Article

YPG tests support vehicle for Afghan National Army
Mark Schauer
October 3, 2011
YPG driver Mike Whittaker prepares a Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) for another day of testing at the proving ground. The platform, based on the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle, will be sold to Afghanistan's military next year. (Photo by Mark Schauer)

Yuma Proving Ground tests virtually every piece of equipment used by American Soldiers, but also conducts evaluations on military equipment for friendly foreign nations. A new country on the list represents a positive sign of progress after a decade of military operations by American forces.

The proving ground is currently conducting tests on three variants of the Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFV) that will be sold to Afghanistan’s military next year. The MSFV variants, based on the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), include an ambulance and two armored personnel carriers (APC), all of which will be put through their paces at YPG prior to delivery.

"These vehicles are for the Afghan National Army Mobile Strike Force," said Alex Alabiad, YPG test officer. "The ultimate purpose of the testing is to provide a safety confirmation before fielding the systems."

The evaluation will see each vehicle performing simulated missions across 3,000 miles of punishing desert terrain, including gravel hills and steep mountain grades, with an average day adding at least 200 miles to the odometer. The vehicles will be pushed to their limits during portions of the testing by using weights of over a thousand pounds that simulate a full crew and payload.

"Full load cooling testing complements the rest of the endurance testing," said Alabiad. "The customer provides us with the simulated weight they want us to implement on the vehicle, and we weigh it to that specification."

No one from the Afghan Army is participating in the testing. Instead, once the vehicles are fielded, American Soldiers will train their Afghani counterparts on the vehicle’s considerable capabilities. For example, all MSFV variants under test are equipped with a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that can inflate and deflate the large tires between four different levels while on the go, which gives drivers the ability to adjust the tires for maximum traction while traveling over rough terrain. Also, the turreted APC variant has an optional mine roller that will be useful in country heavily contaminated by land mines.

The vehicle, equipped with all-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and air conditioning, is well-regarded by the proving ground’s drivers.

"This vehicle is my favorite," said test vehicle operator Mike Whittaker. "It really moves. It’s just like driving your car."

The vehicle’s project manager is also pleased with YPG efforts.

"The support we get from YPG is outstanding," said Craig Louque of Textron Marine and Land Systems, the vehicle’s manufacturer. "Any time, night or day, they are very responsive."

"There is nowhere better for hot weather testing than YPG," added Alabiad. "We have the capability, facilities, and reputation for accomplishing testing well above standards." YPG Outpost