In a remarkable feat, Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles (CATVs) have been successfully delivered to the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. These vehicles are set to be used in snowmobiling operations in the challenging terrain of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The 11th Airborne has a Canadian deep-out utility component, complementing general operations as part of an international partnership. The deployment of CATVs is a part of international partnerships. The CATVs, used as a primary mode of transportation during the winter months, are essential in this region.
The deployment application began in January, with the 11th Airborne phasing out their aging small unit support vehicles (SUSVs) as the CATVs were being delivered by BAE Systems. BAE Systems successfully delivered the first two CATVs for the operational evaluation in the boreal summer. The last three vehicles were delivered by the end of the fiscal year.
The US Army’s CATVs, non-armored variants of BAE Systems’ BvS10 Beowulf, are stationed at Fort Wainwright’s Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC) for operational training and testing.
Beowulf is manufactured by BAE Systems Hägglunds in northern Sweden, adding a wealth of experience in operating in Arctic environments. The platform includes several key components from US suppliers, such as the engine, transmission, and hydraulic system.
The CATV program is set to replace the legacy fleet of Small Unit Support Vehicles (SUSVs), also known internationally as the BV206. The BV206 has been in service globally, including with the US Armed Forces, since the early 1980s.
On August 22, 2022, BAE Systems and the Department of Defense announced a $278 million firm-fixed-price contract, including spare parts and contractor logistics support, to procure 163 vehicles to be delivered by 2029 for the US Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program.
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ BVS10 Beowulf encompasses all-terrain armored vehicles for the CATV program. These vehicles are designed to navigate challenging terrains, including snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, and swamp conditions, and operate in steep mountain environments. The vehicles’ amphibious feature allows them to swim in flooded or coastal waters. Beowulf’s articulation mobility system is key to its effectiveness, providing optimal maneuverability across varying surface conditions.
Its modular design can be reconfigured for multiple missions, such as logistical support, disaster and humanitarian relief, search and rescue, defense and security, and other missions as required. Its large windows and spacious cabin make Beowulf suitable for various tasks for the CATV program, including search and rescue, disaster relief, reconnaissance, defense, and other missions as needed. Its modular, commercial design ensures operational effectiveness in extreme conditions, particularly supporting off-road missions.
Beowulf successfully completed the prototype evaluation phase of the CATV program earlier this year in Alaska. It is apparent that the CATV program is well on its way to supporting an array of diverse missions, serving both civilian authorities and military defense efforts. The robust, versatile, and adaptable nature of Beowulf will be a valuable asset for the CATV program in the years to come.
