You might have been familiar with the name Stryker. Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled
armored fighting vehicles introduced and manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems
(GDLS) and serves as main equipment for the US Army.
It is based on the GDLS Canadian LAV III 8x8 light armored vehicle, which has been in service since
early 2001. The LAV III itself is a modified Piranha III built by Mowag of Switzerland,
which is now Europe-based GDLS or General Dynamics European Land Systems. The eight-wheeled Stryker
armoured combat vehicle is the US Army’s first new military vehicle since the Abrams tank in the
1980s and has been well-known as the "Battlefield Wheeled Armored Vehicle of 21st Century.” Stryker
comes in ten different configurations which are outfitted with a double-V hull to protect soldiers
from mines and improvised explosive devices. So, what are those ten variants of the Stryker family?
Hello, everyone. You are watching another episode of Military TV. Today, we will discuss about ten
versions of Stryker series. If you are curious about the topic, don’t go anywhere and stay tuned.
1. M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) The M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle or ICV
is an armored personnel carrier used by the US Army and Royal Thai Army. On metalled roads,
the vehicle can reach speeds of 62mph with operational range of 110 miles. The basic ICV
can protect the two-man crew and a squad of nine infantry soldiers with basic hard steel armor.
This steel armor is supplemented with lightweight ceramic or composite applique panels produced by
IBD Deisenroth Engineering. The armor provides 14.5mm of all-around protection against machine
gun rounds, mortar rounds, and artillery fragments. In the Iraq war in January 2004,
the Stryker vehicles were outfitted with a 'cage' of slat armor that encircled the
vehicle about 18 inches from the main body to protect against rocket-propelled grenades.
Moreover, the ICV is outfitted with a Kongsberg Protech of Norway protector remote weapon station
with a universal soft mount cradle that can accommodate a 0.50-caliber M2 machine gun,
MK19 40mm grenade launcher, or MK240 7.62mm machine gun. It is also armed with four M6
smoke grenade launchers. Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the M1256 ICVV.
2. M1296 Dragoon Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) The M1296 Dragoon armored personnel carrier
is the upgraded version of the existing M1126 Stryker infantry fighting vehicle.
New features include some modifications made to the hull roof of the vehicle
to fit a Kongsberg unmanned turret with an Mk. 44 Bushmaster II 30mm cannon. This new
cannon outperforms the previous M2 heavy machine gun in terms of lethality, range, and accuracy,
providing an effective range of engagement to lightly armored vehicle of up to 3,000 meters.
In addition, this cannon fires airburst rounds that explode above the target,
allowing to strike enemies hiding in trenches and behind walls.
The airburst rounds are also effective against unmanned aerial vehicles.
The cannon has a dual-feed system, which enables the gunner to quickly switch between
ammunition types. Its turret holds 156 ready rounds (78 rounds per side). An M240 coaxial
7.62 mm machine gun is also available, with the turret holds a total of 400 ready rounds.
Besides that, this vehicle is built to withstand mine blasts.
This is mainly because its front arc is resistant to 14.5 mm heavy machine gun rounds. To provide
all-around protection against this armor-piercing rounds, a ceramic add-on armor can be installed,
while to protect the crew and passengers from spalling, the interior of the vehicle
is lined with Kevlar liner. Also, externally mounted fuel tanks are designed to blow away
from the hull in the event of an explosion, giving high protection for the crew.
3. M1127 Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV) Similar to M1126 ICV, the M1127
reconnaissance vehicle or RV is also an armored personnel carrier. What makes this vehicle a
bit different with previous variant is that it provides Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target
Acquisition (RSTA) Squadrons and battalion scouts with an effective platform for reconnaissance
and surveillance operations. The RV can carry a squad of six plus one augmented,
for a total vehicle capacity of seven people. The battalion’s scout platoon can establish tactics,
techniques, and procedures (TTP) that enable them to use the vehicle while still performing
the traditional dismounted scout platoon mission. This Stryker variant is outfitted
with the add-on armor, Raytheon’s long-range advanced scout surveillance system (LRAS3), a
second-generation horizontal technology initiative (HTI) thermal imager, day TV, as well as an
eye-safe laser rangefinder. The RV is armed with 0.50-caliber M2 heavy machine gun or MK19 40mm
grenade launcher as the main weapon, while the secondary armament consists of 7.62mm M240 machine
gun. This vehicle can run at a maximum speed of 62 mph and operational range of up to 300 miles.
4. M1128 Mobile Gun System (MGS) The M1128 MGS entered service with the US Army in
May 2007, making its first operational deployment to Iraq with the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division.
In August 2008, a production contract for 62 vehicles was signed. The Stryker mobile gun
system variant combines the basic vehicle with a fully stabilized shoot-on-the-move low-profile
turret from General Dynamics Land Systems. An M68A1E4 105mm cannon with muzzle brake
and an M2 0.50-caliber commander’s machine gun are mounted in the turret.
Besides that, this vehicle is equipped with complex composite Kevlar spall liner for inside
protection, add-on composite armor against 14.5mm rounds, and add-on slat armor against RPG rockets.
The Stryker mobile gun system can fire 18 rounds of 105mm main gun ammunition,
400 rounds of 0.50-caliber ammunition, as well as 3,400 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Vista Controls, a division of Curtiss-Wright Corp, provides the fully automated ammunition
loading and replenishment system. Two M6 smoke grenade launchers are installed on the vehicle.
The mobile gun system has the same C4ISR communications and driver’s vision equipment as
the ICV, but the gunner has three periscopes and a compact modular sight with dual field of view day
and thermal channels. The MGS also has detectors for nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. The
brigade combat teams benefit from having the mobile gun vehicle of the same Stryker family
because of the commonality across the entire capability and the reduced logistics requirements,
enabling the Stryker mobile gun system not require a track-vehicle mechanic.
This vehicle can run at a maximum speed of 60 mph with operational range of 330 miles.
5. M1129 Mortar Carrier (MC)
In August 2005, the first M1129 mortar carrier vehicles were put into service with the US Army
172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. This Stryker Brigade deployed the M1129 mortar
carrier vehicle version B or also known as MCV-B. The MCV-B is armed with the RMS6L 120mm mortar,
which is mounted inside the vehicle and fires through doors that swing open at the top. The
vehicle also carries a second mortar in addition to the mounted mortar, which is 81mm M252 mortar
and must be unloaded before firing. On the other hand, the MCV is also fitted with
M240 7.62mm machine gun. The vehicle is also equipped with a digital fire control system
and a crew of five. The top speed and operational range of this vehicle is 62 mph and 300 miles,
respectively. Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the M1252 MCVV.
6. M1130 Commander Vehicle (CV) The M1130 commander vehicle or CV is equipped
with an FBCB2 digital communications system or Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below.
This is the most distinctive feature of the CV, which allows communication between vehicles as
well as with the battalion via text messaging and a map network. The map depicts the location of
all vehicles on the battlefield, and the commander can mark the location of enemy forces on the map,
which other commanders can see. The Raytheon AN/TSQ-158 enhanced position location reporting
system is included in FBCB2, dubbed “the tactical internet” or EPLRS.
Furthermore, this vehicle is equipped with M2 0.50-caliber gun or MK19 40mm grenade launcher
as its main armament mounted in a Protector Remote Weapon Station. Along with this, the 7.62mm M240
mobile gun system. In general, the Stryker driver is equipped with three M-17 periscopes
as well as a DRS Technologies AN/VAS-5 driver’s vision enhancer (DVE). Meanwhile, there are seven
M45 periscopes and a thermal imager display with video camera available to the vehicle commander.
Similar to M1127 and M1129 Stryker, the M1130 also has a maximum speed of 62 mph and operational
range of 300 miles. Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the M1255 CVV.
7. M1131 Fire Support Vehicle (FSV) The M1131 fire support vehicle or
FSV provides automated enhanced surveillance, target acquisition, target identification,
target tracking, target designation, position location, and communications,
supporting the SBCT with a “first round” fire-for-effect capability.
It incorporates the current M707 Striker Mission Equipment Package
and enables Fire Support Teams (FIST) to automate command and control functions, as well as perform
fire support planning, directing, controlling, and cross-functional area coordination and
execution. This is done by instantly transmitting targets to the fire support system and shooter.
The FSV is based on the ICV because the two vehicles’ operational requirements
are quite similar. The FSV helps maximizing platform commonality of the ICV
while decreasing maintenance footprint and logistics support variety.
This armament of this vehicle includes M2 0.50-caliber gun or MK19 40mm grenade
launcher mounted in Protector Remote Weapon Station as well as M240 7.62mm machine gun.
It also can run at a top speed of 62mph in operational range
of up to 300 miles. Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the M1251 FSVV.
8. M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV)
The M1132 is the combat engineering variant in Stryker family. This vehicle is aimed at
transporting and supporting combat engineers on the battlefield. This is mainly because it is
equipped with obstacle clearance and lane marking systems, as well as mine detection devices.
The most distinguishing feature of this vehicle is a mine-clearance blade,
which frequently tows a wheeled trailer loaded with extra equipment. The ESV can clear mines on
paved surfaces as well as some rubble clearance. Also, the mounted engineer squad can complete
other mobility tasks using the tools on the vehicle and trailer. The M2. 0.50-caliber gun
or MK19 40mm grenade launcher and 7.62mm machine gun are the armament fitted on this vehicle.
Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the
M1257 ESVV and can run at a maximum speed of 62mph with operational range of 300 miles.
9. M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV) The Medical Evacuation Vehicle or MEV serves
as the primary ambulance platform in units equipped with Stryker family vehicles. It
is assigned from the Battalion Aid Station to each of the unit’s company-sized elements
and provides treatment for serious injury and advanced trauma cases.
The vehicle mainly aids the organic medic who accompanies the infantry soldier during
dismounted operations. The evacuation includes emergency care en-route,
which will be supplemented by the medic and a safe environment with adequate lighting
and medical equipment. The MEV and its crew can proceed, protected by integrated
overwatching fires that provide protection for the patient and medical team. It features an
easily accessible attendant’s seat from which the attendant can monitor patients. The ambulance has
Geneva Convention emblem that can be removed or masked without changing the camouflage pattern.
The rear ramp is hydraulically operated, reducing the possibility of being exposed
to hostile activity or inclement weather. Same as most of the Stryker series, this version can
reach a top speed of 62mph and operational range of 300 miles. However, this vehicle
is not equipped with any armament. Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the M1254 MEVV.
10. M1134 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Carrier The M1134 anti-tank guided missile vehicle
is a brigade’s primary tank destroyer system, which provides long-range direct fire. The vehicle
is capable of taking down many armored threats from up to 4 kilometers away. This ATGM vehicle
provides standoff for the SBCT by using SACLOS guided missiles with ranges equal to or greater
than most cannons, autocannons, or small arms. This enables the brigade's remaining MAV fleet
to be optimized for specific capabilities that can operate under the anti-tank overwatch umbrella.
Among the 300 Stryker vehicles in a Stryker Brigade Combat Team,
nine are M1134 anti-tank vehicles. Models with the double V-hull upgrade are known as the M1253 ATVV.
11. M1135 Nuclear, Biological, And Chemical Reconnaissance (NBCR) Vehicle
The M1135 NBCRV is aimed at detecting and monitoring nuclear, biological, and chemical
threats on the battlefield. The NBCRV increases the Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s attack power
by providing situational awareness. This is due to the NBCRV’s core components,
which consist of on-board integrated NBC sensor suite and integrated meteorological system. This
allows the NBCRV to detect and collect chemical and biological contamination in its immediate
surroundings by using point detection (Chemical Biological Mass Spectrometer (CBMS) and Joint
Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS)) as well as a standoff detector (JSLSCAD).
Therefore, the system can automatically collect and integrate contamination data
with vehicle navigation and meteorological sensor systems
before transmitting digital warning messages to other forces via the Mission Command System.
That’s all for today. Thank you for watching and see you next time.