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This photo is purported to be of an M8 AGS with a small 4 man rear troop compartment. Does such a vehicle/prototype exist?
I thought the M8 was rear engined? Does this version have an extended hull with the troop compartment behind the engine bay or is the engine moved?
Thanks for any information.

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Yes, but registration was fairly easy. The picture is certainly interesting...

Mark, good questions all...

Neil

I'd say that's the THUNDERBOLT.............

"Thunderbolt" Armored Gun System (Block II)

The M8 "Thunderbolt" AGS.This technology demonstrator was a test bed to bring Future Combat System technologies to the current force in the near term. Advanced technologies incorporated into this variant include hybrid electric propulsion, band track, improved ceramic/composite armor, Second Generation FLIR Night Vision technology, digitization, a XM-219 120mm main gun along with its 120mm auto loader. This demonstrated system upgrade retains the M8's C-130 Hercules air transport capability, as well as the AGS 3-man crew.

The Thunderbolt also has a ramp door in the rear that lowers for the Engine/Transmission power train to be rolled out for easy maintenance. With the conversion to Hybrid Electric Drive and the flexibility of positioning drive train and suspension components, significant space is freed up in the existing propulsion system compartment for increased storage and mission payload.

But Bug, the ThunderBolt has the engine right at the back of the hull and it is removed by opening the rear engine bay access door and sliding the engine directly rearward. That is not possible with this vehicle as the troop compartment is exactly where you would normally be removing the engine. Or do you think there are two versions of the ThunderBolt?
The conventional Diesel engined version which is as I describe and the Hybrid version which has the troop compartment located at the rear???

Just found this United Defence Press Release which does indicate that a troop compartment is possible.
I just was not aware that a troop compartment version existed!
Remove the turret and you could use the same chassis to carry probably 8 dismounts. A single hull that could exist in both APC/IFV and 120mm gun versions and is hybrid electric to boot. Why are they bothering to develop a new FCS????



United Defence Oct 6 2003



Thunderbolt Features Transformational Technology

Thunderbolt integrates a durable hybrid electric propulsion system that provides improved performance and fuel economy, enhanced reliability and reduced emissions. The propulsion system utilizes generator, inverter and traction motor components that have performed well in testing on the United Defense Transformation Technology Demonstrator.

Thunderbolt’s drive power is transferred through an advanced band track system developed for 20-ton weight class vehicles. The advantages of band track include improved ride quality, longer life, and reduced noise and thermal signatures.

The mobility package integrated on Thunderbolt delivers a range of 600 miles on gravel roads, with four miles of silent mobility capability. Conversion of a standard chassis to hybrid electric drive generates significant additional interior space that can seat additional soldiers, increase the quantity of stowed ammunition, or be applied to other mission requirements.

Thunderbolt is the latest United Defense platform to feature hybrid-electric propulsion, following the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon platform, the Transformation Technology Demonstrator and two demonstrators that were unveiled at AUSA last year: the Future Combat Systems-Tracked and Future Combat Systems-Wheeled platforms.

Thunderbolt’s advanced ballistic composite armor design offers enhanced survivability while reducing overall vehicle weight. The composite turret armor package is designed to provide 14.5mm protection all around, with 30mm frontal arc protection.

Yeah, IMHO the Thunderbolt is a very interesting vehicle. The capabilities of an M1A2 with the armor level of a Bradley.