CV90

THE BEST INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLE IN THE WORLD!

 14875 hits on target since 1998-04-12

The CV 90 was born out of the necceccity to be able to neutralize an enemies advance guard that moves through the roadless terrain to bypass obstructions and recistance and take important terrain in advance of the main body. Excellent mobility, high speed, simplicity and adequate fire power to engage all vehicles in such a unit were the requirements for the vehicle. The demands have been well met. The CV 90 can traverse terrain most men will not walk over and at high speed. Maximum use of truckcomponents has meant that spares are cheap and easy to come by. The 40 mm Bofors autocannon assures lethality to all other light armored vehicles and even offers a fighting chanse to kill enemy tanks from flanking positions with its APFSDS-T ammo with a muzzle velocity of 1470 meters/second. The complete round weighs 2,3 kg and the penetrator 0,5 kg. The rate of fire is 300 rounds a minute and the autocannons magazine holds 3 x 8 rounds plus 48 in the carousel. The vehicle brings 168 rounds total in different stowage.

Initially not fitted with stabilized guns to allow accurate firing on the move, it is now modified to allow for this. The modified vehicles are known as CV90A while those who have been produced laterly and thus have the stabilized gun from start, which is a superior system to the add on system are known as CV90B. Of at least equal importance is that it is fitted with thermal sights and image intesifiers to allow for night fighting. A coaxial 7.62 mm mashinegun Ksp m/39 (really a swedish version of the m/1919 Browning) gives good firepower at close ranges to complement the awsome effect of the rapidfiring 40mm HE or 3P rounds. The 25 mm Bushmaster was considered and tested but not chosen due to the 40 mm better effect and range. Armor protects from other IFVs weapons over normal battle ranges.

Carrying a squad if mechanized infantry armed with AK 5 assault rifles Ksp 58 7,62 mm mashine guns and 8,4 cm recoilless rifles and a number of disposable AT-4 LAWS the vehicle wields heavy fire power capable of taking on any foe, except the newest tanks in pure duel situations. Training has begun at 9th and 19th mechanized brigades as well as at the 1st life guards infantry brigade. Norway has chosen a 30 mm armed variant over both the M2 Bradley and the MCV 80 Warrior. Except for the smaller gun it differs in details only.

The photo below shows two CV 90 in firing positions. The combat hatches are open and the mounted infantrymen provide close in protection from enemy infantry in the boken terrain. With the mashineguns they have considerable firepower to deal with anti tank patrols with LAWS or rocket launchers.

There are a number of other versuions under development. Recovery, FIST, anti-aircraft and FCP versions have already been purchased by Sweden. A self propelled mortar version has been ordered that features two 12 cm barrels per vehicle in a turret, MRSI capability (multiple rounds simoultainous impact) and capability to fire the STRIX intellgent anti tank round for outstanding momentainous firepower.

The AA version to the left with its Thomson radar with a special helicopter mode. In the middle the FCP and FIST vesrions are amost identical on the outside. Neither has any 40mm gun but can carry a dummy gun to decieve the enemy. On the right the recovery version.

The CV90 has already been offered an upgrade. The CV90C has a protection upgrade that radically increases the protection of the CV90. This version has seen service in Liberia in UN-service.