AU2020391030A1 - Modular military vehicle system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular military vehicle system, comprising at least one carrier vehicle (1) and at least one functional module (2), which are able to be assembled to form a functional vehicle (10), the basic function of which is defined by the functional module (2). At least two different carrier vehicle types (1.1, 1.2) are provided, in particular a wheeled vehicle module (1.1) having a wheeled chassis and/or a tracked vehicle module (1.2) having a tracked chassis and/or an air-cushion vehicle module (1.3) having an air-cushion chassis. The functional module (2) can be held by all carrier vehicle types (1.1, 1.2).

Description

Modular Military Vehicle System

The invention relates to a modular military vehicle system having at least one carrier vehicle and at least one functional module, which can be combined into a functional vehicle, the basic function of which is defined by the functional module. Further objects of the invention are a military carrier vehicle for use in a modular military vehicle system, a functional module, and a military functional vehicle.

Modular vehicle systems have proven themselves especially in the military sector and have been used for several years due to their variability. This is primarily due to the fact that there are very specific requirements in the military sector that military vehicles have to cope with. Therefore, there is basically also a separate specific vehicle for each task, such as transport vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, recovery vehicles, but also combat vehicles with heavy armament. A modular vehicle system now offers the advantage over such a fleet of individual special vehicles that, depending on the requirements, different functional modules can optionally be used on the same carrier vehicle. For example, instead of a transport vehicle, a carrier vehicle can be equipped with a transport module, instead of a reconnaissance vehicle, the same carrier vehicle can be equipped with a reconnaissance module and instead of a recovery vehicle, the carrier vehicle can be equipped with a recovery module. The basic function of the vehicle can therefore be variably changed and adapted by using a corresponding functional module.

With such modular vehicle systems, however, the adaptability is limited by the characteristics of the carrier vehicle. Depending on the functional modules, the most important basic functions of the vehicle can be changed comparatively easily by replacing the functional module, but this does not apply to the vehicle characteristics, which are primarily determined by the carrier vehicle. For example, the off-road capability of the vehicle cannot be changed by the use of a special functional module and in some cases the selection or design of the functional modules is limited, as they only have a limited load capacity and can only absorb limited forces. This is due to the recoil forces, especially a problem with functional modules that have large caliber weapons.

Based on this, the invention sets itself the object of specifying a modular military vehicle system that offers better adaptation to the requirements set.

This object is achieved with a modular military vehicle system in that at least two different carrier vehicle types, in particular a wheeled vehicle module with a wheeled chassis and/or a tracked vehicle module with a tracked chassis and/or an air cushion module with an air cushion chassis, are provided, wherein the functional module can be accommodated by all carrier vehicle types.

With the different types of carrier vehicle it is achieved that the characteristics of the carrier vehicle can also be adapted. The adaptability is therefore not limited to the selection of the functional modules but is extended by the selection of different carrier vehicle types. With a wheeled vehicle module, for example, the corresponding functional modules can be transported very easily on paved or unpaved roads, but on uneven terrain or even on ice and snow problems can occur due to the lack of traction of the wheels. In these situations, the tracked vehicle module then offers an advantage, as it ensures much more reliable progress even on uneven terrain as well as on ice and snow. Furthermore, tracked vehicle modules also offer advantages for very heavy functional modules or those that have weapons, especially large-caliber ones. As a rule, larger forces can be absorbed by tracked vehicle modules than by wheeled vehicle modules. Hovercraft modules can be used both on land and on the water and offer a corresponding versatility. The vehicle can therefore be designed as an amphibious vehicle. Suitable hovercraft or hovercraft modules can also be used on very different surfaces, as they are largely independent of the nature of the surfaces. For example, hovercraft modules can be used on ice and snow, on dry sandy ground as well as on unpaved, uneven ground. Due to the hovercraft module, the vehicle can accordingly also be used as a boat.

Overall, the vehicle can be further adapted by selecting the appropriate carrier vehicle type. Furthermore, in addition to the wheeled vehicle module, the tracked vehicle module and the hovercraft module, other carrier vehicle types may also be provided.

Advantageously, three different carrier vehicle types are provided, namely a wheeled vehicle module with a wheeled chassis, a tracked vehicle module with a tracked chassis and an air cushion module with an air cushion chassis.

It has proven to be advantageous with regard to adaptability if the modular vehicle system comprises multiple functional modules of different types, in particular a troop transport module, an artillery module, a howitzer module, an armored personnel carrier module, a main battle tank module, a command post module, a medical module, a workshop module, a radar module, an anti-aircraft module, a supply module, a rocket launcher module, a mine clearance module, a pioneer module, a recovery module, a load transport module and/or a sensing module. Depending on the requirements, these various functional modules can optionally be arranged on the carrier vehicle.

For connecting the carrier vehicle types to one of the functional modules, the carrier vehicle types each have multiple connection elements for connecting the functional module. By means of these connection elements, the functional module can be detachably connected to the carrier vehicle, so that the different functional modules can be relatively quickly arranged on the carrier vehicles and connected to them or simply replaced again.

With regard to the connection elements, it has proven to be advantageous if at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six, connection elements in the different carrier vehicle types have the same arrangement relative to each other. Due to the same arrangement, the different carrier vehicle types can be replaced by each other without a significant adaptation being necessary. In this respect, it is advantageous if the connection elements of one carrier vehicle match the connection elements of another carrier vehicle.

It is also advantageous if at least two of the multiple functional module types have a different number of connection points for connection to the connection elements of the carrier vehicles. The connection points can be designed to correspond to the connection elements, so that the functional modules can be easily connected to the carrier vehicles. The number of connection points of the different functional modules can vary as against the number of connection elements of the carrier vehicles and depends in particular on the forces transmitted from the functional module to the carrier module. In the case of light functional modules, for example, it may be sufficient if the functional module is only connected to the carrier vehicle via two connection points. As a rule, however, the functional modules have at least four connection points to ensure a secure hold on the carrier vehicle.

If the functional modules have weapons, especially large-caliber weapons, it is advantageous if the functional modules have six connection points. By means of six connection points, the connection between the functional modules and the carrier vehicle can be significantly stiffer overall than if only four or two connection points are provided. Especially when firing large-caliber weapons, such as with the artillery module, the howitzer module, or the main battle tank module, large reaction forces must be introduced into the carrier vehicle via the connection points. If there are too few connection points, the carrier vehicle can deform plastically in the area of the connection elements connected to the connection points or, in the worst case, the functional module can even be sheared off the carrier vehicle. On this basis, it is advantageous if an artillery module has six and a troop transport module has four connection points. Furthermore, it is advantageous if functional modules with, in particular large-caliber, weapons are arranged on a tracked vehicle module. The hovercraft module, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for smaller functional modules that have to be transported as quickly as possible over rough terrain and/or over water.

With regard to the aforementioned object, a military carrier vehicle is also proposed, in particular for use in a modular military vehicle system of the type described above. The carrier vehicle may have a module holder for accommodating a replaceable functional module and connection elements for connecting the functional module to the carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle may be designed in the manner described above, independently of the other components of the modular military vehicle system.

Although the carrier vehicle may be designed as a wheeled vehicle module, it has proven to be advantageous if the carrier vehicle is designed as a tracked vehicle module and has a tracked chassis with at least two chain drives. Compared to a wheeled vehicle module, a tracked vehicle module ensures better off-road capability and thus better progress of the vehicle on uneven ground or on snow, ice, mud, sand or in swampy areas. Thanks to the two chain drives, the power from the vehicle can be brought to the ground evenly, which further improves off-road capability. The force absorption can also be better with a carrier vehicle with a tracked chassis than with a wheeled vehicle module.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the carrier vehicle is designed as a hovercraft module and has an air cushion chassis. This is because corresponding hovercraft are very maneuverable and versatile. The air cushion chassis can be supplied with compressed air via one, in particular two, four, six or an even number of compressors, which can be accommodated in the driving module. Furthermore, the functional module can also have a corresponding compressor. This is particularly advantageous for heavier functional modules in order to generate enough lift for the hovercraft module. Furthermore, the hovercraft module may also have additional carrying supports, which can, for example, absorb recoil forces when firing weapons. The compressor(s) may be located to the side of the module holder so that the module holder is located between the compressors. In this respect, it is advantageous if an even number of compressors is provided, and the compressors are arranged in pairs opposite to each other relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis. The module holder can then extend into the air cushion in this respect. Depending on the ground clearance, however, it may also be provided that the compressor or compressors are located below the module holder.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the functional module can be accommodated between at least two chain drives, in particular partially at the level of the chain drives. The chain drives can thus be arranged to the left and right of the functional module or of the center of gravity of the functional module in the direction of travel, which ensures good vehicle stability. Due to the fact that the functional module is at least partially arranged at the level of the chains and therefore not completely above the chains, the center of gravity of the functional module is relatively low. This results in good maneuverability of the vehicle and a good flow of force between the functional module and the vehicle.

With regard to the connection of the functional modules to the carrier vehicle, it has proven to be advantageous if at least six connection elements, which are opposite each other in pairs, are provided in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis of the carrier vehicle. As has already been described with regard to the vehicle system, large forces can also be introduced from the functional module into the carrier vehicle via six connection elements. It is not absolutely necessary that all six connection elements are used for the connection. This depends primarily on the design of the functional module and the forces to be transmitted. Due to the fact that the connection elements are opposite each other in pairs, forces can be reliably absorbed in any direction. Three connection elements may be provided on each side of the carrier vehicle.

Furthermore, it has turned out to be advantageous if the module holder is formed as a type of trough with at least two side walls. The functional module can be mounted at least partly between the two side walls, so that this has good lateral support in the carrier vehicle. This also reduces the risk of the functional module being sheared off the carrier vehicle. The chain drives can be arranged next to the outside of the side walls and can also be connected to them. The side walls can be oriented parallel to each other, but it is also possible that they are inclined relative to each other, especially at the lower end. The side walls can, for example, be inclined relative to each other in the manner of a V and can be connected to each other at the lower end by a horizontal bottom wall.

Furthermore, with regard to the design of the trough, it has turned out to be advantageous if it has trough edges running essentially transversely to the side walls of the trough. The trough edges can essentially extend parallel to the chains of the chain drives and be arranged above the chain drives. Transversely does not necessarily mean that the edges of the trough must be arranged perpendicularly to the side walls. It is advantageous if the two edges of the trough are oriented parallel to the floor.

With regard to the arrangement of the connection elements, it has proven to be advantageous if they are arranged above the side walls of the trough and in particular on the top of the trough edges. The functional modules can then be connected to these connection elements on the carrier vehicle. It is also advantageous if the connection elements point upwards, so that the connection points of the functional module can be placed on the connection elements from above. Due to this arrangement, the dead weight of the functional modules primarily causes compressive forces that can be absorbed much better and that put less strain on the material than, for example, shear forces.

Furthermore, it has turned out to be advantageous if the connection elements are arranged above the chain drives, in particular over the chain drives, or above the air cushion chassis. This arrangement enables a high level of driving stability, as the distance between the connection elements and the chain drives and thus the effective torques are relatively small. This design also offers advantages in the case of a hovercraft module. This is because with a hovercraft module, the stability depends, among other things, on the weight distribution over the air cushion chassis. The connection elements can be arranged accordingly in such a way that an even weight distribution results. In this respect, the positions of different functional modules on the hovercraft module may also be different depending on their weight.

In order to simplify the connection of the functional modules to the carrier vehicle, it has proven to be advantageous if the connection elements are designed in such a way that the functional module is centered during the connection. Due to the corresponding self-centering, the functional module does not have to be held in a certain position during the connection, but the interaction of the connection elements and the connection points ensures that the functional module automatically moves to the correct position when the functional module is placed on the carrier vehicle.

From a design point of view, the connection elements or the connection points may, for example, have inclined surfaces that lead to the automatic positioning of the functional modules when they are placed on the carrier vehicle.

With regard to the design of the connection elements, it has turned out to be advantageous if at least two connection elements, in particular opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, are formed as a type of recess. The connection points of the functional modules can be designed accordingly, so that they fit into the corresponding recess. If the functional module is then arranged on the carrier vehicle, it can no longer move in a horizontal direction relative to the carrier vehicle, as the interaction of the connection elements and the connection points prevents such movement. The design of the connection elements thus leads to a form-fitting connection of the functional module to the carrier vehicle in a horizontal direction. The connection elements can then be more easily connected to the connection points, since a relative movement of the functional module is not possible and the position relative to the carrier vehicle is predefined. Furthermore, significantly larger forces, especially in the horizontal direction, can be transmitted via a corresponding design.

Furthermore, it has turned out to be advantageous if at least two, in particular four, connection elements are formed as a type of protrusion. The protrusions can also mean that the attached functional module cannot move horizontally relative to the carrier vehicle. In the case of six connection elements, it has proven to be advantageous if the two front and the two rear connection elements are designed as protrusions and the two middle connection elements as recesses. This enables uniform and reliable force absorption and a secure hold of the functional modules on the carrier vehicle. The connection points which are connected to the connection elements designed as protrusions can be designed as recesses. The connection points which are connected to the connection elements designed as recesses can be designed as protrusions.

The connection elements may be additional elements that are applied to the module holder of the carrier vehicle. Furthermore, the connection elements can also be part of the module holder and connected to it in one piece. The connection elements designed as a type of recess can be, for example, recesses inserted directly into the module holder or into the trough edges. The module holder can be reinforced in the area of the connection elements so that it deforms as little as possible during the introduction of a force. This can be realized, for example, by a greater material thickness or by additional, in particular welded, stiffening elements.

Furthermore, it has turned out to be advantageous if the distance of the opposite connection elements, in particular the distance of the pairwise opposite connection elements, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle increases along the main direction of travel of the carrier vehicle. This design leads to good force distribution and to good centering of the functional module. The connection elements located furthest to the rear of the vehicle may have the smallest distance and the frontmost connection elements, usually located behind the cab, may have the widest distance from each other. If a total of six connection elements are arranged, i.e. three connection elements on each side of the module holder, the arrangement thus resembles a V-shape in the direction of travel.

For the connection of the functional modules to the carrier vehicle, it has proven to be advantageous if each connection element has at least two coupling points, in particular holders for bolts. This double connection to each connection element leads to the reliable connection of the functional modules. During assembly, bolts can be inserted from below through the module holder and through the corresponding coupling points of the connection elements and these can then either be screwed into the connection points of the functional modules or connected to the connection points of the functional modules using securing elements, such as nuts. In this respect, the connection points of the functional modules can be designed, for example, as bores or as threaded bores. The connection points can also accordingly be designed as double connections, and each can have two coupling points.

The connection elements, regardless of whether they are designed as protrusions or recesses, can have an essentially rectangular shape. Furthermore, it is also possible that these have a U-shape, which can lead to even better fixing in the horizonal direction. It has turned out to be particularly preferred if the two opposite rearmost connection elements have a U-shape. The open end of the U-shape can point inwards.

Furthermore, it has turned out to be advantageous if the carrier vehicle has interfaces for the operation of a connected functional module, in particular for connecting the functional module to the electronics, the power supply system, the hydraulics, the pneumatics and/or the ventilation system of the carrier vehicle. The functional modules therefore do not necessarily require their own supply but can be supplied via the carrier vehicle. Nevertheless, it is also possible that the functional modules also work autonomously and are not dependent on the supply of the carrier vehicle. The functional modules may have interfaces corresponding to the interfaces of the carrier vehicle. The interfaces of the functional modules which are connected to the corresponding interfaces of the carrier vehicle can depend on what the functional modules need for a supply. For example, in the case of a troop transport module or a medical module, ventilation is required to air condition the modules, but in an artillery module, such ventilation is not required.

Furthermore, with regard to the aforementioned object, a functional module for use in a modular military vehicle system is proposed. Advantageously, the functional module has multiple connection points, which are designed to connect to connection elements of the carrier vehicle corresponding thereto. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the functional module is designed as already described above with regard to the military vehicle system.

Furthermore, with regard to the aforementioned object, a military functional vehicle is proposed, which is composed of a carrier vehicle and a functional module. It is advantageous if the carrier vehicle and the functional module are designed in the manner described above.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the schematic drawings. In the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a modular military vehicle system with three different types of carrier vehicle;

Fig. 2 shows a modular military vehicle system with two different functional modules;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the module holder of a carrier vehicle;

Figs. 4a, 4b show top views of different connection elements;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view through a functional vehicle.

In the illustration of fig. 1, a modular military vehicle system 100 is shown in a schematic side view, which comprises three different carrier vehicle types, namely a wheeled vehicle module 1.1, a tracked vehicle module 1.2 and a hovercraft module 1.3. In addition, the vehicle system 100 comprises multiple functional modules 2, of which only one is shown in fig. 1. The functional module 2 illustrated is designed as a troop transport module 2.1 and is used to accommodate multiple soldiers. The carrier vehicle types 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 have various advantages and disadvantages with regard to their off-road capability but also with regard to their load-bearing behavior. For example, the wheeled vehicle module 1.1 is better suited for road driving and the tracked vehicle module 1.2 is better suited for driving on unpaved and very uneven terrain. Furthermore, the tracked vehicle module 1.2 is also better suited for very heavy functional modules and for functional modules that have large-caliber weapons. Due to the air cushion chassis, the hovercraft module 1.3 is also suitable for driving on unpaved terrain and can also be used for water travel. In this respect, the corresponding vehicle 10 can then be moved on both land and water.

If, for example, a vehicle is required for troop transport, either the wheeled vehicle module 1.1, the tracked vehicle module 1.2 or the hovercraft module 1.3 can be selected based on the corresponding troop transport module 2.1 depending on the required conditions and the troop transport module 2.1 can then be assembled with the corresponding carrier vehicle 1 to form a functional vehicle 10.

In addition, not only can the carrier vehicle 1 be selected, but there is also a variety of functional modules 2 available, which define the basic function of the vehicle 10. The carrier module 2 may be, for example, a troop transport module 2.1, an artillery module 2.2, a howitzer module, an armored personnel carrier module, a main battle tank module, a command post module, a medical module, a workshop module, a radar module, an anti-aircraft module, a supply module, a missile launcher module, a mine clearance module, a pioneer module, a recovery module, a load transport module and/or a sensing module. In fig. 2, only a troop transport module 2.1 and an artillery module 2.2 are shown as examples of this plurality of different modules.

The artillery module 2.2 carries, as indicated in fig. 2, a large-caliber weapon and thus gives the vehicle 10 the ability to fight enemies from a great distance. The troop transport module 2.1, on the other hand, gives vehicle the 10 a greater capacity for soldiers.

Due to the simultaneous variability of the functional modules 2 as well as the carrier vehicles 1, a wide variety of vehicles 10 can be assembled modularly. The basic functions of the vehicle 10 can be defined by the functional modules 2 and the driving characteristics of the vehicle 10 by selecting a corresponding carrier vehicle 1.

To accommodate the functional module 2, the carrier vehicle 1 has a trough-shaped module holder 5, which is shown in the illustration of fig. 3. The carrier vehicle 1 or the module holder 5 also has multiple connection elements 3, which can be connected to the functional module connection points 4 in order to securely connect the functional module 2 to the carrier vehicle 1. The connection elements 3 of the different carrier vehicles 1.2, 1.2 are identically designed, so that it is not necessary to adapt the functional modules 2 with regard to the carrier vehicles 1.

However, the connection points 4 of the functional modules 2 depend on how rigid the connection between the functional module 2 and the carrier vehicle must be or how large the forces to be absorbed by the carrier vehicle 1 are.

Fig. 3 shows that the troop transport module 2.1 has only two connection points 4.1, 4.2 on a side, while the artillery module 2.2 has three connection points 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. As can be seen below even better in fig. 3, the connection elements 3 of the carrier vehicle 1 as well as the connection elements 4 of the functional modules 2 are always provided in pairs relative to the longitudinal axis of the carrier vehicle 1 or the functional module 2. This means that the three connection points 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 of the artillery module 2.2 shown in fig. 2 are provided both on the right side and on the left side of the artillery module 2.2 and this thus has a total of six connection points 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. Similarly, the troop transport module has four connection points 4.1, 4.2.

When firing the weapon of the artillery module 2.2, very large forces act, which must be absorbed by the carrier vehicle 1. Due to these forces, it is not sufficient if the artillery module 2.2 is only connected to the carrier vehicle 1 by four connection points 4, since deformation of the carrier vehicle 1 or the module holder 5 can then occur in the area of the connection elements 3. In the worst case, the functional module 2 could even be separated from the carrier vehicle 1. Due to the two additional middle connection points 4.2 compared to the troop transport module 2.1, the acting forces are thus distributed to multiple connection points 4 and connection elements 3.

With the troop transport module 2.1, on the other hand, only significantly lower forces have to be absorbed, so that it is sufficient if this is only connected to the carrier vehicle 1 in four places. As can be seen in fig. 2, the two front connection points 4.1 are therefore connected to the connection elements 3.1 in the troop transport module 2.1 and the two rear connection points 4.2 to the connection elements 3.3. The middle connection elements 3.2 of the carrier vehicle 1 are not required for the connection of the troop transport module 2.1 in contrast to the connection of the artillery module 2.2 and therefore remain unused.

Although only the tracked vehicle module 1.2 is illustrated in fig. 2, the connection elements 3 of the wheeled vehicle module 1.1 and the hovercraft module 1.3 look the same. The position of the connection elements 3 of the carrier vehicle 1 will be described in more detail below with regard to fig. 3. The connection points 4 of the functional modules 2 are designed to correspond accordingly.

As can be seen in fig. 3, the module holder 5 has a trough-shaped structure with two side walls 5.1 and two trough edges 5.2. The side walls 5.1 are slightly inclined and the trough edges 5.2 are essentially oriented parallel to the ground. In the area to the left of the left side wall 5.1 and below the left edge of the trough 5.2 there is a chain drive 7 in the case of a tracked vehicle module 1.2 and a wheel drive in the case of a wheeled vehicle module 1.1. On the other side of the module holder 5 there is a second chain drive 7 or a second wheel drive. The arrangement of the two chain drives 7 is also clearly visible in the illustration of fig. 5. The arrangement of wheel drives would be corresponding.

The air cushion chassis consists of an air cushion formed below the air cushion module 1.3, which is formed by a circumferential bellows, which extends between the ground or the water surface and the hovercraft module 1.3. The hovercraft module 1.3 rests on this air cushion and is thus arranged at a distance from the ground or the water surface. Compressors 1.31 are provided for the production of the air cushion, as can also be seen in fig. 1. These compressors 1.31 can be arranged quite similarly to the tracked chassis on the side of the module holder 5, so that the functional modules 2.1 are then arranged between the compressors 1.31 which are arranged on opposite sides. Furthermore, it may also be provided that the compressors 1.31 are arranged below the module holder 5 and then also below the functional modules 2.1. As can also be seen in fig. 1, two compressors 1.31 per side and thus a total of four compressors 1.31 can be provided. Other numbers are also possible. The compressors 1.31 can suck in ambient air on one side and direct it into the bellows or under the vehicle 10 on the other side to maintain the air cushion.

At the top of the two trough edges 5.2, three connection elements 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 are provided, which are thus arranged above the corresponding drives 7. These connection elements 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 are opposite each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier vehicle 1 or in the direction of travel F and the distance of the opposite connection elements 3.1, 3.2, 3.1 increases in the direction of travel F. The rear connection elements 3.3 therefore have a smaller distance from each other than the middle connection elements 3.2 and the middle connection elements 3.2 have a smaller distance from each other than the front connection elements 3.1.

Fig. 3 shows the design of the individual connection elements 3 only schematically. A more precise design of the connection elements 3 can be seen in figs. 4a and 4b. Fig. 4a shows the rear connection element 3.3. It can be seen that the corresponding connection element 3.3 is U-shaped and has two coupling points 6, which are designed as bores. Fig. 4b shows the middle connection element 3.2, which also has two coupling points 6, which are also designed as bores. All connection elements 3 have two coupling points 6, so that each of the six connection elements 3 enables a double connection.

In order to simplify the positioning of the functional module 2 relative to the carrier vehicle 1 when connecting the functional module 2 to the carrier vehicle 1 and also to be able to transmit large forces in the horizontal direction, the connection elements 3 are designed either as recesses or as protrusions. Although this cannot be seen in the fig., the middle connection elements 3.2 are designed as recesses and the front and rear connection elements 3.1, 3.3 as protrusions. Thus when the functional module 2 is placed on the carrier vehicle 1, the connection points 4 of the functional module 2 and the connection elements 3 of the carrier vehicle 1 engage each other. The front and rear connection points 4.1, 4.3 of the functional module 2 are accordingly designed as recesses, so that the connection elements 3.1, 3.3 designed as protrusions can engage therein. The middle connection points 4.2 are accordingly designed as protrusions, so that during assembly they engage in the middle connection elements 3.2 which are designed as recesses.

The protrusions and recesses thus function as a kind of centering aid for the functional modules 2 and once the functional modules 2 have been brought into the right position and the connection points 4 and the connection elements 3 engage each other accordingly, the functional modules 2 can then no longer slip relative to the carrier vehicle 1. In this fixed position, the connection elements 3 can then be connected to the connection points 4 by screw connections.

The corresponding bolts can be plugged in from below through suitable openings in the trough edges 5.2, so that the bolts then extend through the trough edges 5.2 and the connection elements 4. The connection points 4 of the functional module 2 have screw threads into which the bolts are screwed in order to securely connect the functional module 2 to the carrier vehicle 1. Since each connection element 3 has two corresponding coupling points 6, the troop transport module 2.1 is fastened with a total of eight bolts and the artillery module 2.2 with a total of 12 bolts. The connection between the artillery module 2.2 and the carrier vehicle 1 is thus stiffer than the connection between the troop transport module 2.1 and the carrier vehicle 1.

Fig. 5 shows the vehicle 10 consisting of a carrier vehicle 1 and a functional module 2 in a schematic sectional view. It can be seen that the functional module 2 is essentially accommodated between the two chain drives 7 and due to the trough shaped design of the module holder 5 extends into the area between the two chain drives 7. In the case of a wheeled vehicle module 1.1 and a hovercraft module 1.3, the functional module 2 may be accommodated accordingly.

Although Fig. 5 shows a certain gap between the module holder 5 of the carrier vehicle 1 and the functional module 2, the functional module 2 can also rest in other places on the carrier vehicle 1. The carrier vehicle 1 also has interfaces via which the functional module 2 can be connected to the electronics, the power supply system, the hydraulics, the pneumatics and/or the ventilation system of the carrier vehicle 1. However, these interfaces are not shown in the figures.

By selecting a carrier vehicle type from a group of different carrier vehicles 1 and selecting a functional module from a group of different functional modules 2, functional vehicles 10 with very different properties can be optionally assembled, so that the corresponding functional vehicle 10 can be specifically adapted to different requirements.

Reference characters:

1 Carrier vehicle 1.1 Wheeled vehicle module 1.2 Tracked vehicle module 1.3 Hovercraft module 1.31 Compressor 2 Functional module 2.1 Troop transport module 2.2 Artillery module 3 Connection elements 3.1 Front connection elements 3.2 Middle connection elements 3.3 Rear connection elements 4 Connection points 4.1 Front connection points 4.2 Middle connection points 4.3 Rear connection points 5 Module holder 5.1 Side walls 5.2 Trough edges 6 Coupling point 7 Chain drive 10 Military functional vehicle 100 Modular military vehicle system

F Vehicle longitudinal axis

Claims (15)

Claims:

1. A modular military vehicle system with at least one carrier vehicle (1) and at least one functional module (2), which can be combined into a functional vehicle (10), the basic function of which is defined by the functional module (2), characterized by at least two different carrier vehicle types (1.1, 1.2), in particular a wheeled vehicle module (1.1) with a wheeled chassis and/or a tracked vehicle module (1.2) with a tracked chassis and/or a hovercraft module (1.3) with an air cushion chassis, the functional module (2) of which can be accommodated by all carrier vehicle types (1.1, 1.2).

2. A modular vehicle system as claimed in claim 1, characterized by multiple functional modules (2) of different types, in particular a troop transport module (2.1), an artillery module (2.2), a howitzer module, an armored personnel carrier module, a main battle tank module, a command post module, a medical module, a workshop module, a radar module, an anti aircraft module, a supply module, a rocket launcher module, a mine clearance module, a pioneer module, a recovery module, a load transport module and/or a sensing module.

3. A modular military vehicle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier vehicle types (1.1, 1.2) each have multiple connection elements (3) for the connection of one of the functional modules (2).

4. A modular military vehicle system as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six, connection elements (3) in the different carrier vehicle types (3.1, 3.2) have the same arrangement relative to each other.

5. A military carrier vehicle, in particular for use in a modular military vehicle system (100) as claimed in any one of claims I to 4, with a module holder (5) for the accommodation of a replaceable functional module (2) and with connection elements (3) for connecting the functional module (2) to the carrier vehicle (1).

6. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the carrier vehicle (1) is designed as a tracked vehicle module (1.2) and has a tracked chassis with at least two chain drives (7).

7. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the carrier vehicle (1) is designed as a hovercraft module (1.3) and has an air cushion chassis.

8. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the connection elements (3) are arranged above the chain drives (7) or above the air cushion chassis.

9. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least six connection elements (3.1, 3.2, 3.3), which are opposite each other in pairs, are provided in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis of the carrier vehicle (1).

10. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the connection elements (3) are designed in such a way that the functional module (2) is centered during the connection.

11. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that at least two connection elements (3.2), in particular opposite each other relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis, are formed as a type of recess.

12. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that at least two, in particular four, connection elements (3.1, 3.3) are formed as a type of protrusion.

13. A military carrier vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the distance of the opposite connection elements (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis increases along the main direction of travel (F) of the carrier vehicle (1).

14. A functional module for use in a modular military vehicle system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 with multiple connection points (4), which correspond to connection elements (3) of the carrier vehicle (1) for connection thereto.

15. A military functional vehicle composed of a carrier vehicle (1) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 13 and a functional module (2) as claimed in claim 14.