G5 ACSV Tracked Cargo Carrier (Germany)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-17

The German FFG company specializes in repairs and overhaul of main battle tanks and armored vehicles for the German Army. Back in 1995 the this company came up with a concept to modernize a venerable M113 armored personnel carrier. Eventually the FFG overhauled more than 1 600 armored vehicles in numerous international projects. In 2009 the company began to develop an indigenous well protected armored personnel carrier, called the G5. It was revealed in 2012. This new Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was a clean sheet design, but made extensive use of readily available military and commercial components. The end result was a modular, versatile and well protected APC, that was easy to service and to maintain. The FFG G5 was proposed for the German Army, as well as export operators. In 2012 the new G5 emerged as the best tracked vehicle in the Danish APC trials. However in its original form the G5 received no production orders. In 2018 the FFG company was awarded a contract to develop an armored personnel carrier and armored transport vehicle for the Norwegian military, to replace the M113 and M577 series vehicles. The resulting FFG G5 Armored Combat Support Vehicle (or ACSV) was based on the previous G5 APC design, but modified in many ways. In 2020 the G5 ACSV was tested during a verification process. First production vehicles were delivered to the Norwegian Army in 2021.

   This tracked carrier has a payload capacity of 8 t. Developers claim that the G5 ACSV has the highest payload rating in its weight class.

   The G5 ACSV provides all-round protection against small arms fire and artillery shell shrapnel. It has improved protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices.

   This armored vehicle can be fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun. Also a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun can be installed.

   The G5 ACSV is operated by a crew of 2, including commander and driver.

   This tracked carrier is powered by a diesel engine, developing 616 hp. Engine is located at the front and has multi-fuel capability. If required it can be modified in field conditions to run on petrol, jet fuel kerosene, and even flammable liquids. Engine is mated to an automatic transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. This armored vehicle uses suspension components of the Leopard 1 main battle tank. The G5 ACSV uses composite rubber tracks that significantly reduce vibration and noise. Vehicle has a range of 600 km, plus additional 12 h operation. The G5 ACSV was designed from the start to be easily serviceable. This armored vehicle has long service intervals than many other armored vehicles.

   This German armored vehicle is not amphibious.