Patria is an internationally operating aerospace and defence Group actively participating in the development of new technologies. Patria operates with both national and international partners that boost the Group's competitiveness. The largest European aerospace and defence Group EADS, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V, is Patria's shareholder with a 26,8 % stake.

Patria's core business areas are integrated military vehicles and weapon systems, defence electronics, helicopter and military aircraft life-cycle support as well as demanding composite structures.

Patria's long term goal is to further build up the Group's position in those areas of industries and demanding technologies that enable Patria to offer its customers substantial value added and strengthen the Group's competitiveness in global markets. The cornerstones in Patria's business operations are economic profitability and the aim to continuously grow the value of the Group.

Patria's new AMV 8x8 Armoured Modular Vehicle

General

Patria AMV 8x8 is designed to meet the most demanding military multi-role vehicle requirements. This vehicle extends the off-road mobility very near to the level of tracked vehicles, while maintaining excellent on-road mobility and low life-cycle costs. Due to its high payload of up to 10 tons, the AMV 8x8 offers excellent ballistic/mine protection, in addition to serving as an excellent platform for modern heavy weapon systems. AMV 8x8 has a high level of modularity in power pack, engine, various subsystems and also on the mission level including various models, versions and/or role kits.

AMV 8x8 product family

The basic vehicles of AMV 8x8 product family are divided into three hull models, each of them with various versions. All hull models and versions share a maximum amount of common automotive parts and systems thus creating a flexible vehicle platform system suitable for various purposes but still retaining the same spare parts and common in-service-support elements. The hull models are:

* Basic Model (versions like APC, IFV, Reconnaissance Vehicle, FCV, ATGM, MGS, AMOS)

* System Platform (versions like Command and control, Sensoring vehicle with mast, Electronic Warfare Vehicle, Large Workshop Vehicle, ambulance, workshop, NBC-reconnaissance)

* Module Carrier which has a possibility to mount on the same basic chassis combat ready role kit containers including weapon and other systems or transport modules based on the army standard logistic system (versions like Container carrier, Ammunition vehicle, Fuel support , Workshop, Howitzer puller)

Patria AMV 8x8 main characteristics

AMV 8x8 family vehicles have a high payload capacity and spacious interiors incorporated into a fully modular structure. The maximum combat weight of the vehicle is 24 tons (amphibious up to 18 tons). The power to weight ratio of the AMV 8x8 family vehicles is in the class of tracked vehicles' power to weight ratios. The vehicle has an increased engine power up to 360 kW and automatic transmission. Independent hydropneumatic suspension, 14.00 wheel size and CTIS/ASR guarantee unbeatable performance in all conditions.

Ballistic protection is based on modern modular add-on armour technology which is easily adjustable according to customer/mission threat level scenario. AMV 8x8 has various state-of-the-art DAS and other systems. The vehicle offers full spectrum signature management (IR, radar, visual, noise etc). High payload allows integration of a wide range of weapon systems ranging up to 120 mm tank turret.

Patria AMV 8x8 prototype agreement

Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces signed a contract in December 2001 for the delivery and development of two AMV 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle prototypes. The prototypes will be used for field testing and they will be equipped with 30 mm turrets from different suppliers. The contract also includes extensive testing and verification services as well as the development of an initial Integrated Logistic Service package.

AMV 8x8 program schedule

The automotive testing of the first industry financed prototype started in Autumn 2001. The first pre-serial units will be delivered in 2003 and AMV 8x8 serial production will start in 2004.

Production AMV 6x6 (Wheeled armoured personnel carrier) AMV BMP3 (Infantry fighting vehicle) AMV XC-360P (Wheeled armoured personnel carrier) XA-180 (Wheeled armoured personnel carrier) XA-200 (Wheeled armoured personnel carrier)