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The composite manufacturer has outlined the supposed advantages of its track systems, selected as part of Hanwha Defence’s bid for the LAND 400 Phase 3 project.
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Soucy has lauded the capability benefits of its composite rubber track (CRT) system, used in the Hanwha-built Redback infantry fighting vehicle, put forward as an option for the Commonwealth government’s $18 billion to $27 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 program.
The firm has claimed that its CRT offers a range of advantages over metal track designs, including:
- up to 70 per cent less vibration;
- up to 13.5 decibels of noise reduction;
- less weight;
- enhanced manoeuvrability;
- up to 80 per cent less maintenance; and
- improved efficiency supporting higher top vehicle speeds or fuel savings of up to 30 per cent.
Soucy has also claimed that its offering would support sovereign industrial capability, stating that if selected, 50 per cent of its CRT technology would be transferred to Hanwha Defense Australia to enable local production of track mechanical components, including road wheels and idlers to be sub-licensed to Australian industry.
“Hanwha’s overall AIC strategy is to deliver to our customer the best technologies from Australia and around the world,” Richard Cho, managing director of Hanwha Defense Australia, said.
“In this instance, Soucy’s composite rubber track is a highly innovative product that offers significant advantages and we are enormously pleased to be working with them to bring that technology to Australia under the risk mitigation activity.”
Normand Lalonde, Soucy vice president, business development, added, “Soucy has a long history of working successfully with Hanwha, [and] we are excited to see that relationship extend into Australia with our CRT on the Redback IFV.
“Soucy has a long-term strategy for the Asia-Pacific region and our co-operation with Hanwha is an important part of that.”
The firm also noted interest for its technology from international partners, including the US Army, which recently awarded the firm with a contract to deliver prototype CRT systems to its Ground Vehicle Systems Centre.
“With the advantages of the Soucy CRT being so clear and decisive, we were gratified but not really surprised to see the US interest in the system,” Cho said.
“I think CRT is going to be the best solution for many programs and I am proud that Hanwha is working with Soucy to bring it to Australia.”
Hanwha’s Redback IFV is currently undergoing a risk-mitigation activity along with fellow contender Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Lynx IFV.
The assessments include mobility, reliability and blast testing.
Defence is also expected to assess contracts, supply chains and maintenance associated with the vehicles, ahead of the government’s recommendation on the preferred tender, scheduled for 2022.
[Related: Redback, Lynx put on display ahead of LAND 400 evaluation]
