RIV showcased at DSEI 2017

Having supported the world’s toughest motorsport event, the Dakar rally, Bowler has taken its 30 years of all-terrain mobility experience forward to the defence vehicle markets with the launch of their Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV).

The RIV concept is based on Bowler’s proprietary Cross Sector Platform (CSP), a multi-use vehicle platform based on a patented chassis design, fitted with common range of modular sub-systems and components.

The RIV was showcased for the first time at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2017 held in London on 12-15 September 2017.

The RIV is meant for deployment in military service and can be adapted to any terrain, explained Piers de Lukacs Lessner, in charge of Defence and Specialist Vehicles at Bowler.

Bowler’s 30-year history in extreme off-road competition means the CSP delivers outstanding mobility in the harshest of conditions, he elaborated on the RIV.

Bowler has put a lot of research work and experience of how vehicles performed and managed through the Dakar rally into the RIV.

With payloads within the platform ranging from 500-kg up to 2,500-kg, the RIV is suited to Strike, Recce, Long Range Patrol, ISTAR (Drone Launch) roles, with a next generation Forward Control Variant ‘Mule’ being considered for mechanized Troop Carriage, Ambulance, C2/C41 roles, Logistic Support, Fire Truck or Light Artillery Mobility.

The RIV’s engine and powertrain are sourced from Land Rover, so spares and service items are available globally.

Bowler’s patented chassis design enables other engines and powertrains to be readily substituted where alternatives are available, he elaborated on the vehicle’s flexibility.

India is among the main markets for Bowler’s RIV.

The RIV fits into the Government’s General Vehicle Architecture Program for the Indian army programme of modernization of defence equipment with the latest technology.

“We see ourselves selling in South Asia and other emerging markets,” said Lessner to fii-news.com.

“Bowler is in touch with major manufacturers and the concept has been floated to main defence industries including those in India,” he said.

“We see ourselves partnering with a large seal producer. We than can offer Intellectual Property or licence to a manufacturer,” said Lessner.

There would be opportunities for transfer of technology and further R&D work within India’s Ministry of Defence, he pointed out.

All vehicle models are ideally suited for the Indian airborne forces. They can be parachuted and transported to any part of the terrain and especially the challenging North East and North Western regions of the country.

Bowler’s vehicle research programme was enabled by support from the UK’s Governments Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) via their LTASCI R&D fund, according to Lessner. fii-news.com