Patria/Sisu XA-180 Pasi

     Notes:  This Finnish wheeled armored personnel carrier is also in use by host of nations, including Norway, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Ghana, and Sweden.  (The Dutch plan to sell all of their Pasis to Estonia in the near future, as Finland has placed severe restrictions and costs of a sale of new Pasis to Estonia and it will allow the Dutch to buy other, more desirable vehicles, such as the Patria AMV.) The members of the XA-180 series have seen considerable combat service with various UN peacekeeping missions (including in Bosnia, Kosovo and Lebanon) and in Afghanistan.  Several APC-type versions exist, from basic APCs to command versions to armored ambulances. Several more specialist versions are made, including ATGM versions, a radar carrier, SAM vehicles, and a mortar carrier for the AMOS system.  The vehicle designations typically follow the power of the engine in kilowatts (for example, the XA-180 version’s engine puts out 180 kilowatts of power).

     Recently, development and production of the XA-185 series has stopped, with Patria concentrating on the AMV.

The Basic Vehicle: The XA-180

     Production of the XA-180 began in 1984; with production continuing until 1994. The XA-180 series is similar in appearance to the German Fuchs series, though it is more heavily armored.  The vehicle is radiologically shielded and has an NBC overpressure system.  The commander is in the front of the hull on the right with the driver on the left in a cab, with bullet resistant windows on the front and sides, and a door on either side of the cab, and a hatch on the roof for the commander.  The driver has a vision block on his hatch which can be replaced with a night vision block. The engine is to the rear of the driver, and the passenger compartment behind that. There are hatches on the roof for standing infantrymen, and doors on the rear of the hull with firing ports.  Armor for this version is relatively light compared to later members of the XA-180 family, and the XA-180 is much lighter than later members; however, extra attention has been paid to mine protection and floor armor. Front armor is sharply sloped and the sides are moderately sloped.  Most countries using the original XA-180 have updated them to the XA-185 standard; Sweden and Ghana are an exception, and the Finnish Army still has a small amount of base XA-180s which they loan out to the national police in certain emergencies.  The XA-180 is in most countries is armed with a heavy machinegun in a gunner’s mount surrounded by AV2 gun shields, though the Swedish XA-180S has the same turret as the Pbv-302 APC.  The commander’s position is typically also equipped with a lighter machinegun. There are also three firing ports on each side of the vehicle and two on the rear; these are modified versions of the firing ports on a BMP IFV.  The XA-180 is equipped with a Valmet 611 DSBJA 236-horsepower diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission, and the vehicle has a 6x6 cross-country with run-flat tires.  The XA-180 is amphibious with almost no preparation, propelled by propellers at the rear in the water.  Estonian XA-180s (designated XA-180EST) currently are equipped with the engine of the XA-185, but are otherwise stock XA-180s.

     Today, Patria will replace the standard NSVT and PK machineguns on the XA-180 series with an M-2HB and MAG upon request, or weapons of the customer’s request.  NATO users and some other countries take these options, replacing them with M-2HBs and MAG machineguns.

     There seems to be considerable variance and confusion about the crew and passenger capacity of the XA-180 series. The figure below is an average number.

The XA-185: The XA-180 Series Takes Off

     Though Patria had good success with the XA-180, they followed it with an improved version called the XA-185, and the sales really took off at that point.  Production began in 1991. The XA-185 features improved armor, higher load capacity, and a more powerful version of the XA-180’s engine developing 248 horsepower.  The roof has one more pair of hatches than on the XA-180. The XA-185 began the development of the XA-180 series into a variety of different versions, including several APC versions.  The XA-185 is, however, a heavier vehicle, so this more than negates the effect of the more powerful engine.  Versions include the basic XA-185 (armed in a similar manner to the basic XA-180 above), the Norwegian XA-186 version with slightly heavier armor, a fully-enclosed machinegun turret and a commander’s  machinegun, command versions, communications vehicles (both in XA-185 and XA-186 form), and armored ambulances.  Command and commo XA-186s have simple gunner’s and commander’s machinegun mounts; XA-186 ambulances are unarmed. Finnish XA-185-series vehicles use a complete all-welded steel armored turret for the gunner’s position. The turrets of many of these vehicles are also fitted with AT-4 ATGMs. (The figures below reflect this.) While most Pasis have four smoke grenade launchers mounted on either side of the front hull, the turreted Finnish versions have five smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret.  Finland offers this turreted version for sale (no takers yet), and will substitute the machineguns and ATGM for versions which are chosen by the buyer.

     Command versions have two long-range, two medium-range, and two short-range radios; one of the long-range radios is data capable, and the vehicle carries a ruggedized laptop computer.  GPS is installed along with a backup inertial navigation system.  A hand-held thermal imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder is provided. Map boards and stowage for maps, plotting supplies, and office-type supplies is added.  The ambulance has room for two stretcher cases and five sitting casualties, along with a medic in the rear.  It has the equivalent of two doctor’s medical bags, 20 personal medical kits, a set of splints, bandages, and cravats and suchlike, and a small refrigerator for perishable medical supplies.  The communications version has four long-range and four medium-range radios, a switchboard, 20 field telephones, 200 meters of commo wire, spare parts for radios, and appropriate supplies and tools. One long-range radio is data-capable – to pass and send information from command post and other vehicles’ computers, not because it has its own computer.

     The Dutch XA-188 version has even heavier armor than the increase already afforded by even the XA-186.  It too comes in APC, ambulance, and command versions, and the APC versions use the same turret as the XA-186.  The heavier weight and difference in balance renders the XA-188 incapable of amphibious operations; the rear of the vehicle typically have the rings that are normally around the propellers, but the propellers and motors have been removed.  The XA-188’s are soon to be sold to Estonia. The XA-188’s are equipped with a GPS navigation system.

     Two IFV versions of the XA-185 were heavily trialed, but never went into production: The XA-185/25 and the XA-185/30.  Both were equipped with two-man turrets designed by the US/Canadian firm of Delco (later part of GDLS); The XA-185-25 had the turret of a LAV-25, but the M-240 machinegun was replaced with a PK machinegun (though a MAG could be fitted upon request).  A TOW missile launcher on either side of the turret is available upon request.  (The stats below reflect the use of these launchers.) The former commander’s position is taken up by ammunition stowage. The armor of the turret is upgraded, and is equivalent to the M-2A2 version of the M-2 Bradley IFV.  The XA-185-30 uses the same turret, but is armed with a heavier autocannon.  Both are still offered for sale by Patria, but have had no takers.

The XA-200: The Latest Version 

     The XA-200 series looks larger and a bit lumpish due to the fact that its armor has been increased even further – surpassing XA-188 levels.  Some countries also mount lugs on the hull sides and front for ERA.  The extra weight called for a more powerful engine, a Valmet 612 DWIBC turbocharged diesel developing 271 horsepower, though the increase in power is more than negated by the increase in weight.  The extra weight means that the XA-200 is not fully amphibious, but can still ford 1.5 meters. The XA-200 is more modular in construction, and maintenance is easier – a power pack replacement requires only 30 minutes, versus 4 hours for earlier versions, and an air conditioning module can be easily fitted.  Numerous access doors and panels allow for quicker access to components. Even the base armor is modular, and can be increased at customer request if the customer is willing to accept the increase in weight. Even the gun mounting is modular; Patria is willing to put any armament on the XA-200 from a simple machinegun surrounded by gun shields to a turret armed with a 90mm gun.

     The XA-202S AWCV (Armored Wheeled Combat Vehicle) is a Swedish command version of the XA-200, outfitted as the XA-185 command version above, as well as a GPS system with inertial navigation backup.  A 10kW APU is mounted to run vehicle electronics when the engine is off. The AWCV carries a collapsing 24-meter antenna mast that automatically deploys guy ropes when extended (10 minutes and two people to deploy). Large stowage boxes are located on the rear hull deck. 

     In 1999, the XA-203 version was introduced, which has a full machinegun turret, and better floor armor.  The turret has a better night vision system.  Armor protection is further increased. Swedish versions of the XA-203 (the XA-203S) are armed with the turret of a Pbv-302.

     The XA-200 series is intended to be an interim upgrade, until the arrival of the AMV, in Finnish service.

*Floor armor for this version is 4.

** Floor armor for this version is 4; roof armor is 3.

***Floor armor for this version is 6; roof armor is 3.

****See Notes for Crew and passenger capacity.

Patria XA-360 AMV

     Notes: Known simply as the AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) during its development (which started in 1995), the XA-360 is a relatively recent addition to the world arms scene, entering service with Finnish forces in 2004 and seeing its first combat service with the Poles in Afghanistan in 2007.  As the name suggests, the XA-360 was designed to be a modular system – including the ability to customize armor, weapons, turrets, engines, interior layout, and even (in the case of the Polish version) the number of wheels on the chassis.  In addition to Finland, the XA-360 series is used or will be used in the near future by Poland, Sweden, South Africa, Croatia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates; the XA-360 is also being evaluated by the US Marines to possibly partially replace the LAV-25.  Several other countries are evaluating the XA-360. Patria has shown itself to be lenient in granting production licenses, and also in working with other arms manufacturers in customizing the XA-360 for use by other countries – Rafael, Denel, Elbit, Kurganmashzavod/KBP, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Saab, Scania, and several other arms manufacturers are supplying weapons, armor, electronics, and even complete turrets for the XA-360. Patria offers the XA-360 in 6x6 and 8x8 versions (originally a 10x10 version was planned as a chassis for heavier weapons turrets, but the idea was dropped).  Currently, all versions of the XA-360 are 8x8 versions.

     Unfortunately, not all is rosy for the XA-360.  The biggest difficulty Patria has had is in fulfilling the unexpectedly high amount of orders – several orders for the XA-360 have fallen behind in schedule as a result.  Patria recently signed a deal with Lockheed Martin to build a large number of XA-360s on its production lines in the US to make up for the shortfall, and it is also part of the reason for its lenient allowance for license-production.  Nonetheless, Patria lost the large order they had from the Czech Republic as a result of the production delays. Patria is also embroiled in lawsuits in Slovenia and Croatia, whose governments allege that Patria bribed government ministers to give favoritism to Patria over other companies’ vehicles.  However, the large orders continue, and will probably get larger as time goes by.  This scandal cost Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša his job, and also cost some Croatian cabinet ministers their jobs – though both countries were able to re-negotiate a lower cost for their XA-360s as a result. Patria is also being investigated in Finland in connection with these bribery allegations, with Patria’s former CEO Jorma Wiitakorpi being arrested by Finnish authorities.  Sales have gone forward, however, though at a smaller volume in some cases.

     As stated, the XA-360 is a modular chassis, lending it usable for many applications both APC/IFV-type and other versions, ranging from specialist vehicles to ATGM carriers to armored gun systems and autoloading mortars (including the AMOS turret).  Those other versions will be covered in the appropriate sections of the site (eventually). Turrets as heavy as those firing 105mm cannons from well-armored platforms have been mounted on the XA-360 chassis in trials, and of course there is one of the planned UAE versions, which will mount the turret of a BMP-3 on the XA-360 chassis.

Finnish Versions

     The primary Finnish Army version is an ICV (Infantry Carrier Vehicle) mounting either an M-2HB machinegun or an HK GMG on a Norwegian Kongsberg M-151 Protector RWS (a licensed version, built in Finland, and called by Finland the Patria PML-127).  This provides a well-stabilized platform for the gun which aids the gunner with a ballistic computer as well as a laser rangefinder, and has several sensors ranging from telescopic day sights to advanced night vision.  The RWS is controlled by a gunner inside the armor envelope of the vehicle, who controls his weapon via downlinked controls and monitors.  The gunner also has a hatch on the deck of the vehicle to enter and exit and should he need to look out, and he can control the RWS from this hatch.  The driver is in the front left of the vehicle, and the commander to his right, with the engine in the front of the vehicle.  Armor is quite heavy, and can be supplemented by MEXAS steel/composite appliqué armor.  The basic chassis is air-portable, with even one being able to carried in a C-130, though not with appliqué armor attached and without the RWS attached.  Additional attention has been paid to floor armor; the XA-360’s floor armor and suspension are said to be able to run over a mine or IED of 10-kilogram size with only the tires being damaged.  Frontal armor is said to be proof against even 30mm APFSDS autocannon rounds if appliqué armor is mounted.

     Two engines are possible; one is a Scania DI-12 543-horsepower turbocharged diesel (the standard engine for all forces so far, and the one reflected in the stats below), or a Scania DC-12 480-horsepower turbocharged diesel  The suspension is 8x8, switchable to 8x4 for road use (with the rear set of wheels being the drive wheels in this case). The rear four wheels steer independently from the front four wheels to tighten the turning radius.

     The standard ICV version carries a crew of three, including the RWS gunner, and an infantry squad of 8.  The squad leader has access to an LCD screen which allows him to see through the gunner’s sights and sensors.  There are no firing ports, but there are four roof hatches for the infantrymen to stand in.  Troop access is through a rear door, between fuel tanks which are carried in the rear of the vehicle on either side of the door.  A second infantry version, the IFV version (not a true IFV, as it has no significant antitank capability), had a turret armed with Lockheed Martin LAV-30 turret armed with an autocannon and coaxial machinegun.  The sensor suite is similar to that of the RWS-equipped version, as is gun stabilization.  The turret in this case is two-man, and the former commander’s position taken up by ammunition stowage.  The APC version has four smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret; the IFV version has five smoke grenade launchers of each side of the turret.

     Other Finnish APC-type versions include a command version with several radios (essentially a standard command fit), such as two short-range, two-medium-range, and two long-range radios, one of which is data-capable.  The command version has a BMS and a ruggedized laptop computer, along with considerable hard drive storage.  The command version has map boards, plotting supplies, and office-type supplies, and stowage for it.  Armament is generally a simple heavy machinegun over the commander’s position, sometimes surrounded by AV2 gun shields.  The ambulance version is unarmed, but has room for two stretcher cases and five sitting casualties, along with a medic in the rear (and the commander and driver are also generally medics).  The ambulance version has the equivalent of 20 personal medical kits and two doctor’s medical bags, an assortment of splints, bandages, and cravats (and other such supplies), an oxygen administration kit, a defibrillator, a small refrigerator, a blanket warmer, a hot plate, and a small (30-liter) water tank.  Both the command version and the ambulance version are based on the “high roof platform” chassis, which, as the name suggests, features a rear area with a roofline raised by nearly a meter and no turret of any sort.

     Swedish versions will be equipped the same as Finnish versions, except for the specific radio and electronics fit.  They plan for 133 total XA-360s, replacing the MT-LB and some of the BMP-1 force.

Slovenian Versions

     Slovenia was originally to buy 135 XA-360s, though this number is likely to be amended downwards in view of the bribery scandal which is still ongoing.  The Slovenian version is called the Svarun. Delivery began in 2008, but most Slovenian XA-360s will not be available until 2011. Most will be armed with Elbit OWS stations armed with a 30mm autocannon and a coaxial machinegun, coupled to a ballistic computer and laser rangefinder and with good stabilization for the armament, as well as extensive day and night vision equipment.  The gunner’s station is similar to that of the Finnish ICV version.  The rest of the Slovenian infantry versions will be basically the same as the Finnish ICVs, armed with the Kongsberg M-151 Protector RWS.  The smoke grenade fit four smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret. The first 13 of the Slovenian XA-360s were built by Patria in Finland, but the rest will be built by the Slovenian companies of Gorenje and Rotis.  The Slovenians do not currently plan to buy or build command or ambulance versions.

     Croatian models will be equipped the same, other than the specific fit of radios and some of the electronics.  They also plan to buy some ambulance and command versions.  124 total are to be acquired. All vehicles are to be delivered from Finland by 2012.

Polish Versions

     The Polish KTO Rosomak (Kolowy Transporter Opencerzony; Rosomak is Polish for Wolverine) is so far the only version of the XA-360 which has seen combat service – it has been used by Polish forces in Afghanistan since 2007.  The Rosomak is somewhat smaller than the standard XA-360, primarily through the use of armor on the vehicle which is lighter in weight on the vehicle.  The lesser amount of armor also shaves down the weight of the Rosomak; the Polish wanted it to be air-transportable inside a C-130 Hercules, which the Polish are now using in increasing numbers.  The Rosomak is also amphibious, using propellers in the water.  The Poles will eventually become the largest user of the XA-360; they intend to have a force of 895 Rosomaks of several versions in service by 2018, completely replacing their current fleet of OT-64 SKOTs and BWP-1 (BMP-1) IFVs as well as some older armored ambulance and command vehicles.

     The current primary version of the Rosomak is equipped with a variant of the HITFIST turret that is mounted on the Italian VCC-80 Dardo IFV.  The turret is equipped with advanced fire control and gun stabilization devices as well as up-to-date observation and night vision gear.  The turret is also equipped with a soft-kill active protection system, similar to the Russian Shtora-1 system, called Obra.  The APS system consists of sensors and equipment mounted atop the turret and control systems mounted inside the turret and hull; the primary controls for the system on the Rosomak are at the commander’s station.  The system includes an electro-optical jamming system to jam wire-guided ATGMs (on a roll of 12+ on a d20, the difficulty to the ATGM gunner is increased by one level; outstanding success indicates that the incoming missile pre-detonates before it can hit the Rosomak).  A laser warning system is also included with the system; when the Rosomak is being lased by a laser designator, an alarm sounds inside the Rosomak, and a pair of smoke grenades are automatically launched to help obscure the Rosomak to the laser beam.  The laser warning system can also be triggered manually by the commander. The smoke grenades can also be triggered by the gunner manually if he feels it is necessary; the Rosomak has six smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret.   The APS system also includes a pair of IRCM lights (one on the turret on each side of and above the main gun) that emit coded, pulsed IR beams to decoy IR-guided munitions; their effectiveness is the same as listed for the electro-optical jammer above, and both have a 360-degree range of protection, as well as 180-degrees upwards.  They can also temporarily blind IR sights and image intensifiers; this is successful on a roll of 8 on a d20 for IR sights and 5 for image intensifiers.  A computer is provided to tie all of this information from the APS system and other sensors together. The turret has a gunner’s and commander’s station, though only the commander has a hatch atop the turret.

     The primary version the Poles are using in Afghanistan is the Rosomak-M1.  This is the standard Rosomak IFV supplemented by steel/composite appliqué armor in theater.  The combination of the advanced armor and the fact that the Rosomak is heavily-armed means that Taliban and Al-Qaida forces in Afghanistan are reportedly quite dismayed upon seeing Rosomaks arrive on a battlefield, and tend to retreat from Polish forces using them; the Taliban and Al-Qaida call the Rosomak-M1 the “Green Devil.”  The appliqué armor does, however, add considerable weight to the Rosomak-M1, and it is no longer amphibious, though it is capable of fording in excess of 1.5 meters.  (The Rosomak-M1 retains the rings, bilge pumps, and propulsion equipment, though the propellers are removed, allowing for a backwards conversion in the future.) The Rosomak-M1 is also equipped with an additional long-range radio, a wire cutter in front of both the commander’s and driver’s stations to protect them from low-hanging wires or obstacles, and video cameras (with night vision) allowing the commander, gunner, and driver to see the sides and rear of the vehicle using LCD screens.  The Rosomak-M1 is equipped with the Pilar system, similar to the American Boomerang fire direction detection system; this system uses a set of external directional microphones tied to a special computer which allows the commander to determine the direction and range of where incoming fire is coming from within 25 meters, as long as the origin point of the incoming fire is within a kilometer of the vehicle.  The success of determining this information is a task (Difficult: Intelligence roll), done by the commander or whoever is manning the commander’s station at the time (assuming he knows how to use the system).

     Another APC version the Poles are using in Afghanistan is the Rosomak-M3.  This is a simpler APC version, equipped with a simple one-man open-topped turret called the OSS-D.  This version does not have the Obra system nor the Pilar system, though it does have appliqué armor similar to that of the Rosomak-M1, the additional radio, the wire cutters, and the side and rear video cameras.  The gunner and commander can use these cameras even though they aren’t in a conventional turret, and also have night vision of their own. The turret is armed with either of two heavy machineguns or an automatic grenade launcher.  Needless to say, the turret has no overpressure system, though a hatch may be closed and the turret operated remotely.

     Other versions in service include the Rosomak-WEM armored ambulance (equipped as per the Finnish version above), and the Rosomak-S ATGM team vehicle which carries two dismount teams armed with Israeli-made Spike ATGM launchers and extra ammunition for them. Future APC-type versions of the Rosomak include the Rosomak-WD command version.  The Poles also plan to field the Rosomak-Lowcza model, which is set up for a tactical air control party (similar to the command version except for the mix of its radios, and in having an integral laser designator and rangefinder along with night vision equipment in a raisable-mast pod).

     Rosomak-M1s in Afghanistan have endured repeated hits by RPG-7s, small arms, and heavy machinegun fire in the same combat and kept fighting.  They have hit large IEDs and mines and not been destroyed.  The Poles have not lost a Rosomak (of any type) in Afghanistan, nor has anyone inside a Rosomak been killed.

South African Versions

     The South African Hoefyster (Badger) will be primarily an ICV version, equipped with a Denel Modular Turret armed with an autocannon and machinegun coaxial, as well as a small mortar mounted in the roof of the turret, firing to the rear of the turret.  As such, it is currently the most heavily-armed IFV version of the XA-360.  Other versions to be used by South Africa are command, ambulance, mortar carrier, and ATGM variants (the first two are the same as the Finnish versions in game terms, and the two latter will be covered elsewhere).  The majority of Hoefysters will be built in South Africa by Denel under license.  South Africa may eventually become the second largest user of the XA-360, with an expected 374 in service by 2016, completely replacing the Ratel for most purposes; however, South Africa is reportedly rethinking the amount of Hoefysters, citing the costs of the acquisition.  The turret is a two-man turret. The Hoefyster will feature a CITS for the commander, giving the Hoefyster a hunter/killer capability.  They will carry an unusually-large (for the XA-360) amount of ammunition, due to the mortar which is carried, and a correspondingly smaller amount of troops.

UAE Versions

     The UAE has not yet gotten the XA-360 in service, though they have ordered 15 special chassis for evaluation purposes.  The proposed UAE IFV version is the most radical, with the chassis and wheelbase lengthened and the vehicle topped by the complete turret of the BMP-3, which the UAE already uses in a version with thermal imaging.  It will be the heaviest-armed XA-360 if it enters service, which is not certain as the UAE is also testing other vehicles for the role. It will also, of course, be the heaviest model of the XA-360. Acquisition of a mortar turret version and a command version are also being discussed; these will not have the lengthened hulls.  The UAE may also field a version with a 30mm autocannon turret.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The XA-360 does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

*Roof armor for this version is 5Sp; Floor armor is 8Sp.

**Roof armor for this version is 5Sp; Floor armor is 10Sp.

***Roof armor for this version is 6Sp; Floor armor is 12Sp.

**** Hull Roof armor for this version is 6Sp; Floor armor is 12Sp.  There is no Turret Roof, however.

*****The Fire Control and Stabilization mods do not apply to the mortar.

******See Notes for Crew and passenger capacity.