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58-591: The Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III . Stryker vehicles are produced by General Dynamics Land Systems -Canada (GDLS-C) for the United States Army in a plant in London, Ontario . It has four-wheel drive (8×4) and can be switched to all-wheel drive (8×8). The Stryker was conceived as a family of vehicles forming the backbone of

116-662: A RADA Electronic Industries onboard Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR). The Army chose DRS because of the flexibility of the reconfigurable turret to allow for growth opportunities and alternate weapon options. It posed less intrusion to the existing vehicle platform, as they have a desire to keep the Stryker as common across the fleet as possible, and it provided increased protection as the crew can reload ammunition under armor. All 144 M-SHORAD systems are planned to be delivered by 2022. The turret can mount one four-shot Stinger pod or two Hellfire missiles on either side. Reloading of

174-539: A ballistic shield to protect the commander's hatch. The Army began sending reactive armor tiles to Strykers in Iraq in 2004, as well as tiles for Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Tiles have to be specifically crafted for each vehicle type they are fitted to. Insurgents attempted to counter reactive armor by having teams fire multiple RPGs at once, but at close range these groups could be engaged and broken up. Reactive armor can be defeated by tandem-charge weapons like

232-575: A common engine, transmission, hydraulics, wheels, tires, differentials and transfer case. The M1130 command vehicle and M1133 medical evacuation vehicle have an air conditioning unit mounted on the back. The medical vehicle has a higher-capacity generator. A recent upgrade program provided a field retrofit kit to add air conditioning units to all variants. Production started in 2005 on the Mobile Gun System, mounting an overhead General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) 105 mm automatic gun called

290-649: A day-night thermal imaging camera which allows the vehicle commander to see what the driver sees. The vehicle commander has an almost 360-degree field of vision. The driver can see slightly more than 90 degrees of vision. Soldiers can practice training with the vehicles from computer training modules inside the vehicle. General Dynamics Land Systems is developing a new Power and Data Management Architecture to handle computer upgrades. The Stryker's thermal sights can see out to 7,800 ft (2,400 m; 1.48 mi), compared to 330 ft (100 m) for night vision sights used by dismounted soldiers. This capability allows

348-526: A height management system. By August 2012, the Army's Stryker fleet included over 4,187 vehicles, with 10 flat-bottom variants and seven in double V-hull designs. In Afghanistan, it retained a 96 percent readiness rate. To upgrade the existing fleet, the Army has implemented an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) program to provide a stronger engine, improved suspension, more onboard electrical power, and next-generation networking and computing technology. Phase 1 of

406-536: A laser on an M-SHORAD vehicle began in mid-2019. A combat shoot-off of laser-equipped Strykers facing realistic scenarios was conducted in July 2021, after which Raytheon was awarded a contract to supply a platoon of four vehicles each equipped with a 50 kW laser to defend against Group 1-3 UAS and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) threats. The first two Directed Energy Maneuver-SHORAD Strykers were delivered in early 2023 for training with soldiers. A second platoon

464-545: A litany of design flaws, and said the effectiveness of the vehicles was "getting worse, not better." The Stryker 105 mm M1128 mobile gun system (MGS) moved into low-rate initial production in 2005 for evaluation, and entered full production in 2007. General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada assembles the Stryker for the U.S. Army in a plant in London, Ontario . The vehicle is employed in Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, light and mobile units based on

522-694: A new medium-weight brigade combat team (BCT) that was to strike a balance between armored brigade combat teams (heavy armor) and infantry brigade combat teams . The service launched the Interim Armored Vehicle competition, and in 2000, the service selected the LAV III proposed by GDLS and General Motors Defense . The service named this family of vehicles the "Stryker". Ten variants of the Stryker were initially conceived, some of which have been upgraded with v-hulls . In October 1999, U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki outlined

580-479: A transformation plan for the Army that would allow it to adapt to post– Cold War conditions. The plan, named "Objective Force", would have the army adopt a flexible doctrine that would allow it to deploy quickly, and be equipped for a variety of operations. An early phase of the plan called for the introduction of an Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV), which was intended to fill the capability gap between heavier and heavily armed, but not easily deployable, vehicles, such as

638-477: A vehicle only has eight wheels by definition all are driven. When it has twelve – with two pairs of dual wheels on each rear axle – all are also driven but the 8×8 designation remains. Very occasionally, the two front axles are fitted with dual wheels, such as on the Sterling T26 . For most military applications where traction/mobility are considered more important than payload, single wheels on each axle are

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696-420: Is available. ECP enhancements include a more robust 450 HP engine, a more powerful 910 amp power generator, a chassis upgrade to handle the new engine, and improvements to the vehicle's internal network. Upgrading the fourth brigade also kept the production line active through 2018, whereas deciding to upgrade after the line had closed would be more difficult and costly from reopening it. The upgrades of

754-485: Is feared they would not be able to rely on air dominance to counter enemy aircraft. In addition to deploying AN/TWQ-1 Avengers and fielding man-portable Stinger missiles , Strykers are to be upgraded to buy time to build a lasting mobile air defense solution. Because the unarmored Humvee-based Avenger lacks survivability and range to keep up with maneuver forces and hold off enemy aircraft in contested territory, four battalions totaling 144 Stryker SHORADs are planned, with

812-697: Is planned to be ordered later in 2023, with the program to transfer to a program of record in 2025 and a competition to open up to produce the DE M-SHORAD capability. Four DE M-SHORAD Strykers were deployed to the Middle East in February 2024 for real-world testing. The Stryker is based on the LAV III light armored vehicle, which was based on the LAV-25 series. The vehicle comes in several variants with

870-574: Is published in October of each year. The Green Book is an almanac of articles from Army leadership and reference information about America's Army worldwide. Members also receive AUSA Extra a weekly digital newspaper featuring the latest news about the Army and the association. AUSA has 121 chapters worldwide, which develop programs and activities that provide community support for the US Army through individual and corporate members. Chapters serve as

928-599: The M1128 mobile gun system . For its powerpack the Stryker uses a Caterpillar diesel engine common in U.S. Army medium-lift trucks, eliminating additional training for maintenance crews and allowing the use of common parts. Because of obsolescence concerns, the Caterpillar 3126 engine was recently replaced by a Caterpillar C7 engine and the Allison 3200SP transmission. Pneumatic or hydraulic systems drive almost all of

986-626: The M2 Bradley , and easily deployable vehicles that are lightly armed and protected, such as the Humvee . The IAV was intended as an interim vehicle until light air-mobile vehicles from the Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles program came online, none of which did before the program was canceled. In February 2000, General Dynamics and General Motors announced they were partnering to enter

1044-710: The RPG-29 or by explosively formed penetrators , although the Bradley's tiles can withstand EFPs. In 2005, slat armor for the Stryker vehicles was designed and developed by the Army Research Laboratory and the Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland to further protect them from RPGs. The cage is placed 50 cm ahead around the vehicle, allowing a RPG warhead to explode at a safe distance from

1102-519: The brigade combat team doctrine that relies on vehicles connected by military CI (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) networks. General Dynamics's Robotic Systems division was developing autonomous navigation for the Stryker and several other vehicles with a $ 237 million contract, until the program was cut in July 2011. The Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has tested an active magneto rheological suspension , developed by MillenWorks for

1160-485: The Army and outstanding soldiers. The Association of the United States Army presents a number of distinguished soldiers, civil servants, and volunteers with national awards at its Annual Meeting. In addition, local chapters also give a variety of awards to local soldiers, Army civilians, and volunteers, as well as managing scholarships programs benefiting local students and soldiers. Established in 1960,

1218-579: The Army awarded a $ 30 million contract to GDLS to start production of the new hull. In March 2011, the Department of Defense's director of operational test and evaluations testified that the new V-hull design was "not suitable" for long missions in Afghanistan's terrain. The issues are due to the tight driver's compartment and difficulty releasing the seat to extract an incapacitated driver. General Dynamics stated these issues would be corrected before

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1276-584: The DoD's budget proposal for fiscal year 2004, with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld deferring a decision on two additional until July 2003. In May, the Army readied the Stryker for initial operating capability at Fort Polk . The New York Times noted the swiftness with which the program had proceeded from its inception in 1999. In November 2003, 311 Stryker vehicles were deployed in the Iraq War , where they saw mixed success. Never designed for frontline combat,

1334-535: The ECP includes an electrical power upgrade by replacing the extant 570  amp alternator with a higher current 910 amp alternator, replacing the existing 350 horsepower engine with a 450-horsepower engine, a stronger suspension system to improve mobility at higher weights, and an in-vehicle network to improve data and video sharing between crew stations and more secure and reliable data sharing between vehicle systems. In May 2013, Kongsberg Integrated Tactical Systems

1392-687: The George Catlett Marshall Medal is AUSA's highest honor, and is awarded annually for selfless service to the United States. Past recipients include Colin Powell , Madeleine Albright , Kenneth Fisher , and George H. W. Bush . Established in 1965, the General Creighton W. Abrams Medal is awarded annually to the individual or group who has done the most to foster the advancement of the United States Army during

1450-666: The IAV competition. The agreement built off earlier cooperative effort: In January 1999, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)–Canada integrated its Low Profile Turret (LPT) onto an assault gun version of the LAV III . The General Motors Defense –General Dynamics Land Systems team was awarded the $ 8 billion contract in November 2000 to produce 2,131 vehicles of a variant of the Canadian LAV III, for equipping six rapid deployment Brigade Combat Teams by 2008. United Defense protested

1508-689: The M230LF and Stingers can be done through roof hatches giving partial protection. The system can act in a secondary anti-vehicle role, as the 30 mm cannon is larger than the 25 mm gun mounted on the M2 Bradley and the Hellfire has greater range than TOW missiles typically used by ground vehicles. In September 2020, the Army awarded General Dynamics the IM-SHORAD contract worth $ 1.2 billion, to deliver 144 vehicles over five years. The first order

1566-829: The Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal is awarded annually to the noncommissioned officer contributing most to the United States Army Noncommissioned Officer Corps. Past recipients include SGM David G. Martinez, CSM Andrew McFowler, and Richard A. Kidd . The John W. Dixon Award, established in 1989, is presented annually for distinguished service in the industrial community resulting in outstanding contributions to national defense. Past recipients include Linda Hudson , Marillyn Hewson , and Norman R. Augustine . The Major General James Early Rudder Medal

1624-594: The Stryker, at the Yuma Proving Ground , which resulted in greater vehicle stability. In 2011, over 1,000 Stryker vehicles had been rebuilt by the Anniston Army Depot and returned to operations. Throughout its years in service, the Stryker has undergone various survivability upgrades and received "kit" applications designed to improve the vehicle's ability to withstand attacks. The US Army plans to improve its fleet of Stryker vehicles with

1682-565: The contract award in December, saying that their proposal cost less than half that of GM–GDLS. The General Accounting Office rejected the protest in April 2001. U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Army Paul J. Hoeper called the IAV "the best off-the-shelf equipment available in the world in this class", though many in the Army openly wondered whether the vehicles were underclassed compared to

1740-448: The deployment of the new Stryker version. The upgrade added significant weight to the vehicle, which can cause it to sink into soft ground. In July 2011, 450 Double V-Hull (DVH) variants of the Stryker vehicle were ordered. The total was increased to 742 a few months later and then to 760 in 2012. DVH Strykers include a new hull configuration, increased armor, upgraded suspension and braking systems, wider tires, blast-attenuating seats, and

1798-458: The engine and power generator, 60,000 lb (27,000 kg) suspension, and DVH designate the vehicle the Stryker-A1. The Army plans to increase the lethality of Stryker ICVs by having half equipped with a 30 mm cannon and the other half given a Javelin anti-tank missile on the existing RWS in each brigade. By September 2020, half of the 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division had fielded

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1856-527: The engine and troop compartments that activate one or more halon fire bottles, which can also be activated by the driver, externally mounted fuel tanks, and a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) Warfare system which will keep the crew compartment airtight and positively pressurized. Reports from military personnel and analysts state that the Stryker is superior to other light military vehicles regarding survivability against IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Eight-wheel drive When such

1914-640: The field, the additional weight ruled out transporting the vehicle by C-130. In February 2005, Army Chief of Staff General Peter J. Schoomaker told the House Armed Services Committee that "we're absolutely enthusiastic about what the Stryker has done." However, a leaked U.S. Army report from December 2004 said the Stryker was "effective and survivable only with limitations for use in small-scale contingencies." The report, which drew from feedback from Stryker personnel in Mosul , described

1972-434: The first battery of 12 systems fielded in 2020. The Stryker platform was chosen because it has better protection and in regards to size, weight and power considerations, especially for the possibility of integrating a directed energy weapon in the future. The first unit to be equipped with them will be the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment . The Army planned to select the weapons configuration to be fitted onto

2030-593: The front pair steering . Occasionally a single front and three rear (tridem) axles are seen, an example being the Oshkosh M1070 tank transporter . In such configurations, the frontmost and rearmost axle usually steer. Other wheel groupings include that of the ZIL-135 . Many wheeled armored vehicles have an 8x8 drivetrain, with the axles (which usually have independent suspension) more evenly spaced. Latest generation 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles have steering on

2088-408: The go, increased 500 ampere electrical generation, a new solid-state power distribution system and data bus, and the automotive and power plant systems improvements to support one-fourth greater gross vehicle weight. The upgraded V-hull will be part of the new StrykShield situational awareness kit, which will address many of these upgrades. Allegheny Technologies ' ATI 500-MIL armor steel was designated

2146-404: The initial batch of ceramic armor when it was found that a number of panels failed in tests against 14.5 mm ammunition. Army officials determined that this was due to changes in the composition and size of the panels introduced by their manufacturer, IBD Deisenroth . A stopgap solution of adding another 3 mm of steel armor was introduced until a permanent solution could be found. The issue

2204-405: The introduction of improved semi-active suspension , modifications reshaping the hull into a shallow V-shaped structure , to protect against improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Included are additional armor for the sides, redesigned hatches to minimize gaps in the armor, blast-absorbent, mine-resistant seating, non-flammable tires, an upgrade to the remote weapon station that allows it to fire on

2262-423: The liaison between the Army and local civilian communities. They also help educate the public about the needs for a strong national defense and the Army. Chapters are involved in a variety of programs to help support deployed and mobilized soldiers and their families. Typical chapter activities include general membership meetings with high-profile guest speakers, community involvement events and special events honoring

2320-454: The norm. On some vehicles, usually recovery trucks or heavy tractor units , the rear axles will have wider tires than the front axles. Heavy hauler and ballast tractor 8×8s have had a long history as prime movers in both the military (as tank transports and artillery tractors ), as well as commercially in logging and heavy equipment hauling both on- and off-road. Most eight-wheel drive trucks have two front and two rear axles, with only

2378-540: The number of planned Stryker Brigade Combat Teams from six to three for a cost savings of $ 4.5 billion. In October, the Stryker's C-130 air mobility was demonstrated for lawmakers at Andrews Air Force Base . At the Association of the United States Army , Army Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki defended the six-brigade plan and boasted that the C-130 could carry a Stryker "every way but sideways". Four brigades were funded in

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2436-503: The past year. Past recipients include Daniel Inouye , William E. DePuy , and the Arlington Ladies . The Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal is awarded annually to the individual who has contributed most significantly to AUSA's mission over the previous year, often honoring AUSA's most diligent volunteers. Past recipients include Julius W. Becton Jr. , Paik Sun-yup , and William G. Bainbridge . Established in 2000,

2494-519: The philosophy of a strong national defense with special concern for the Army. Community businesses and defense industry companies are also vital and contributing members of AUSA. Other membership categories include Community Partners and National Partners (for defense industry businesses). Membership in AUSA includes a subscription to ARMY Magazine received monthly, including the Green Book , which

2552-490: The primary armored plating for the StrykShield package in 2008. The upgrade incorporating lessons learned from combat in Afghanistan is designated LAV-H. General Dynamics had a technology demonstrator displayed at the 2007 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Exposition. In March 2010, it was reported that General Dynamics and Army were working to incorporate a double V-hull into the Stryker design. In July 2010

2610-632: The professional association of the United States Army. Founded in 1950, it has 121 chapters worldwide. Membership is open to everyone, not just Army personnel, nor is membership mandatory for soldiers. The organization publishes ARMY Magazine and the Green Book . The current president is retired Army General Robert Brooks Brown . Membership in AUSA is not just open to all Army ranks and all components are represented--including Regular Army, National Guard, Army Reserve, Government Civilians, Retirees, Wounded Warriors, Veterans but to concerned citizens and family members. [1] AUSA welcomes anyone who subscribes to

2668-496: The rearmost axle to improve maneuverability. In the case of both truck and armored vehicle applications, drive may be limited to the rear two axles for on-road use, thus reducing drivetrain stress and tire wear, and increasing fuel efficiency . Association of the United States Army The Association of the United States Army ( AUSA ) is a private, non-profit organization that serves as

2726-520: The third-generation Stryker DVHA1 variant. In February 2018, the Army announced that Stryker vehicles would be modified with sensors and weapons to fulfill an interim Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) requirement. This is in response to a capability gap identified in Europe against Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With the previous focus on fighting in the Middle East, the U.S. Army had neglected SHORAD capabilities. In future conflicts, it

2784-564: The vehicle in late 2018. In June 2018, the Army chose Leonardo DRS to supply the mission equipment package, which partnered with Moog Inc. to integrate the Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) onto the vehicle. The system can be fitted with a Stinger pod and Longbow Hellfire missile rails and comes equipped with a 30 mm M230LF chain gun and the 7.62 mm M240 coaxial machine gun , as well as non-kinetic defeat capabilities and

2842-540: The vehicle to warn dismounted soldiers of threats which lie beyond the range of their night vision sights. The Stryker's hull is constructed from high-hardness steel which offers a basic level of protection against 14.5  mm rounds on the frontal arc. It has all-around protection against 7.62 mm ball ammunition. Strykers are equipped with bolt-on ceramic armor which offers all-around protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing ammunition, and artillery fragments from 155 mm rounds. Problems were encountered with

2900-410: The vehicle's mechanical features. For example, a pneumatic system switches between 8×4 and 8×8 drive. Designers strove to ease the maintainer's job, equipping most cables, hoses, and mechanical systems with quick-disconnecting mechanisms. The engine and transmission can be removed and reinstalled in approximately two hours, allowing repairs to the turbocharger and many other components to be done outside

2958-411: The vehicle. Extensive computer support helps soldiers fight the enemy while reducing friendly fire incidents. Each vehicle can track friendly vehicles in the field as well as detected enemies. The driver and the vehicle commander, who also serves as the gunner, have periscopes that allow them to see outside the vehicle without exposing themselves to outside dangers. The vehicle commander has access to

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3016-482: The vehicle. The slat armor on the Stryker vehicles is reportedly effective against HEAT rounds. In May 2009, General Dynamics and Rafael won a contract to provide SRAT tiles to replace slat armor on Strykers. The additional weight of the two systems is comparable, but reactive armor tiles offer greater vehicle stability and maneuverability and "assured" rather than "statistical" protection. The Stryker incorporates an automatic fire-extinguishing system with sensors in

3074-648: The vehicles they might face in battle. In February 2002, the Army formally renamed the IAV as the "Stryker" after two unrelated U.S. soldiers who posthumously received the Medal of Honor : Private First Class Stuart S. Stryker , who died in World War II , and Specialist Four Robert F. Stryker , who died in the Vietnam War . In 2002, as the Stryker program faced criticism from lawmakers, including former Congressman Newt Gingrich , Pentagon officials mulled reducing

3132-412: The vehicles were pressed into counterinsurgency roles for which there was an unmet need. Unexpectedly fierce resistance by insurgents prompted field upgrades to the vehicle's armor. To counter the threat of rocket-propelled grenades , General Dynamics developed slat armor , which added 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) to the vehicle weight. The upgrades came at a cost: in addition to hindering mobility in

3190-591: Was awarded a contract to supply the Driver's Situational Awareness Display (DSAD) and Commander's Situational Awareness Display (CSAD) for the Stryker ECP program, featuring an onboard processor and additional I/O ports for both data and video. As of January 2014, the U.S. Army had two Stryker Brigades that completed the DVH upgrade. A third brigade, the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis–McChord ,

3248-585: Was for 28 vehicles for $ 230 million. The first four Stryker M-SHORAD vehicles were deployed to Germany in April 2021 as part of the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment under the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command . A full battalion will be fielded in September 2021. In 2024, the M-SHORAD air defense vehicle based on the Stryker platform was officially named after Medal of Honor awardee Mitchell W. Stout . The Army began an effort to put

3306-447: Was resolved in 2003 when DEW Engineering was selected as the new, exclusive supplier for the ceramic armor. In addition to the integral ceramic armor, optional packages have been developed. These include slat armor and Stryker reactive armor tiles (SRAT) for protection against rocket propelled grenades and other projectiles, the hull protection kit (HPK), armored skirts for additional protection against improvised explosive devices, and

3364-509: Was to be fully upgraded by the end of FY 2016. In mid-October 2014, the Army approved the procurement of DVH Strykers for a fourth Stryker brigade, with conversions to 360 vehicles to begin in FY 2017. The Strykers will be the first to receive ECPs to handle the upgrades better than the previous three brigade vehicles, which increased weight, decreased mobility, and added a power burden. Previous DVH-upgraded Strykers will get ECP enhancements when funding

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