Danish Army Specific: The army awarded the Danish company A/S Hydrema a contract late 1996 to supply the vehicles after an international competition and trials.
The first four Hydrema 910 Mine Clearing Vehicle (MCV) systems was handed over in DEC 1997 to the Danish Army, with the remaining eight to follow early 1998. Additional 2 was acquired late 2001/early 2002.
Historical: The Hydrema 910 MCV builds on the company's experience in design, development and production of off road vehicles, mainly for the construction industry, as well as its experience in hydraulics. To reduce life cycle costs, proven and in-production components have been used where possible.
The MCV is designed for rapid clearance of surface or buried anti-tank mines which contain up to 10kg of high explosive in military and peacekeeping operations.
In 2003 24 units of the improved 910MCV2, including training and spare parts, have been sold to the Indian armed forces.
Length: 8.50 (331 inches).
Width: 2.80 (109 inches).
Height: 2.70 m (105 inches).
Weight: 18.000 kg (39.600 lb.).
Armour: 14 mm.
Engine: 2 Perkins 1006-6TW 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines.
Horsepower: 178 hp ea. at 2.600 rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed ZF 6WG150 semi-automatic transmission/separate hydrostatic transmission.
Transfer case: None.
Electrical system: 2 x 24V.
Brakes: Dual circuit servo assisted with oil immersed discs on all wheels.
Tyres: 17.5 - 25 non-directional with foam filling.
Fording depth:
without preparation: N/A.
with deep water fording kit: N/A.
Fuel type: Diesel.
Fuel capacity: 300 liter (66 gallons).
Range: N/A.
Crew: 2.
Armament: None
Additional: The vehicle is based on an articulated chassis so that all four wheels are in contact with the ground at all times. When being driven on roads, the cab is to the front; during mine clearing operations, the vehicle is driven in reverse with the cab to the rear. The fully-enclosed, all-welded steel armour cab protects the occupants from small arms fire up to 7.62 mm armour piercing calibre and large bullet-proof windows give all round visibility. For increased crew comfort during travelling and mine clearing operations, the cab is suspended in rubber elements. It seats three people although the system is normally operated by a crew of two.
The vehicle is powered by two Perkins 1006-6TW 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines. One is used for driving the vehicle and is coupled to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. The second diesel engine powers the mine clearing flails. Each engine has its own cooling, air filter, exhaust and hydraulic system. During mine clearing operations, a separate hydrostatic transmission is used which gives a continuously variable speed and considerable tractive force. This hydrostatic driving unit can be supplied from the hydraulic system of the powerpack and can be used in an emergency should the main engine stop, enabling the Hydrema 910 to move out of immediate danger under its own power.
The MCV can be driven on roads up to a maximum speed of 35km/h. The vehicle is steered through a hydrostatic pivot steering system on all four wheels with an emergency backup in case of engine failure. The fuel tanks hold 300 liters and these are integrated onto the chassis for maximum protection. When travelling, the complete flail system and deflector, which is suspended on hydraulic systems, is raised clear of the ground and traversed through 90° using a hydraulically operated tilting/turning system so that it is in line with the chassis. In this configuration, it can be driven on public roads.
When required, the complete flail system is rapidly lowered into position at the rear. The system can clear a mine path 3.5m wide. During mine clearing, the vehicle can be operated using a joystick or through the use of a computerised fully automatic pilot steering system. When being used in the latter configuration, the operator needs only to select a number of key parameters, for example depth, on the monitor. The depth control of the flail and the armoured deflector plate, which is positioned to the immediate rear of the rotating flail, is then fully automatic using sensors. The chains rotate clockwise if mines are buried and anti clockwise if they are on the surface. The mine clearing part consists of a rotating axle to which are attached 72 chains; the end of each of these is fitted with a hammer type head which weighs 0.9kg. When these chains or heads are damaged, they can be easily and quickly replaced The axle rotates at up to 400rpm, with the speed depending on the nature of the terrain. Mine clearing speeds depend on a number of factors. On cross-country terrain, for example, it is about 1.4 km/in while on a firm hard surface it could be up to 12km/h.
Standard equipment for the Hydrema 910 MCV includes a 200 liter water tank and high pressure cleaning system; options include a Global Positioning System (GPS). As the system may be required for operations in any part of the world, it is fully air portable in a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft without further preparation, and can be ready to use within 2 minutes.
Jane's Defense Weekly December 1997