Recent conflicts have proven once more that anti-tank warfare is key in high-intensity combat environments where tanks or highly armored IFVs and APCs are once again used massively on the frontlines.
Anti-tank missiles are thus a must-have for all combat units, both for self-defense against sudden encounters, as well as for added aggression capabilities, both embarked and on-foot. The ubiquity of drones and other intelligence solutions also allows for a great versatility for missile use on the battlefield.
An anti-tank configuration at IDEX
At IDEX 2023, Arquus is proud to present its FORTRESS MK2 in its anti-tank configuration, with a crew of 5, 5 AKERON missiles by MBDA, 2 firing posts and 1 UAV.
In this configuration, one launcher is fitted on the FORTRESS MK2’s Hornet RCWS, ready to fire. The other one is stored inside the vehicle, ready to disembark for dismounted anti-tank combat.
The team comprises one ATGM squad leader, one driver, one Hornet AKERON gunner dedicated to surveillance and combat from the vehicle, one gunner manning the AKERON firing post and one UAV operator dedicated to gathering intelligence and coordinating BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) strikes.
Optionally, the FORTRESS MK2 can also load up to 3 extra crew members or 4 extra missiles, depending on the mission or the team loadout.
That mission-ready configuration is very relevant on the FORTRESS MK2, which is an extremely agile vehicle on all terrains. Designed as an APC, the Fortress Mk2 offers large internal volume, ideal for the transport of several missiles and firing posts, while retaining space for the crew and their personal equipment.
Mobility
Thanks to its independent suspensions and proven chassis, it can reach very easily any favorable tactical position for a missile launch and engage enemy armor from points where it is not expected. Its mobility also allows it to swiftly reach cover after engaging its target, even by cutting through demanding grounds, slopes and relieves.
To achieve this superior tactical mobility the FORTRESS MK2 has been equipped with a 6-cylinder 340HP engine which guarantees an excellent 23HP/ton power/weight ratio, at the top of the market. It can reach speeds of 120 km/h with a range of 1,200km.
These exceptional performance in all terrain and obstacle crossing make it a vehicle of choice for the most demanding missions on the most demanding environments. The FORTRESS MK2 is a vehicle at ease in all circumstances, off-roads as well as for obstacle crossing.
Payload
Its exceptional mobility and interior configuration allow for the safe transport of a full fighting group and their equipment, on all terrains, and with a high level of comfort, ensuring that they are well rested both physically and mentally before the action.
Designed for long missions in complete autonomy, the FORTRESS MK2 offers a very large internal space. As an APC thought for a combat group of 10 and their equipment, it can load up to 2 tons of payload with a fully customizable and modular loadout.
Thanks to that payload capacity and modularity, theFORTRESS MK2 can load a full complement of ammunition. It can also integrate all the fire configurations of the AKERON missile by missile world leading company MBDA, by combining the Hornet AKERON RCWS and the AKERON dismounted firing station.
Such capabilities include:
- Dismounted anti-tank combat with a man-portable missile launcher;
- Embarked anti-tank combat with the Hornet AKERON;
- Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) combat with a drone acquisition or collaborative combat
It is very first time Arquus presents a vehicle with such a triple capability.
About the Fortress Mk2
Designed to answer the intensification of the threats encountered on the battlefield, the FORTRESS MK2 APC natively combines very high mobility, protection and firepower. Aggressive and very well protected, the FORTRESS MK2 is a modern, high-performance vehicle, very well adapted to current and future operational commitments.
Designed to transport a combat group of 10 soldiers over all terrains, the FORTRESS MK2 combines optimal protection against all ballistic threats and mines encountered on the battlefield, and unprecedented off-road mobility capabilities thanks to its independent suspensions and very powerful engine.
Thanks to its mobility and firepower, the FORTRESS MK2 can carry and accompany the infantry on the battlefield, while providing operational fire support.
In an anti-tank warfare configuration, the FORTRESS MK2 thus combines a 5-operator crew, missiles both on top and inside the vehicle, as well as the vehicle’s own weapon system such as the Hornet RCWS. Such weaponry includes 7.62mm, 12.7mm or 14.5mm manual ring-mounted or remote-controlled weapon stations, with up to 30mm cannons or 40mm grenade launchers, enabling a large spectrum of fire support capabilities.
The FORTRESS MK2 can also accommodate a large array of systems and sensors to further enhance its performance, notably in terms of perimeter surveillance, cameras, threat detection systems, lasers, and tactical vision.
The FORTRESS offers natively a very high level of protection and survivability for the crew. It is very well protected against mines and IEDs, as well as all ballistic threats up to very high STANAG 4569 levels. This superior protection has been achieved without any increase in mass, thanks to the use of the latest Arquus technologies in terms of armor and body architecture, therefore maintaining the Fortress’ exceptional mobility.
These concept choices make the Fortress Mk2 one of the most protected 4x4 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) on the market.
The Fortress has been selected by the Special Forces of a NATO country and is already combat proven. It has recently been deployed in foreign operations and has fully met its clients’ expectations. Its mobility and protection notably have already been tested in operational situations.