Light Armored Stealth Scout Vehicle. A Concept

Over the last year I have been researching how to build my own lightweight all terrain vehicle similar to a dune buggy, armored, and with stealth capability. Entirely enclosed and windowless, this two person dune buggy-like vehicle will have drive by wire technology hooked up to a whole host of visual-multi spectrum sensor and radar equipment. Using the latest in stealth, fuel cell/hybrid, communication, and armor technology with protection from bio hazards, radiation, explosives and ballistics. All in 3 1/2 tons or(With the right materials)FAR less.(well give or take)


Let us start with the basic frame of the vehicle.

A standard 2 person dune buggy frame may not be big enough, but if we can increase that size by about 15% then we have something to work with. The frame would be filled with high density rubber for stability. Tires would be airless and made of a high density inner layer for handling weight while the outer layers would be slightly softer treading. The The inner shell would be an enclosed capsule made of lightweight titanium/boron alloy(Same stuff used in the A-10 I believe). It is a ballistic titanium skin roughly 1 inch thick. Jet fighter Cockpit style entry with pressure seals and steel slide bolt locks.

Over the outside of this skin and the inner compartment would be a new armor technology introduced to us by our own UFOTECH. It's called Conformal Ceramic Composite Armor System (CCCAS). And I believe it's capabilities would be perfect for this vehicle.

Over the inner ceramic armor would be another thinner layer of titanium/boron with hollows for wiring and mounting of flat, flexible screens all allowing the user to see his entire environment outside the vehicle without the need for windows, I'd look into touchscreen versions of these.

Flexible Screens:


Over the outside of the vehicle there would be a thin nano skin of either Magnetochromatic Microspheres

Or a recent optical camouflage that is able to bend light around it effectively rendering the object cloaked in it invisible. The latter would use no power, but the former would use little power and can be engaged using data from the multispectrum hi-def visual sensors to program the microspheres to respond adequately to it's environment resulting in the same effect if not more efficiently and realistically.

Optical Camouflage:


I would personally prefer to use the Magnetochromatic Microspheres.

choice number three would be the Metamaterial being developed as an invisibility cloak. But as of yet can only operate using microwaves:



Weapons:

The Bradley Fighting Vehicle:
en.wikipedia.org...


What I'm most interested in is the articulating weapons system used by the Bradley. A pop up articulating 50 cal drum-fed machine-gun hooked up to all the sensor equipment and handled by the passenger/co-pilot could be a formidable weapon. Top mounted double barrel. Side mounted articulated TOW missile technology, or guided rocket can also be incorporated for an added punch, but ammo would be hard to store and hence limited probably only to what the weapon can hold at the ready. Multiple-target "fire and forget" systems could also be used to make a limited missile ammo issue more effective.

Communications:
Encrypted packet radio and satellite voice/data equipment. This can be used to upgrade software in the field, download patches to malfunctioning software, run system independent diagnostics(meaning a computer and operator somewhere else can try to find & fix the problem if you can't). And "Smart" AI engines for self diagnostics and real time error correction.

Other Safety:

Aside from armor, weapons, and secure communications, this vehicle must be equipped with hazardous gas and pathogen countermeasures, as well as be able to give the 2 man crew a fighting chance against radiation. Seals and air filtration systems would be worked into a compact life-support system. Emergency rations, chem/radio suits, water packets, and weapons, and first aid/trauma kits will be stored in small fit to specification compartments within reach of crew members.

[Engine and Power Systems]
The engine would run on a hydrogen fuel cell, gas electric/hybrid switch combo hooked up to our latest high efficiency highly compact batteries. The idea behind this vehicle is equipment miniaturization. The smaller and more effective the better. And I believe this can be done rather easily. Such examples can be found all over the internet. I'm just trying to piece it all together.

I wish I had a model or a drawing. if someone can visualize this with the information provided and can come up with a good visual model then by all means go for it...

I put this in Science and Technology because I wanted to see brainstorming on how new, up and coming technologies could be incorporated today. This, to me, was a simple concept to start with.

After reading the rules, I am assuming, to my ability, that this is a correct placement for this topic...If a mod believes that it is better suited for Weaponry I will not protest if it is moved.

let me get this straight....youre actually planning on building this?

and i want to know why it needs stealth.

oops i guess you mean the near invisibility thing.

of course you would need that.

[edit on 1-7-2009 by ELECTRICkoolaidZOMBIEtest]

reply to post by ELECTRICkoolaidZOMBIEtest


The Title says concept. But I was thinking about building a prototype and possibly sell the concept to the military if they're interested. It would take me quite some time and money, but I have some ideas on how to keep the costs as low as possible.

I'm still in the research phase. The plausibility of this is still in question for me. I don't have the resources just yet and many of these technologies are not on the market. Though I imagine some of the manufacturers would love to see how their baby get incorporated into an overall system like this...Could be a useful thought to keep in mind when trying to brings costs down.

[edit on 1-7-2009 by projectvxn]

reply to post by projectvxn


You would need some way to reduce it's heat signature ... most modern armies use scanning on the infrared scale. This vehicle is bound to run hot depending on power source.

The problem with cooler alternative fuel sources, such as electric is that the heavier the vehicle, the more power it would have to draw, thus limiting range. Not too sure about hydrogen fuel cells etc, but I suspect the problem would be the same.

reply to post by deltaalphanovember


Suppose there's a technology out there that sequesters heat energy and uses it for more power....But I imagine a system like that would probably add significant weight...We shall see. I haven't worked all the kinks out just yet.

I have also been working for about 1.5 years on what I call an ultralight armored cavalry vehicle system. It uses our Conformal Ceramic Composite Armor System over titanium diboride unibody panels. It has a carbon fiber and resin tube inner skeleton which also houses advanced Lithium batteries. The 2 man crew is also used in a driver gunner configuration. Like yours no windows are used in the design. We are going with bio-diesel hybrid power and if we can obtain it the engine we want is the tiny yet mighty engine from Angel Labs. The armor unit would be very low observable area in design with highly sloped armor. The body style is a similar shape to the classic ninja sword blade profile.



The vehicle would be no higher than about 4 feet and it would be narrow enough to fit between the concrete barrier posts you might find in front of a big box store. We are not thinking about an expensive camo system. It would use instead your standard camo paints like those used in other armor vehicles now fielded. The fuel would be what ever the military is using as well so no supply chain problems would be created. We are thinking for deployment of these within the next 2 years.

A ultralight armored cavalry company would fit in the back of a tractor trailer rig which we would also armor. Each company would be supported by electric ultra quite UAVs that are also delivered to the battle space in the same truck. The object would be that the truck delivers the cav unit and they deploy and go in on electric engines quietly, then when they reach their objective and the shooting starts they can switch on the diesels for more power and speed.

In the mean time the truck goes around to the other side of the battle space and opens back up and the vehicles are recovered. They rely on fast quiet attack. We are thinking that we want them to use pop up 40MM automatic grenade launchers, and a coaxial 50 caliber automatic with selective fire and rate of fire control and will hold 200 rounds of the 40MM ammmo and 3000 rounds of the 50 caliber rounds in AP, Incendiary, and explosive tipped in equal numbers. We would also have some 60mm mortar armed units in support and they would be in the rear of the formation and provide indirect fire when needed.

Just out of curiosity, what military role would such a vehicle serve?

An invisible scout car would be very expensive as you've described it. To be viable it must do something that current vehicles don't. UAVS have the recce role now and are far more capable than a ground-based car.

Not to be a wet blanket, but I'm not sure what it would do that would justify the expense. Why have a crew in it? If you aren't using the Mk I eyeball to directly view the scene, then the thing could be operated just as well remotely.

It's a cool idea, but what does it do?

these military concepts you speak of are the ONLY reason these techonolgies were developed. Your thinking this techonogly just apeared with no other driving force but... a better tv. Commericial sectors ALWAYS get the techonology last.

The vehicle system I described in my previous post would have a company strength unit delivered to the battle space by one truck that would fit 4 platoons of armored cavalry. Each platoon would be 4 vehicles. One platoon would be armed with the 60mm mortars and they would hold 20 rounds each. 5 HE, 5 WP, 5 smoke, and 5 air burst Flechette Shells.

This would put a total of 16 light armor vehicles with a total crew compliment of 32 in the battle space. The vehicles would have a range of 400 miles on diesel and another 20 miles on electric with a top speed of 80 miles per hour.

12 vehicles would be armed with 40mm automatic grenade launchers with a 50 caliber coaxial gun. 4 units would have 60mm mortars and a stand alone 50 caliber. The overhead door for the mortars would be automatic and open and close quickly to reduce the exposed time as much as possible to the crew inside.

This would put a total of 16 x 50 caliber guns each with 3000 rounds of ammunition for a total of 48,000 rounds into the battle space. The 12 x 40mm automatic grenade launchers each would have 300 rounds for a total of 3,600 total grenades. The 4 mortar units would all carry 20 rounds each for a total of 80 x 60mm mortars. The ammunition on each of these would be dependent on the mission of course.

We expect that we can build this prototype armored cav company including the 16 light armored vehicles, armored delivery vehicle, and 6 UAVs each armed with 4 hell fire missiles for about 26 million not including the weapons. The delivery truck would have enough fuel and munitions on board to refuel and rearm all of the vehicles at least one time for an extended battle.

The role we see for this unit type and light small armor vehicle system is fast attack counter insurgent role in a MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) environment. It would be sent into a heavily armed urban area. It would draw fire from concealed positions and either return fire and destroy them or call for fire and mark the targets for the inbound heavy fire.

The armor is designed to handle the most common insurgent weapons including PG-7VR, 14.5mm machine guns, and 120mm H.E. mortar rounds.

reply to post by UFOTECH


Interesting.

I've thought of a similar concept but based on upsized jet-skis.

I envision an enclosed two-man submersible jet ski capable of diving to about fifty feet or so. It would be deployed in similar strengths as your scout platoon. It would have a range of about 100 miles or so. Some would be equipped with laser range finding and targeting lasers for cruise missiles, hellfires, etc to home in on: target markers and guides. Others would be equipped to suppress defenses for landing operations. Some would be mine removal/neutralisation. The operator and electronics guy would be lying down side by side to lower the overall profile. The company structure would be:

1st platoon: targeting and guides.

2nd platoon: mine/obstacle clearance (called Waldoes, for their gripper arms)

3rd, 4th & 5th platoons: attack platoons

Tactically they would be dropped "over the horizon" and approach submerged at a depth of about ten feet to avoid detection. As they approach the beach and river mouth they would surface with about a foot or two of hull above the water: extremely hard to spot. they should be able to penetrate quite a ways upriver without detection.

Such vehicles would wreak havoc in littoral operations, I'm pretty sure.

What do you think?

reply to post by apacheman


They had something like that in a Bond movie I watched years ago. I forget the title right now.

Detection of underwater vehicles is a big priority in a lot of hostile countries because the US has been working on their ASDS system and these can be delivered from a large sub or a stealth cruiser.

reply to post by apacheman


The vehicle I envision has infantry support capabilities in urban areas while severely minimizing it's visibility. This could be a hell of an advantage both in urban and field combat scenarios. The light, invisible vehicle could be used for reconnaissance missions as well. With it's communications systems a two person SF crew could deliver real time intelligence data to HQ while minimizing their exposure. It could be a life saver.

And while I understand that these concepts are expensive, the idea is to use your imagination kids. Some of these technologies are brand new, some are a few years old. Uses have yet to be conceptualized for much of this technology, at least publicly. So here we are.

well I've got nothing better to do, so I think I might draw this for you.


Great thoughts though! really good designs.

I don't know why they don't cloak ground items already.

[edit on 1-7-2009 by Gorman91]

Got any sketches?

[edit on 1-7-2009 by Gorman91]

reply to post by Gorman91


I couldn't draw a bath to be honest with you. But I do have some design ideas. Like angled armor plating.

I just like seeing how multiple technologies can come together to create a work of engineering art.

how are we supposed to draw an invisible recon car?
sry couldn't resist!

anyways they are both good ideas however ufotech's is more practical to me and probably has a significant lower price than your suggested system also you want it to be invisible but u have to put the invisible rendering technology outside the car so if it is in combat and gets shot you'll ruin the technology and have to replace it often which leads it to dumping millions of millions of dollars into maintenance and repair which makes in non monetarily feasible for an invisible combat unit to me anyways

reply to post by projectvxn


I'll see what I can do. I'm trying to make some kind of video game mod this summer, so it'll be great practice for my new tablet.

Probably when I get back from other stuff tomorrow.

[edit on 1-7-2009 by Gorman91]

reply to post by T_Clem




Yeah no kidding! With the microsphere technology the idea is that it can mimic detailed color gradients to be pretty much an fully programmable camo skin, when not active the skin is black.

reply to post by T_Clem


I had not even considered the repair nightmare of trying to field repair a cloaking screen after a few AK-rounds had hit it. Good point. I was thinking low observable area below the height of the average observer. At just under 4 feet in height and with a highly angular shape with current camo finishes I was thinking low cost and just so low to the ground it would have the same kind of small profile advantage that the Merkava tank has only more so.

I was also thinking supply line of the military when considering the fuel. Hydrogen is still very hard to work with. Fuel cells are nice technology but they are still very expensive. A hybrid using the tiny yet mighty engine would be smaller per HP than just about anything around.

The cavalry vehicle unit I envision has a potential role for counter insurgency that a striker unit can not match. My concept vehicle could get into those narrow and dangerous back streets and ally ways that our troops would normally have to dismount to enter into or would not be able to turn around and bug out if needed in a striker vehicle. The low per unit cost would be attractive for war planners as well. We think we will have it ready for a limited production within about 2 years but that will of course depend on the success of our armor system.

If the armor system proves out and gets some orders we will likely plow some of the revenue back into the development of the ultralight armor unit concept. I just got word back from one of our suppliers that has caught wind of our conformal armor system and they are now going to give us a break on their nuclear grade boron carbide grain. We will be able to offer the system at what we expected to be full production pricing in limited short runs now.

We thought we would have to buy our boron carbide material by the ton from China to get a good price. This American company who's material we made our expensive prototypes with has offered to come close to the price of the Chinese maker and we can order form an American company and in 100lb quantity or greater. They claim their boron carbide will exceed the quality of the Chinese material as well. They have been in the business for decades compared to the lower cost Chinese maker. That might be important for US defense spending decision makers. Their close price match is a win win situation.