OK.
Changing track completely now.
I have a new obsession.
For a long time I have been a fan of the Swedish defence industry, and in particular the BAE Haegglunds Bandvagon Series as exemplified by the Bv206. I have assumed that there is no better solution to the DAME (Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement) Project. I wuz wrong.
Oh Canada!
Bombardier and Foremost (a Calgary oilfield specialist company) have solid reputations and interesting solutions, with Bombardier strongly penetrating the recreational market or light snowmobiles, ATVs and "tricycles"
Trundling along in the rear has been a small specialty company called Argo.
I think Argo might be the future.
canadianarmytoday.com
This is the Argo
But Argo now has a big brother
The Argo Sherp Pro XT - a Canadian derivative of a Russian invention marketed by a Ukrainian company. Canadianization means modifying the drive to the Argo style chain bath, replacing the Kubota diesel with a North American legal Doosan from Hyundai, and putting some comfortable seats and controls in it. The unit has attracted the attention of Rheinmetal of Quebec who have extended their Argo Mission Master range to include the Sherp as the Mission Master XT. Rheinmetall is focusing on the Argo series as UGVs. But it can also operate as an optionally manned UGV.
Now for the videos.
The original Russian/Ukrainian Vehicle
The Argo Vehicle
The Rheinmetall Vehicle
The Rheinmetall Argo Mission Master Original
Argo Promo.
And as an aside to the tankers - the optionally manned concept is also being applied to tanks - perhaps there is hope for the one-man tank yet.
nationalinterest.org
Or even an optionally manned Ripsaw
The Ripsaw is better known for its action movie pedigree, but the Army's unmanned version packs a very real 30mm cannon.
www.thedrive.com
The bases of a Canadian Light Brigade, Militia and SAR? Air, Sea and Heliportable? CH-146, CH-148, CH-149, CH-147, CC-295, CC-130, AOPS?