Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1281650
modifications were further extended in the case of the Str.9040B of the 2000s. The new vehicle received a new azimuthal turret drive system, with a new stabilizer. The platform was also readied for the installation of the panoramic LEMUR commander optics. Ultimately, however, the latter element was not introduced due to cuts. The newer Strf.9040C has no changes implemented in the case of its fire control system. The fate of the export CV90 variants has been entirely different. The vehicles for Norway (CV9030N ordered in 1994) have received the stabilized Bushmaster 30 mm gun, meanwhile, the UTAAS system has been enhanced with a thermal imaging camera (however, with performance that has been quite weak). The commander has the SFIM/Sopelem sight at his disposal (magnification 1x or 16x) with an ability to view the gunner's thermal- imaging system imagery. FCS of the Swiss CV9030CH ( contract signed in 1999) are similar. Changes that have been much more significant were introduced in the Dutch CV9035NL (2004). Here, the UTAAS has been coupled with a very capable Thales Catherine XP thermal imaging system. The CV9035NL FCS has an ability to handle programmable rounds. Thales MT-DNGS has become the main optical instrument that the commander can use, featuring an independent thermal imaging camera, (30 deg FOV) and 6x magnification option (FOV of 6 degrees), and an optional laser rangefinder. Notably, the Norwegian, as well as the Swiss, or even the Dutch vehicles altogether do not exhibit the full scope of hunter- killer capability. The commanders have no panoramic optics at their disposal. However, their turrets with a set of periscopes and the decent SFIM/Sopelem sights with image stabilizers and with extra gunner's thermal imaging system display altogether provide them with a good level of situational awareness and comfort. The CV9035NL, meanwhile, use the fairly successful MT-DNGS with its own thermal imaging device. It is difficult to have anything against the UTAAS www.fragoutmag.com