Hagglunds Bplpbv-3023 Fire Direction Center Vehicle
Notes:
The Bplpbv-3023 is a version of the Pbv-302 modified and kited out to
serve as an FDC vehicle to direct artillery, mortar, or MRL batteries.
When the Bplpbv-3023 came into service in the early 1960s, the idea of a
dedicated and specially-equipped FDC vehicle (as opposed to a bunch of guys in
the back of somewhat-modified APC with some plotting boards and pocket
calculators) was relatively new, and the Swedes were one of the first to put
such a vehicle into service. The
concept has proven successful and Bplpbv-3023s remain in service, after several
upgrades, to this day. To simplify
matters of simulating upgrades, I will use the tack I took for the Epbv-3022
(below), and lump them into sets of upgrades.
Note that the Bplpbv-3023 works primarily with Bandkanon batteries.
The Bplpbv-3023
is similar in concept to the US M-577 series in that the base chassis and drive
train remain virtually identical to that of the base Pbv-302, but the rear
section of the vehicle has the roofline raised nearly a meter.
On the Bplpbv-3023, however, the raised area is not merely a place
allowing the crew to stand inside the vehicle; instead, the raised area is sort
of an equipment storage area/equipment bay to hold additional equipment and some
of the specialist FDC equipment. In
the initial Bplpbv-3023 iterations, a collection of two long-range radios, one
medium-range radio, and one short-range radio is carried, as well as a radio
teletype. Though manual plotting
boards, equipment, calculators, and maps are carried, the primary tool of the
FDC crew is what was for the time a rather sophisticated computer for
calculating fire solutions, helping to lay gun or mortar firing positions, and
coordinating fire support requests.
Like the Epbv-3022, the Bplpbv-3023 has primitive inertial navigation gear (sort
of a gyroscopic system with computer assistance). The Bplpbv-3023 also carries
eight field telephones and 200 meters of commo wire to connect it to the firing
batteries. Like the Epbv-3022, the Bplpbv-3023 is a little more bulbous and
rounded due to the insertion of additional flotation aids inside an outer metal
skin to retain the amphibious capability of the Pbv-302 series.
This version is listed below as the “Early” version.
Mid-Life Overhauls and Upgrades
The “Mid”
version has automotive, electrical, and suspension overhauls to keep the vehicle
functioning despite the fact that the base chassis was aging.
Internally, the Bplpbv-3023 has a more capable and nimble fire computer,
similar in capabilities to the US TACFIRE artillery fire direction system of the
period. This computer can calculate
fire solutions for up to half a battery at a time, or an entire battery if the
positions of the guns, mortars, or MRLs is known.
The “Mid” iteration of the Bplpbv-3023 has some firing position surveying
equipment to help accurately place firing positions for its guns, mortars, or
MRLs. Like the “Early” version, it
can coordinate with other FDCs (whether they are in Bplpbv-3023s or other
similarly-equipped units), to help allow for maximum effectiveness of the fire
from multiple batteries of support fire weapons, though it can accomplish this
task more quickly and more accurately.
It can also communicate and receive data directly from other
similarly-equipped FDCs and FIST-type and other units able to transmit data
digitally. This version of the
Bplpbv-3023 has a full inertial navigation setup, with the system having a minor
computerized relay to feed information to the fire control computer.
The radio teletype has been removed, and in its place a data-capable
long-range radio has been installed.
One of the other long-range radios is also data capable.
A third long-range (non-data-capable) radio is carried, along with a
medium range and a short-range radio; the field telephones and commo wire are
still carried, though the field telephones carried are normally more advanced
digital telephones.
Late-Life Overhauls and Upgrades
The “Late”
version upgrades consisted primarily of more overhauls, but also gave the
Bplpbv-3023 an even more advanced fire control computer setup.
The equipment requires less crewmembers to operate.
The “Late” version of the Bplpbv-3023 is also equipped with GPS, though
it retains its inertial navigation gear as a backup, as well as the link to the
fire control computer.
Hull armor is of
steel; it is a bit on the thin side, and an appliqué armor kit was quickly
devised as a result. The engine and transmission are combined in a unitary
powerpack, something which was unusual at the time of its development.
The engine used is a Volvo-Penta THD-100B diesel with an output of an
amazing 280 horsepower. The engine is coupled to a manual transmission which is
also designed by Volvo. The
suspension uses conventional torsion bars with shock absorbers on the first and
last set of roadwheels, so it may be surmised that the ride can be a bit rough
sometimes. Tracks are wide and help the Bplpbv-3023 stay mobile in snowy or
swampy terrain. The Bplpbv-3023 is
amphibious; preparation consists only of switching on bilge pumps and extending
a trim vane, requiring only 4 minutes. The double-skinned nature of the lower
hull above the tracks aids in floatation, as does the additional flotation aids
built into to the sides, front, and rear faces. It should be noted that the
raised rear section of the Bplpbv-3023 limited the traverse of the autocannon
turret to 90 degrees right and 135 degrees left.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The “Late” modifications would have been only starting and most
Bplpbv-3023s would not have them.
In particular, GPS would not be installed on them in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Bplpbv-3023 (Early) |
$120,841 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.6 tons |
3+4 |
12 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Bplpbv-3023 (Mid) |
$149,416 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.6 tons |
3+4 |
12 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Bplpbv-3023 (Mid) w/Appliqué |
$152,706 |
D, A |
325 kg |
14.4 tons |
3+4 |
12 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Bplpbv-3023 (Late) |
$223,499 |
D, A |
600 kg |
13.5 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Epbv-3022 (Late) w/Appliqué |
$226,789 |
D, A |
425 kg |
14.3 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Bplpbv-3023 (Early/Mid) |
151/106 |
38/23/4 |
285 |
109 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Bplpbv-3023 (Mid) w/Appliqué |
142/100 |
36/22/4 |
285 |
116 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF7 HS4
HR3* |
Bplpbv-3023 (Late) |
153/107 |
38/23/4 |
285 |
108 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Bplpbv-3023 (Late) w/Appliqué |
143/101 |
36/22/4 |
285 |
115 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF7 HS4
HR3* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Bplpbv-3023 |
+2 |
None |
20mm m/47D
Autocannon |
505x20mm |
*With the appliqué armor kit, the Bplpbv-3023 has a hull deck, turret deck, and
hull floor AV of 3.
Hagglunds EpBv-90
Notes:
This vehicle is the FISTV version of the CV-9040.
In this role, the turret is replaced with one mounting advanced
electronics. 4 extra radios are added, making for a long-range radio, two
data-capable long-range radios, a medium-range radio, and two short-range
radios. A laser designator is added to the turret, along with a long-range laser
rangefinder (2x range) and computers for fire solutions are inside the vehicle.
The EpBv-90 can spot for artillery even while moving, and can instantly
relay fire solutions to linked artillery and mortar units.
The thermal imaging on this vehicle is 2nd generation, 150%
normal range. Map and plotting
boards complete the package, along with hand calculators and computers for use
if manual fire solutions have to be calculated.
Long-range day observation gear is also provided, including an image
intensifier. The EpBv-90 has an inertial navigation system; later improvements
include a GPS system with the inertial navigation being retained as a backup
along with a gyroscope, along with improved computers.
The EpBv-90
includes the Defensive Aids Suite, a system normally mounted on tanks.
This includes a laser warning system, along with a radar warner and
missile approach sensors. The
system includes 10 smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret; this
smoke obscures into the IR spectrum.
The entire vehicle has a IR-absorbent feature, especially the engine,
electronics, and exhaust (IR systems observe at one level more difficult, and IR
and laser-guided munitions are -3 to hit). The EpBv-90 also has a minor stealth
shape (especially in the turret); radar systems observe at one level more
difficult, and radar-guided munitions are at -2 to hit).
The EpBv-90 has a full NBC overpressure system with a collective NBC
backup. The turret is armed only with a single machinegun, though this is linked
to a ballistic computer and laser rangefinder of its own.
The hull of the
EpBv-90 is similar to that of the CV-9040, though it is more rounded in
appearance. It has the same high
level of base armor protection as the CV-9040, including the turret (except
across the frontal arc). The Lyran mortar system is not fitted to the EpBv-90.
The EpBv-90 has the same
Scania
DSI 14 550-horsepower engine of the CV-9040.
Upgrades started in 2001
gave the EpBv-90 a Scania DI-16 600-horsepower engine and matching transmission,
general suspension and drive train improvements, and electrical system updates.
As noted above, a GPS system was added as well as improved artillery
computers. Upgrades were made to
both the day and night vision suite. The EpBv-90 was given the ability to take
add-on appliqué armor as well as a bar/slat cage (not normally mounted, and not
noted below). Armor improvements included hull floor, hull deck, and turret deck
armor. I have not been able to discover whether such upgraded versions have an
official designation, so I have simply called the two versions below “Early” and
“Late.”
Twilight 2000
Notes: the EpBv-90C is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
EpBv-90 (Early) |
$424,007 |
D, A |
500 kg |
22.3 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, Turret), 2nd Generation Thermal Imaging
(Turret), Image Intensification (Turret) |
Shielded |
EpBv-90 (Late) |
$543,877 |
D, A |
400 kg |
22.8 tons |
3+3 |
14 |
Passive IR (D, Turret), FLIR (Turret), Improved Image Intensification
(Turret) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
EpBv-90 (Early) |
144/100 |
36/21 |
525 |
244 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF10
TS8 TR6
HF18 HS7
HR4 |
EpBv-90 (Late) |
163/114 |
41/24 |
525 |
300 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF10
TS8 TR6
HF18 HS7
HR4* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
EpBv-90 |
+3 |
Good |
Ksp m/39 |
3800x7.62mm |
*Hull deck, turret deck, and hull floor armor on this version is AV 3.
Hagglunds Epbv-3022 Armored Observation Post Vehicle
Notes:
The Epbv-3022 is a version of the Pbv-302 APC modified to serve as a FIST
vehicle. Though the Epbv-3022 was
to have been eventually totally replaced by the CV-90E, budgetary problems mean
that it may be a very long time before total replacement occurs; in the
meantime, the Epbv-3022 will continue to soldier on, probably with periodic
upgrades and improvements. (Several have already taken place, though I have
lumped them together somewhat below.)
The Epbv-3022 was one of the first such specific FISTVs built, with
service beginning shortly after the Pbv-302 APC came into service in 1966.
For the most
part, the Epbv-3022 externally looks the same as the Pbv-302.
It’s most telling recognition feature is the extra cupola on the opposite
side of the hull roof from the gun turret (which is retained).
On the original Epbv-3022, this cupola houses an image intensifier,
additional day vision equipment, a laser designator, and electronics to overlay
reticules on the user’s sights to help them accurately determine the positions
of targets and thus help give the artillery or mortar batteries accurate
information. Unlike the gun turret,
this cupola rotates manually instead of electrically.
The Epbv-3022 is also a little more bulbous and rounded, due to the
inclusion of extra floatation aids under a layer of thin metal on the exterior
to allow the Epbv-3022 to remain amphibious despite the added weight. Inside the
hull, the interior is greatly rearranged, with primitive inertial navigation
gear (sort of a gyroscopic system with computer assistance), manual plotting
gear, hand-held calculators and maps, and a primitive computer which can store
small amounts of information and help perform some calculations to determine
fire coordinates. This original
Epbv-3022 is equipped with one long-range radio, one medium-range radio, and one
short-range radio, along with a compact radio teletype.
This leads to another recognition feature: three radio antennas on the
roof of the Epbv-3022. (This
version has been designated “Early” below.)
Mid-Life Overhauls and Upgrades
In the late
1970s to mid-1980s, several improvements were made to the Epbv-3022.
Some consisted of general drive train, electrical, and suspension
overhauls, just to keep the Epbv-3022s in service and to prevent breakdowns that
would have inevitably occurred without such overhauls.
However, the FIST-specific cupola was also augmented with an IR viewer,
more robust day optics, a more compact laser designator, and a laser
rangefinder. The cupola’s rotation
and the aiming of its optics was still manual, but was given more fine control.
Inside the Epbv-3022, the computer was given more power, with the ability
to more quickly and accurately process targeting information, as well as a
limited capability to produce its own fire solutions if necessary.
The computer was also given a datalink (though a data-capable radio) to
allow it to directly transmit its information to FDCs in the rear.
This meant that the radio teletype was no longer necessary.
Radios had also since become more compact. Radio complement became two
data-capable long-range radios, two medium-range radios, and one short-range
radio. This upgrade gave the Epbv-3022 true inertial navigation gear, and a
limited-capability computer allowed the inertial navigation unit to communicate
and combine its information with the fire control computer. This version of the
Epbv-3022 is able to take a thin appliqué armor kit to supplement its base
armor. (This version has been designated “Mid” below.)
Late-Life Overhauls and Upgrades
From the
mid-1990s to early 2000s, more overhauls were made to continue the Epbv-3022s
ability to remain in service.
However most of the improvements were in the form of FISTV-specific equipment,
such as a thermal imager mounted on a rotatable head behind the FIST cupola
(though downlinked into the operator inside the cupola).
The cupola controls are also now electric instead of manual.
The computer is also a bit more capable; it can function as an ad hoc
FDC, though it cannot come up with fire solutions as quickly or through as many
channels as a dedicated FDC. This version of the Epbv-3022 is equipped with a
GPS receiver linked by computer to the fire control computer of the rest of the
Epbv-3022.
Crew requirements have been decreased.
(This version is designated “Late” below.)
Hull armor is of
steel; it is a bit on the thin side, and an appliqué armor kit was quickly
devised as a result. The engine and transmission are combined in a unitary
powerpack, something which was unusual at the time of its development.
The engine used is a Volvo-Penta THD-100B diesel with an output of an
amazing 280 horsepower. The engine is coupled to a manual transmission which is
also designed by Volvo. The
suspension uses conventional torsion bars with shock absorbers on the first and
last set of roadwheels, so it may be surmised that the ride can be a bit rough
sometimes. Tracks are wide and help the Epbv-3022 stay mobile in snowy or swampy
terrain. The Epbv-3022 is
amphibious; preparation consists only of switching on bilge pumps and extending
a trim vane, requiring only 4 minutes. The double-skinned nature of the lower
hull above the tracks aids in floatation, as does the additional flotation aids
built into to the sides, front, and rear faces.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The “Late” modifications would have been only starting and most
Epbv-3022s would not have them. In
particular, GPS would not be installed on them in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Epbv-3022 (Early) |
$212,341 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.8 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Passive IR (D), Image Intensification (Cupola) |
Shielded |
Epbv-3022 (Mid) |
$393,341 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.9 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, Cupola), Image Intensification (Cupola) |
Shielded |
Epbv-3022 (Mid) w/Appliqué |
$396,631 |
D, A |
325 kg |
14.6 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, Cupola), Image Intensification (Cupola) |
Shielded |
Epbv-3022 (Late) |
$261,424 |
D, A |
600 kg |
13.7 tons |
3+2 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, Cupola), Image Intensification (Cupola), Thermal Imager
(Roof) |
Shielded |
Epbv-3022 (Late) w/Appliqué |
$264,714 |
D, A |
425 kg |
14.4 tons |
3+2 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, Cupola), Image Intensification (Cupola), Thermal Imager
(Roof) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config* |
Susp |
Armor |
Epbv-3022 (Early) |
147/105 |
37/23/4 |
285 |
120 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Epbv-3022 (Mid) |
147/104 |
37/22/4 |
285 |
122 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Epbv-3022 (Mid) w/Appliqué |
140/99 |
35/21/4 |
285 |
128 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF7 HS4
HR3** |
Epbv-3022 (Late) |
148/106 |
37/23/4 |
285 |
119 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Epbv-3022 (Late) w/Appliqué |
141/101 |
36/22/4 |
285 |
125 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF7 HS4
HR3** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Epbv-3022 |
+2 |
None |
20mm m/47D
Autocannon |
505x20mm |
*The Epbv-3022 has sort of a “double Crew-in-Hull” configuration, in that if a
turret hit is indicated from the front or rear, it is 50% likely that the gun
turret or the FIST turret will be hit.
From the left side, 75% of turret hits will be on the FIST turret, and
25% on the gun turret; from the right side, 90% of all turret hits will be on
the gun turret, and 10% on the FIST turret.
Other odd angles can be extrapolated from this.
**With the appliqué armor kit, the Epbv-3022 has a hull deck, turret deck, and
hull floor AV of 3.