M1296 Dragoon Armored personnel carrier

[Zarvan]

The M1296 Dragoon is an upgraded version of the M1126 Stryker armed with 30 mm cannon



Country of origin United States
Entered service 2017
Crew 2 men
Personnel 9 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight ~ 18.5 t
Weight (with add-on armor) 24.9 t
Length 7.65 m
Width 2.77 m
Height 2.77 m
Armament
Main gun 30 mm
Machine guns 1 x 7.62 mm
Ammunition load
Main gun 156 rounds
Machine guns At least 400 rounds
Mobility
Engine Caterpillar 3126 diesel
Engine power 350 hp
Maximum road speed 100 km/h
Range 483 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step 0.6 m
Trench 1.98 m
Fording 1.2 m


The US Army was looking to improve firepower of the baseline M1126 Stryker infantry carrier vehicle. Its 12.7 mm heavy machine gun is not particularly effective against modern armored vehicles. In 2015 the US Army approved a lethality upgrade by equipping a total of 81 Strykers with 30 mm unmanned turrets. This significantly increased firepower of the Stryker while preserving its mobility. The first upgraded vehicle, designated XM1296, was delivered for testing and evaluation in 2016. Its official designation is Infantry Carrier Vehicle - Dragoon, or ICVD. First operational vehicle was delivered to the US Army in 2017. Existing M1126 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles can be upgraded to the M1296 Dragoon standard. It is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems.

Modifications were made to the hull roof of the Stryker in order to install a Kongsberg unmanned turret with an Mk.44 Bushmaster II 30 mm cannon. This added around two tons of weight to the vehicle. The new cannon has significantly increased lethality, range and accuracy over the previous M2 heavy machine gun. It can effectively engage lightly armored vehicles up to a range of 3 000 m. This cannon also fires airburst rounds that explode above the target. It allows to hit people hiding in trenches and behind walls. Airburst rounds are also effective against unmanned aerial vehicles. The canon has a dual-feed system so the gunner can rapidly switch between ammunition types. A total of 156 ready rounds are stored in the turret (78 rounds per side). During the trial the US Army officials were impressed with performance of this 30 mm cannon weapon.

There is also an M240 coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. A total of 400 ready rounds are stored in the turret. Additional rounds can be carried inside the hull.

The M1296 Dragoon is a well protected and well armed Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). However it lacks protections for a true wheeled IFV. Still though it is better protected than many other contemporary armored personnel carriers, including Russian and Chinese designs. Front arc withstands hits from 14.5 mm heavy machine gun rounds. All-round protection is against 7.62 mm NATO ball rounds. A ceramic add-on armor can be fitted to give all-round protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Interior of the vehicle is lined with Kevlar liner in order to protect the crew and passengers from spalling. This vehicle was designed to survive mine blasts. It is claimed that Stryker series vehicles are superior to other armored personnel carriers regarding survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices. Fuel tanks are mounted externally and are designed to blow away from the hull in the event of explosion. Vehicle is fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems. Vehicles employed in combat zones can be fitted fitted with steel cages, called slat armor, that provides protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles. Recently an explosive reactive armor kit was designed for this vehicle.

The Dragoon is operated by a crew of 2, including commander and driver and carries a full squad of 9 fully-equipped infantrymen. Dismounts enter and leave the vehicle via the rear power-operated ramp with integral doors or roof hatches. Main role of the M1296 Dragoon is to provide protected transport for its passengers. In some cases this vehicle can support assault of its dismounts with its firepower. Though due to its relatively light armor this vehicle is vulnerable on the battlefield.

This armored vehicle is fitted with a battlefield management system. It links up with other similarly equipped vehicles and command posts. It displays position information of friendly vehicles.

Despite increased firepower and increased weight the M1296 Dragoon preserves wheeled mobility advantages of the M1126 Stryker. In order to coupe with increased weight suspension has been upgraded and wider tyres were fitted. Vehicle is fitted with a Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine, developing 350 horsepower. The same engine is used by some US Army trucks. Engine is mated to an Allison automatic transmission with 6 forward and 1 reverse speeds. Engine and transmission can be removed and reinstalled in less than an hour. Driving wheels can switch between 8x4 configuration on roads and 8x8 configuration over rough terrain. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which allows to adjust to different terrain, thus extending cross-country mobility. The Dragoon is fitted with run-flat tyres and can move a couple of kilometers before the tire completely deteriorates. It is also fitted with a self-recovery winch. Unlike most modern APCs this vehicle is not amphibious.

The Dragoon can be airlifted by C-17 and C-5 military transport aircraft. The C-17 can carry 3 units, while the C-5 can carry 4 units.

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

M1296 Dragoon
Armored Personnel Carrier

http://www.military-today.com/apc/m1296_dragoon.htm