Boxer Armoured Vehicle – Details and Variants

  • Post comments:0 Comments
  • Reading time:53 mins read
  • Post category:Vehicles

The ARTEC Boxer is a wheeled or tracked armoured vehicle, this article describes its capabilities, modules and variants

Boxer is described by ARTEC as;

BOXER is a truly modular vehicle providing multiple functions for its users, several communication interfaces for participation in network-enabled warfare and diverse mission relevant capabilities. The flexibility of its modularity allows BOXER to be easily adapted to meet diverse mission requirements, in rapidly changing circumstances and global environments. BOXER has impressive integral growth potential so that future emerging military roles and changing requirements can be met, without degrading the vehicle’s capabilities such as mobility.

Boxer is available in a number of variants.

Boxer is produced by ARTEC GmbH (ARmoured vehicle TEChnology) under the overall management of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). Artec is owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbHRheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Nederland B.V. (formerly Stork). As the UK has now rejoined the Boxer programme, as managed by OCCAR, Artec will produce most of the vehicles and modules in the UK with a value split between RBSL and WFEL (described in Part 1 of this article)

Boxer Drive Module – Wheeled

Weights, Dimensions and Performance

When it was introduced, Boxer was significantly larger than in contemporaries but recent vehicles have caught up somewhat. The reason for its size (and resultant high weight) was high levels of protection (especially top protection against fragments and cluster weapons) and a desire to ensure sufficient space to accommodate the embarked personnel with their stores rather than hanging things on the outside.

In common with all similar vehicles, its combat weight has crept up since its introduction with different equipment fits and protection influencing the final weight and dimensions.

Length (APC)7.93m
Length (155mm)10.5m
Width2.99m
Height (Hull Roof)2.38m
Height (Lance Turret Roof)3.24m
Height (155mm Turret Roof)3.94m

The maximum gross vehicle weight is 38.5 tonnes, this has increased since first introduced through the A1 and A2 revisions.

Comparing that with transport aircraft dimensions and capacities below.

 WidthHeightLengthPayload
C-130J3.12m2.74m12.1m15-16 tonnes
C-130J-303.12m2.74m17.0m15-16 tonnes
A400M4.00m3.85m17.0m30-32 tonnes
C-175.50m3.80m26.0m (inc. ramp)60-64 tonnes

Width and length are no problem for all those above but a Boxer complete with both drive and payload module would be too heavy for a C-130 and at the upper end of the weight, marginal at best for A400M.

Although A400M has a ‘brochure’ maximum payload of 37 tonnes the actual useable maximum weight will likely be less and in any case, towards the top end of the payload, the range would be restricted.

The maximum vehicle weight includes fuel, ammunition and other items that could in many cases be removed for flight but it is hardly ideal and in general, compromises would need to be considered if the Boxer is likely to be transported by air.

The C-17 could easily carry one at substantial distances although, for both, the 155mm artillery variant will be challenging in regards to height. The Air Portable Ferry Bridge has an MLC of 35 so would be unsuitable for Boxer, an variant. With an MLC of 50, the Rapidly Emplaced Bridge System (REBS) would be suitable.

As weight has grown, transportability by air has been affected. Although the UK’s A400M’s have a stronger floor (to accept Terrier) than standard A400M’s, recent German trials have confirmed that the A2 variant will need to be carried on A400M in a split configuration, drive unit and module in separate aircraft, it is planned that three A400M will be able to accommodate two Boxer.

Boxer A400M

This will restrict air landing operations and place a greater demand on finite transport but perhaps this can be offset by a likely infrequent deployment by air.

Boxer A400M

Trench crossing is 2m, step climbing 800mm, gradient 60%, side slope 30% and it has a ground clearance of 500mm. Mobility is reported to be excellent with all wheels being driven, the front two axles steering with selectable four-axle differentials and two inter-axle differentials.

A central tyre inflation system is fitted to enhance mobility.

The Dutch/Germans use Michelin 415/80R685 XML tyres (27 inches in metric) which are ‘tuned’ to give maximum soft soil (mud) traction, but only carry 4.5T per tyre. Block 1 of Australian Boxers will be fitted with 415/80R685 XForce 2 tyres (higher load rating @5T and sand-optimised) and Block 2 (and all future Boxers for Australia) will be fitted with 415/80R685 XForce ZL tyres (even higher load rating @5.6T allowing further growth potential and all-round off-road pattern).

Future Boxers are likely to be heavier than the initial Dutch and German vehicles so they are likely to be fitted with the XForce ZL tyre.

None of this negates the need for a recovery variant, as the video below demonstrates

The driver position has a fully protected hatch with integral vision equipment.

Boxer driver

Automotive and Capacities

Boxer is fitted with an MTU/Rolls Royce 8V199 TE20 multifuel engine, based on the Mercedes Benz Series OM500 truck engine, developing 536kW (720bhp) coupled to a 7 forward 3 reverse speed Allison HD4070 automatic transmission. The Euro III-compliant Series 199 has a two-stage intercooler and has been optimised for military use with modifications to the lubrication system, turbocharging system and electronics.

To reduce thermal signature, the hot exhaust is discharged together with the cooling air via thermally insulated ducts.

The engine series is the same one that powers Ajax. Pack change can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Boxer engine
Boxer engine

Its maximum speed is 103km/h with a road range of 1,050km to support longer self-deployments.

The suspension arrangement is shown below.

Boxer driveline
Boxer suspension

Boxer Drive Module – Tracked

KMW recently revealed a concept of a tracked drive module.

Tracked Boxer

First shown in 2022. the tracked drive module is larger than the wheeled version but can use any of the mission modules

Tracked boxer
Tracked Boxer

Boxer Protection

The vehicle is constructed from welded steel armour and with an AMAP composite armour provides baseline protection of STANAG 4569 Level 4 all-around (resistant against 14.5mm armour-piercing, 155mm artillery shell splinters at 30m and 10kg mine). Crew areas are also provided with an AMAP-L spall liner. Blast attenuating seats are also fitted as standard.

Boxer protection

Reduction of thermal, acoustic and radar signature is core to the design, actively cooled plates around the engine compartment, exhaust vent placement and triple-layer floors for example. Hydraulic liquids and fuel are placed outside of the main mission modules and a full CBRN protection system is fitted as standard.

Additional passive and active protection systems can be fitted. The Australian specification, for example, called for very high protection levels, STANAG 4569 level 6/6+. For the Australian vehicles, based on the A2 configuration, the local situational awareness system will be provided by Tectonica

Rheinmetall has demonstrated the Boxer CRV with the ADS – Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme active defence system called AMAP-ADS and a number of countermeasures. ADS appears to be a very impressive system, now renamed StrikeShield by Rheinmetall, but it remains to be seen how it will compare with other comparable systems with trainable submunition launchers.

Boxer ADS

The UK is currently evaluating a number of active protection systems so it will be interesting to see if any are selected for Ajax, MIV or Challenger 2 and it is likely that the comprehensive work completed for Ajax and Generic Vehicle Architecture will find its way into MIV at some stage. Certainly, UK Boxers will have excellent protection.

Some armour kits for UK Boxers will be provided by EODH Protection

Modularity

The modularity of Boxer is both unique and widely misunderstood.

A Boxer vehicle generally consists of two components, the Drive Module, common to all variants and roles, and Mission Module.

This modular concept was integral to harmonised MRAV/GTK/VBM requirements when Boxer was accepted by the UK, Germany and France as a means of maximising commonality to drive down through-life costs, AND, meet national requirements for roles and variants whilst supporting national industry partners.

Modularity adds parasitic weight and in some cases, might restrict weight distribution, but it is at the core of the Boxer concept and has advantages in a number of areas.

Boxer module

The Drive Module contains the power pack, suspension and driveline, fuel system, electrics, driver station, CBRN and fire detection/extinguishing system and rear ramp equipment (described above)

The Drive and Mission Modules will have different costs but for some of the more expensive modules, turreted or command, for example, the differential is significant.

The Drive Model contains wearing parts, the engine, pumps, suspension and components that are subject to regular maintenance, wear and damage just from driving around, let alone arduous driving or battle damage.

So when the Drive Module needs to be taken off the road for maintenance or repair, with a conventional vehicle, the ‘payload’ is also taken off the road. Inspections, changing a fuel filter or carrying out a repair means downtime for the very expensive parts of the overall package.

With a modular approach, getting the expensive modules back into service when the cheaper Drive Module is out of action is simply a case of swapping the module onto a serviceable Drive Module. In theatre technical reserves can be optimised reducing the overall logistics demand.It is this cost differential and ability to swap modules that can potentially drive overall capital and operating costs down by improving fleet availability.

Modelling would allow the optimum number of drive and mission modules to be obtained.

For a specific deployment, the force package can be tailored from a large pool of modules.

Modules can be changed within 30 minutes as per the video below, using suitable cranes

Cranes tend to have relatively limited availability so simple lifting jacks can also be used.

Boxer jack

Rheinmetall has also designed a produced a lifting frame called Scorpion

At first glance, Scorpion offers little over and above a crane but it is demountable using a DROP/EPLS type hooklift which provides additional flexibility and alternatives for transport/

Boxer Scorpion

Mission Modules can also be transported separately and for the heavier variants, the ability to split and transport separately allows aircraft loading to be tailored using different transport aircraft, military and civilian.

Boxer transport

Artec has developed an ISO-compatible lifting and transport frame that allows modules to be transported as an ISO container or using a DROPS/EPLS type hooklift.

Boxer transport

The ISO frame can be stacked as per conventional shipping containers.

Boxer transport

The final advantage is one of national industry. Each user nation can develop modules and add them to the options list for others, according to national priorities or strengths. Australia might develop a repair and recovery module that can simply be purchased off the shelf by others and added to their fleet, for example.

Boxer Module Variants

Boxer has been improved and modified to the current A2 configuration and a number of module variants are in service, in development or proposed.

Driver Training

Germany and the Netherlands share a common driver training module but Lithuania has a slightly separate design for this role (shown below).

Boxer driver training

The module provides space for an instructor with all-around vision and the ability to bring the vehicle to a halt quickly.

Boxer driver training

Two passenger seats are also provided for additional trainees and other personnel.

Boxer driver training

Armoured Personnel Carrier

The most common armoured personnel carrier module has blast-protected seating for the commander, gunner and eight dismounted personnel.

Boxer APC

The commander and gunner are provided with vision systems and three additional hatches for the dismounted personnel.

Command and control systems, equipment charging and storage support extended-duration missions, the German configuration, for example, has enough stores for a 10-day mission.

Boxer APC storage
Boxer APC storage

Dutch vehicles are fitted with the Kongsberg M151 Remote Weapon System mounting a 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun.

Boxer RS4

German vehicles have the KMW FLW-200 Remote Weapon System that can also mount a 12.7mm HMG, 7.62mm GMP or 40mm GMG. Later revisions mount this on an extended height ring to allow greater depression.

Boxer Afghanistan

The 400kg FLW-200+ has also been shown with a 20mm automatic cannon. A slightly heavier variant called the FLW-500 can be fitted with the ATK/Alliant 30mm M230-LF and use the same ammunition as the Apache attack helicopter.

Australian Block 2 vehicles will be fitted with the EOS R400 HD Mk2 RWS although the final selection of weapon seems likely to be a 12.7mm HMG

Boxer Australia

Seating has also been improved over the years, focussing on blast attenuation following experience in Afghanistan, situational awareness cameras have also been added.

Personnel can also be provided with a range of creature comforts, from integral toilets to the ubiquitous boiling vessel (or ration heater), depending on how deep into the optional extra pack the defence ministry is!

Boser toilet
110702-O-XXXXK-005 MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan. (July 28, 2011) The first German Army Boxer Armored Transport Vehicles deployed to Northern Afghanistan arrive at Camp Marmal, International Security Assistance Force, Regional Command North. The Boxer is equipped with modern optics and remote-controlled weapons stations and provides improved protection to its crews. The Boxer is also equipped with a crew toilet as seen here. (RC North Public Affairs photo by Tech. Sgt. Florian Krumbach/Released)
Boxer BV
110702-O-XXXXK-004 MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan. (July 28, 2011) The first German Army Boxer Armored Transport Vehicles deployed to Northern Afghanistan arrive at Camp Marmal, International Security Assistance Force, Regional Command North. The Boxer is equipped with modern optics and remote-controlled weapons stations and provides improved protection to its crews. The Boxer is also equipped with a kettle to heat water as seen here. (RC North Public Affairs photo by Tech. Sgt. Florian Krumbach/Released)

Infantry Fighting Vehicle/Cavalry

The Lithuanian ‘Vilkas’ variant of Boxer uses a Rafael 1.5 tonne Samson Mk II RWS

Boxer Vilkas

The Samson is fitted with a 30mm Bushmaster cannon and Spike missiles. The commander and gunner have separate sights (daylight and thermal imaging) and can operate in hunter-killer mode. The gun can also be unloaded from the inside.

Boxer was originally demonstrated with the RCT 30 unmanned turret as fitted to the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

Boxer 30mm

Lithuania has ordered 88 vehicles in total, 82 in IFV, 2 Driver Training and 4 Command variants. The total contract value for the Lithuanian vehicles is 386 million Euros, or roughly £3.9m each, with KMW making 53 and Rheinmetall, the remainder.

The Australian CRV uses a Lance modular manned turret with a dual belt-fed Rheinmetall 30mm MK-30/2 ABM automatic cannon and 7.62mm GPMG. It also has an RWS with a 7.62mm weapon. The main gun can use programmable ammunition.

With the manned turret, the dismounted personnel seats are reduced to four. The Australian CRV uses larger 27″ Michelin XML tyres and various other changes, reflecting both national requirements and the availability of modern systems when compared to the original design, fabric air conditioning ducting and improved exhaust management in dusty terrain for example.

Block II CRVs are planned to be fitted with turret-mounted Spike LR2 ATGW.

A number of other turrets and RWS have been proposed and/or demonstrated on Boxer.

Boxer 40mm CTAS
LM CTAS, 40mm

Boxer has also been shown with Kongsberg RT60 remote turret. The RT-60 mounts a 30×173 mm Bushmaster XM813 cannon, coaxial 7.62×51 mm MG, RWS with 12.7×99 mm HMG and a twin retractable ATGM launcher (with Javelin, MMP or Spike ER)

Boxer 30mm RT60
RT60 RWS, 30mm

The evergreen John Cockerill has also integrated their 3105 turret with a Boxer module

Boxer 105mm
Cockerill Defense 3000 series turret, 105mm
Boxer RS4
Thales RS4, 12.7mm and Javelin

At the same time as unveiling the Boxer Tracked Drive Module, KMW showed it off with their RCT120 turret.

Tracked Boxer

Ambulance

Both Germany and the Netherlands have different ambulance variants.

Boxer ambulance

The higher roof provides 17.5 m³ of protected volume and a floor-to-roof height of 1.85m.

Whilst the layouts and equipment fits differ, their flexibility allows combinations of 7 seated casualties, 3 stretcher casualties, 2 stretchers and 3 seated casualties or 1 stretcher casualty accessible from both sides and above.

Boxer ambulance
Boxer ambulance

Command

The two command post variants are specific to Germany and the Netherlands, each configured with country-specific communication and other electronic systems.

Boxer command

In addition to the vehicle commander and driver, there is accommodation for three command personnel.

Boxer command
Boxer command

The German version has a roof-mounted manually operated jib used to load and unload tentage.

Engineering and Cargo

The Cargo variant can carry two 1-tonne pallets with full protection and a cargo floor system that includes a movement and stowage system.

Boxer cargo
Boxer cargo

Derived from the Cargo variant, the Cargo/C2 variant has a flexible interior that can be used for command functions (with seating for 3 extra passengers, cargo transport for one and a half tonnes of cargo or casualty transport with a NATO stretcher and casualty.

The Armoured Engineer Group vehicle has a crew of two and carries six combat engineers for mining, demining, and related activities, including their stores, some of which are carried on the roof in specialist racking.

Boxer AEG

A Battle Damage Repair variant has seating for the commander/driver and two engineering personnel, stores and equipment to effect forward repairs.

Boxer repair

Pearson Engineering has also released a number of concept images for fitting Boxer with various attachments for lane marking, route proving and mine clearance.

Boxer doze blade
Boxer mine roller
Boxer surface clearance blade
Boxer clearance
Boxer land clearance

Recovery

Flensburg has produced an armoured recovery module for Boxer equipped with both a straight pull winch and slewing crane.

Boxer recover

The module weighs approximately 13 tonnes and has seating for two (commander and gunner, it is assumed an RWS of some sort will be specified by the customer).

The recovery equipment can be used independently of the drive module as the hydraulic system is powered by an integral battery.

The capstan winch has a straight pull on 20 tonnes and is fitted with 60m of Kevlar-reinforced rope. The boom crane is 5.3m long and has a lifting capacity of 20 tonnes, enough to complete a pack or module change, both can be operated remotely from outside the vehicle.

Boxer recovery

The module also contains a variety of pneumatic and other hand tools. When the crane slews sideways, outriggers can be deployed, retracting into the module in the stowed position.

Bridging

KMW has developed and demonstrated a bridging module for Boxer that can use their Leguan bridge system to span a 13m gap at MLC100 or 22m at MLC50.

Boxer bridging

Pearson Engineering have also shown Boxer with their Bridge Launch Mechanism for conventional assault bridges

Boxer bridging

Artillery

KMW has integrated their 155mm artillery gun on Boxer.

The Automated Gun Module uses the proven 155mm/L52 barrel from the PzH2000 with an automated loading and fire control system to enable 360 ° azimuth and up to 54km range. 30 projectiles and 144 charge modules are carried with a maximum firing rate of 9 rounds per minute.

Boxer 155mm

It can fire with up to 6 propellant charges before needing additional vehicle support. Base bleed provides a maximum range of 40km with V-LAP up to 54km, with the latter, it can cover an area of 5,026 km².

Boxer 155mm

The maximum weight is 39 tonnes, well over the maximum payload of the A400M, not that it would fit anyway as it is too high.

Mortar

RBSL have developed a mortar variant that can utilise a Rheinmetall 81mm or 120mm tube called Ragnorak

Boxer 120mm mortar

It was live-fired with 120mm natures in 2022

A concept using the Patria Nemo turreted 120mm mortar has also been modelled.

Boxer Nemo
Boxer Nemo

MLRS – Land Precision Strike

These only exist as illustrations, shown below.

Boxer MLRS

Land Precision Strike is a UK-specific programme that may employ a number of effectors, not just GMLRS (not to be confused with Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO).

Boxer LPS

Weapon Locating and Joint Fires Surveillance

Saab has shown an illustration of a Boxer module equipped with a combination of their ARTHUR weapon locating and Giraffe 3D radar systems.

Boxer Giraffe

Again, concept art is only at this stage.

Boxer Giraffe

Germany is planning a heavy Fire Support Team vehicle, a larger version of their Fennek. It is planned to be equipped with a Hensoldt BAA II surveillance system.

Australia also has surveillance and joint fire variant planned, the Land 400 Close Combat Storyboard illustrates the requirement.

Boxer variants

Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO)

In May 2021, the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) released details of the Army’s requirements for Battle Group Organic Anti-Armour (BGOAA). Briefly, it comprised;

  • Close-In Self Defence (CISD): portable lightweight munitions carried by Infantry sections
  • Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO): a long-range system providing anti-armour coverage to the battle group, with concepts carrying multiple missiles weighing up to 50kg with a range of up to 10km or more
  • Close Combat Anti-Armour Weapons (CCAAW): Mounted and Dismounted, capable of destroying armoured vehicles even if hidden from view

 

MBDA responded with a Brimstone-armed version.

Boxer Brimstone

Hero Loitering Munitions and the Lockheed Martin JAGM are also proposed.

Boxer Hero
Hero Loitering Munition
Boxer Hellfire
Hellfire/JAGM VLS

Air Defence and C-UAS

Although no air defence or counter UAS system has entered service on the Boxer vehicle, a number of manufacturers have either proposed or developed prototypes and demonstrators.

The Skyranger is a mature system based on a 35mm revolver cannon.

Boxer Skyranger

New versions of the well-established Skyranger turret have also been developed, the latest utilising a lighter turret with a 30mm revolver cannon, AMMR (AESA Multi-Mission Radar) S-band radar, an optical-electronic station FIRST (Fast InfraRed Search and Track) system, a High Energy Laser (HEL), and a twin missile launcher.

The uncrewed turret weighs much less (2.5 tonnes) compared to that shown above (4.5 tonnes)

The radar system uses five flat antennae to provide 360-degree coverage with a detection range of 20km for small UAS.

The effective range of the main gun is 3km.

Missile-based systems have also been proposed using the RBS-70, MBDA Mistral, and IRIS-T

Boxer IRIS-T
IRIS-T
Boxer RBS-70
RBS-70
Boxer Mistral
Mistral

And of course, HVM Starstreak

Boxer HVM

Valhalla Turrets also proposed their Nimrod RWS for the air defence role on Boxer

Boxer Valhalla

Hensoldt will go one step further with a recent order from the German army for 10 Spexer 2000 3D radar systems that will be integrated on Boxer and combined with a Kongsberg Protector RWS for counter UAS for their VJTF.

In 2013, Rheinmetall demonstrated a Boxer with a 5kw High Energy Laser (HEL) module, this continues to be developed.

Boxer HEL

JODAA

A joint operational demonstrator for advanced applications (JODAA) is used for the operational development of new systems, manned/unmanned teaming and command and control.

The Bit Where I Ask A Favour

TD is a hobby for me

I strive to provide decent content for no cost but hosting, software and services add up.

You can help me keep the show on the road by…

Clicking an advert

Dropping a few quid in the Kofi jar

Or even buying some Think Defence merchandise over at Red Bubble

Thanks in advance folks, your support really is appreciated

UK Variants

Little had been publically released early by the MoD about the role and module split for the 500 or so Boxers it has on order, this is not unusual for the MoD.

Boxer UK Variants

We know the UK variant will have the higher output 600kW MTU 8V 199 TE21 engine and the following variants/roles.

Some additional information was subsequently released on roles and variants but it was not clear if this would remain in future iterations of the Army organisation.

UK Boxer will be fitted with the Thales/Kongsberg Protector RS4 Remote Weapon System. Each will also include an acoustic shot detection system.

The RS4-J RWS includes the Thales Catherine-EZ thermal imager, Thales CELT3 laser rangefinder and Kongsberg VIS95 day camera. 

Like the Dutch Boxers, UK vehicles will be fitted with the RFEL Trailblazer vision system

The British Army will receive the latest generation of RFEL’s Trailblazer solution on Boxer vehicles. It is designed for all weathers and light conditions, including hatches down driving. The system uses RFEL’s leading ‘Video Fusion’ technology which provides excellent coverage with ultra-wide field of views, giving unparalleled situational awareness whilst offering a small physical footprint and simple platform integration. A software-defined capability ensures the camera modules can be updated with product enhancements, keeping step with customer requirements and ensuring longevity of service. The system is also fully-GVA (Generic Vehicle Architecture) compliant, supporting multiple views for the driver and crew.

Video below

MilDef will provide the ruggedised electronics and computing equipment for UK Boxers.

 

 

Change Status

Change DateRecord
 29/03/2017Initial issue
 25/09/2020Update to reflect more information available
 23/07/2021Update and format refresh 
 26/10/2022Update 

 

 

 

 

 

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments