearance deemed necessary for the SOF Mobility Concept. In addition to the engine and payload requirements, the replacement vehicles should be transportable in and under the CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Dutch entrepreneur Gerard Rond, who had extensive experience in the rallying branch, created the consortiumDefenture which incorporated (among others) VDL Groep and TenCate. The consortium developed the Groundforce (GRF) platform which became the basis of the VECTOR vehicle. Consequently, Defenture submitted the bid and on 3 July 2013 it was announced that Defenture won the tender for a total of 50 vehicles with their VECTOR offer. Other bids included the General Dynamics Flyer.[3]
The research and development phase continued after the contract was awarded and involved close cooperation with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the end-users. In 2014, the KCT received the first two prototypes which were subsequently subject to an extensive set of trials. Deliveries of serial production vehicles commenced in December 2017 at the production facilities located in Tiel.[4] In June 2018, the Ministry of Defence announced that Defenture was awarded the contract for an additional 25 vehicles, the complete order therefore amounting to 75 vehicles. Deliveries were completed in July 2020.
Description
Operational VECTOR equipped with jammers, communication systems and smoke grenade launchers
Drivetrain
The VECTOR is powered by a 3,200 ccSteyr six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 220 hp (160 kW) and 500 Nm of torque. The maximum speed is limited at 130 km/h, the 115 L fuel tank gives the VECTOR an operational range of 800 km The Steyr engine is linked to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. The permanent four-wheel drive with three differentials, the optional four-wheel steering allows for a turning radius of 9 metres. The maximum payload capacity of the VECTOR is 1,440 kg, the curb weight is 3070 kg with a maximum vehicle weight of 4,700 kg. The VECTOR can wade through 75 cm of water.
Cockpit
The driver and passenger seat are adjustable to the needs of the occupants and are fitted with detachable back support modules, the rear seats are foldable. The VECTOR is equipped with a digital dashboard which displays the status of all critical systems.
The rear and sides of the vehicle are fitted with external weapon mounts for personal weapons, such as the HK416, and short-range anti-tank weapons, such as the M72 LAW and AT4. The VECTOR is equipped with run-flat tires which allow the vehicle to continue to be driven, at reduced speeds and for limited distances, after punctures. In addition, the vehicle is fitted with an electric winch which can be mounted on the front or rear bumper for recovery purposes. The VECTOR can be optionally fitted with four hydraulically powered extendable pods which can lift the rear, front or both axles. This feature allows for rapid and convenient tire changes, and quick recovery.
Protection
The standard variant only has limited ballistic protection in the bulkhead, the front and rear doors and the tailgate. The ballistic protection can be expanded with a 'low' ballistic package, which includes four ballistic panels for the doors and behind the rear seats. The 'high' ballistic package consist of bulletproof windows and a mine protection package.
The ballistic packages are compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 1 and provides protection from 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62 mm caliber munitions fired from a distance of 30 metres. Moreover, Level 1 provides protection from 155 mmHigh Explosive (HE) at 100 metres, hand grenades, unexploded artillery fragmenting submunitions and small anti-personnel explosive devices.
Transport
The vehicle can be transported as underslung as well as internal load with the CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter. To enable the vehicle to be transported inside the CH-47, the central ring mount can be collapsed through the use of several hinges while the weapon does not have to be dismounted. Additionally, the VECTOR can be transported in a 20-foot container.
In March 2021 it was announced that Armasuisse, the procurement agency of the Swiss Armed Forces, had received a Defenture demonstrator vehicle based on the GRF platform under the name LAUF 20. The LAUF 20 demonstrator vehicle will be utilised to determine the optimal configuration for a follow-up order of 20 vehicles. The LAUF 20 vehicles are intended to replace the dated Serval vehicles, designated Leichte Aufklärungs- und Unterstützungsfahrzeug (LAUF), that were acquired in 2007.[6][7] An order for further vehicles was confirmed in December 2023, for an unknown amount and quantity. [8]
In June 2021 the Bundestag approved the budget for the development of a new special operations vehicle family based on Defenture's GRF platform, intended to replace the Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeug (AGF) Serval of the Kommando Spezialkräfte. Budgets for an initial 49 vehicles have been approved, the total program requirements amount to 80 vehicles. Defenture will supply the Bundeswehr with four prototypes for trials and configuration optimisations. The initial order consists of 26 vehicles in the reconnaissance/combat variant (AGF 2), 8 fire support vehicles with the M621 20 mm automatic cannon by Nexter and 15 general support vehicles (UFK).[9]
Netherlands
