Bandvagn m/1948 (Tracked Vehicle m/1948)

The M29 Weasel, also known in Sweden as Bandvagn m/1948 (Bv m/48), is an American tracked off-road vehicle with excellent mobility in difficult terrain, particularly snowy landscapes. The tracked vehicle was developed by the American company Studebaker during World War II. After the war, Sweden purchased surplus equipment from the Allied forces in Europe, including the M29 Weasel. In Sweden, the vehicle was designated Bv m/1948, although it was assigned type number 201 in the Swedish Armed Forces' M numbering system. The Bv m/1948 was used by all branches of the Swedish Armed Forces, and the last vehicles were taken out of service in May 1970. The vehicle was then replaced by the tracked vehicles 202 and 203. The image shows the American M29 Weasel tracked vehicle, known in Sweden as the Bandvagn m/1948 (Bv/48). The photo is from the Korean War. Image: Wikipedia. Variants: • M29 (without float tanks) • M29C (equipped with float tanks, i.e., amphibious) Specifications: • Crew 4 • Mass 1,700 kg • Length 3.2 m • Width 1.5 m • Height 1.3 m • Engine Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion 6-cylinder 70 hp • Max. speed 58 km/h • Suspension Tracks • Manufacturer Studebaker, USA • Manufactured 1943 - 1945 • Numbers 4,476 M29, 10,647 M29C The image shows the American M29C tracked vehicle (the amphibious variant), known in Sweden as the Bandvagn m/1948 (Bv/48). Image: Wikipedia.

Bandvagn 202 and 203 (Tracked Vehicles 202 and 203)

The tracked vehicles 202 & 203 (Swedish: Bandvagn 202/203 (Bv 202/203)) are off-road articulated tracked vehicles (ATVs) with excellent mobility in rough terrain. The vehicle consists of two permanently connected carriages, with the engine and gearbox located in the front carriage and a drive shaft to the rear carriage so that all four tracks are powered. The driver and vehicle commander are in the front car. In the rear carriage, up to 8 troops can be transported. At the end of the 1950s, the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 202 was developed by the Swedish company Bolinder-Munktell, a subsidiary of Volvo, as a replacement for the tracked vehicle m/1948 (M29 Weasel). The Bv 202 was a two-part vehicle with an actuated linkage in between. The background to the tracked vehicle was to be able to easily provide support and maintenance in rough terrain to army units, especially in northern regions (Norrland) with their large marshes and deep snow in winter. Initial testing of the vehicle took place in 1959. Series production then took place between 1964 and 1981 at Volvo BM, Arvikaverken. A total of approximately 1,700 tracked vehicles were manufactured by Volvo BM. The tracked vehicle has very low ground pressure, which means it can be driven on marshes and wetlands. The Bv 202 is a so-called oversnow vehicle, which means that it does not sink into the snow and can therefore be driven in virtually any depth of snow. The tracked vehicle has been exported to several countries, including Norway, Finland, the UK, Canada, and others. The image shows the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 202A (Bandvagn 202A), at an exercise in Graninge in 1966, belonging to the Västernorrland Regiment, I 21. Photo: Claes-Göran Hedström. Image: Armémuseum, ID: AMA.0008961. Variants: • Bv 202A – basic model with a canopy roof on the rear carriage • Bv 202B – 12-pin socket for trailers • Bv 202C – water radiator heated rear carriage. • Bv 202D – extra insulated and heated rear carriage. • Bv 2022 – fire control vehicle 2022, fire control variant • Bv 203B – a radio communications tracked vehicle with a fixed, heat-insulated superstructure on the rear carriage equipped for communications service. Specifications: • Crew 1 • Troops 9 • Mass 2,900 kg • Length 6.175 m • Width 1.8 m • Height 2.2 m • Engine 82.5 hp/97 hp • Load capacity 800 kg (off-road) • Max. speed 39 km/h • Sec. armament Machine gun 58 • Manufacturer Volvo BM Arvika • Manufactured 1964 - 1981 • Numbers 1,700 The image shows the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 202A (Bandvagn 202A) during a winter exercise in Jämtland in March 1966 belonging to the Västernorrland Regiment, I 21. Photo: Claes-Göran Hedström. Image: Armémuseum, ID: AMA.0008948..

Bandvagn 206 and 208 (Tracked Vehicles 206 and 208)

The tracked vehicle 206 (Swedish: Bandvagn 206 (Bv 206)) and tracked vehicle 208 (Bandvagn 208 (Bv 208)) are military tracked off- road vehicles with articulated steering that can carry up to 17 combat-equipped soldiers. The Bv 206 is the basic model in Hägglunds' family of articulated tracked vehicles (ATVs) with plastic bodies, but around fifty variants of the Bv 206 have been manufactured, including both military and civilian variants. In the early 1970s, the Swedish Army began looking for a replacement for the tracked vehicle 202 (Bv 202). The requirements for a new articulated tracked vehicle included higher load capacity, better road handling, greater reliability, and lower maintenance costs. In 1974, Hägglunds won the contract for what became the tracked vehicle 206 (Bv 206). Three test series were built by Hägglunds, and in June 1979, the Swedish Army ordered 3,500 Bv 206s but has since placed additional orders for another 1,000 vehicles. Over 11,000 tracked vehicles of the 206 and 208 were constructed, with the Swedish Armed Forces receiving a maximum of 4,500. The Bv 206 and Bv 208 have been exported to a large number of countries. The image shows the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 206 (Bandvagn 206) in 2015. Image: Wikipedia. In 1990, Hägglunds, in collaboration with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), presented an armored variant of the Bv 206, designated Bv 206S, or, as it is known within the Swedish Armed Forces, the Bv 308 & 309. Variants: The Swedish Armed Forces have had two main variants of the tracked vehicle, the Bv 206 and the Bv 208. These two main variants are available in a large number of sub-variants. • The Bv 206 is the standard variant with a Ford V6 gasoline engine. The Bv 206A is the troop transport version. • The Bv 208, also known as the Bv 206D, has a Mercedes 5-cylinder diesel engine. The Bv 208 is a troop transport version similar to the Bv 206A. Specifications: • Crew 1 (driver) • Troops 16 • Mass 2,740 kg (front carriage), 1,760 kg (rear carriage) • Length 6.90 m • Width 1.87 m • Height 2.30 m (front carriage), 2.45 m (rear carriage) • Engine Bv 206 Ford 2658E V6 water-cooled gasoline engine, 135 hp • Engine Bv 208 Mercedes-Benz OM 603.950 Turbo Diesel 3.0 l 136 hp • Max. speed 55 km/h (road), 4 km/h (water) • Main armament Machine gun Ksp 58 or heavy machine gun Tksp 12.7 in a mount on the roof • Manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds • Manufactured 1979 - • Numbers 11,000, of which 4,500 are in Swedish service • In Swedish service 1979 - The image shows the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 206A (Bandvagn 206A). Image: Wikipedia.

Bandvagn 308 and 309 (Tracked Vehicles 308 and 309)

The tracked vehicle 308 and 309 (Swedish: Bandvagn 308/309 (Bv 308/309)), also known as tracked vehicle 206S (Bv 206S), is a tracked, articulated, armored personnel carrier with off-road capability. The tracked vehicle is a two-part articulated vehicle with two interconnected carriages, all four of whose tracks are driven. The tracked vehicle 308/206S (Bv 308/206S) is a variant of Bv 206 with an armored cabin and diesel engine, popularly known as Skalman in Swedish. Initially, this version was called Bv 208, but was renamed Bv 308 to distinguish it from the composite plastic tracked vehicles. The tracked vehicle is, in other words, a further development of the unarmored basic version Bv 206/208 and was developed in collaboration between Alvis plc Hägglunds (now BAE Systems Hägglunds) and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). In Hägglunds' range, it is called the Bv 206S. A total of 479 tracked vehicles of this armored-protected variant have been ordered. The Bv 308/309 also has amphibious capabilities. The reason for the reinforcements to the Bv 309 is to enable it to participate in operations outside Sweden's borders. It is equipped with CBRN protection and air conditioning and can operate in temperatures ranging from -32 to +46 degrees Celsius. Initially, it was intended for use solely by the Swedish Armed Forces, but has since been adopted by the armed forces of several other countries. The image shows the tracked vehicle Bv 309 (Bandvagn 309). Photo: Mats Carlsson, 2012. Image: Swedish Armed Forces. Variants: • The Bv 308 is an armored tracked vehicle. The vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine and has a top speed of approximately 52 km/h. The Bv 308 has been in service since 1993. • The Bv 309 is an amphibious variant. The vehicle is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine from Steyr and has a top speed of approximately 52 km/h. It is equipped with CBRN protection and air conditioning and can operate in temperatures from -32 to +46 degrees Celsius. Bv 309 has been in service since 2003. Specifications Bv 308: • Crew 4+8 • Mass Front carriage: 3,140 kg, Rear carriage: 2,190 kg • Length 6.86 m • Width 2.00 m • Height 1.97 m • Engine Mercedes-Benz OM 603.950, 136 hp • Max. speed 52 km/h • Main armament Machine gun Ksp 58 or heavy machine gun Tksp 12.7 in a mount on the roof • Manufacturer BAE System Hägglunds • Numbers 20 • In Swedish service 1993 - Specifications Bv 309: • Crew 3+8 • Mass Front carriage: 3,860 kg, Rear carriage: 2,450 kg • Length 6.92 m • Width 2.00 m • Height 2.0-2.1 m • Engine STEYR M16 Turbo Diesel 176 hp • Max. speed 52 km/h (road), 4,7 km/h (water) • Main armament Machine gun Ksp 58 or heavy machine gun Tksp 12.7 in a mount on the roof • Armor Withstands direct fire from 7.62 * 51 caliber weapons • Manufacturer BAE System Hägglunds • Numbers 93 • In Swedish service 2003 - The image shows the tracked vehicle Bv 309 (Bandvagn 309). Image: Wikipedia.

Tracked Vehicles, Sweden - 1

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Source References

• Swedish Armed Forces (“Försvarsmakten”) • Wikipedia • Digitaltmuseum Top of page

Introduction

A tracked vehicle is a tracked transport vehicle for driving off-road. They were developed on a large scale by German and American military equipment companies during World War II for use in desert environments and for transport on snow or other soft surfaces. An articulated tracked vehicle (ATV) is a type of continuous track vehicle made up of two cars, each with their own tracks and, most typically, an actuated linkage in between. This configuration allows an articulated tracked vehicle to turn by articulating the swivel joint in between the two vehicles. Emergency services, power companies, and other organizations employ articulated tracked vehicles as well. A major manufacturer of articulated tracked vehicles is the Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds AB in Örnsköldsvik. Tracked Vehicles, Sweden Listed below are the tracked vehicles used in the Swedish Armed Forces during the 20th century and up to the present day.

List of tracked vehicles

• Tracked Vehicle m/1948 • Tracked Vehicles 202 and 203 • Tracked Vehicles 206 and 208 • Tracked Vehicles 308 and 309 • Tracked Vehicle 410

Bandvagn 410 (Tracked Vehicle 410)

The tracked vehicle 410 (Swedish: Bandvagn 410 (Bv 410)), also known as BvS10 (Bandvagn Skyddad 10), is an amphibious armored off-road tracked vehicle manufactured by BAE Systems Hägglunds. The Bv 410 was originally developed in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defense. Initially, the Swedish Armed Forces had 150 vehicles at their disposal, which were ordered in two batches in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Bv 410 has significantly enhanced protection against landmines and a higher load capacity. Its armament consists of either a machine gun (7.62 mm Ksp 58b or 12.7 mm Ksp 88) mounted in a turret on the front carriage or a remote-controlled VS01 weapon station, as well as a Ksp 58 mounted on a gun mount on the rear carriage (troop transport only). The vehicle is primarily used within engineer, air defense, and artillery battalions, as well as an ambulance within mechanized battalions. The Bv 410 is designed to handle most situations in the field and can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. In May 2021, the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a contract with BAE Systems to produce and deliver 127 Bv 410 tracked vehicles. Delivery of the tracked vehicles began in 2022 and was completed in 2024. These vehicles are crucial for the introduction of the army's command and control system, among other things. At the same time, it was announced that Sweden, through FMV, would lead a joint procurement of the Bv 410 tracked vehicle together with Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. An initial order comprises a total of 436 tracked vehicles in various variants distributed among three nations, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom, of which 236 Bv 410 will go to Sweden. Delivery of the first tracked vehicles began in early 2024. In addition to the 236 vehicles ordered, Sweden ordered another 40 vehicles outside of the collaboration with Germany and the United Kingdom, bringing the total number of tracked vehicles ordered to 553. The image shows the tracked vehicle Bv 410 (Bandvagn 410) in 2016. Image: Wikipedia. In January 2024, FMV announced an order for mobile air defense systems for installation on Bv 410. The air defense systems, Saab's RBS70 NG and Giraffe 1X, were delivered starting in January 2025. Variants: The Swedish Armed Forces use the following four variants: • Troop transport vehicles – 33 vehicles, each with space for six troops with equipment and three crew members. • Ambulance vehicles – 45 vehicles, with space for up to two stretchers with injured soldiers, two crew members, and two paramedics. • Logistics vehicles – 58 vehicles, crew of 3 people. Load exchange system on the rear carriage. Can load a 10-foot container or flatbed. This variant can also be used to carry the Arthur artillery locating radar or a radio link. • Command vehicles – 14 vehicles, with space for four staff members, command systems, and three crew members. The distribution of the number of tracked vehicles per variant above corresponds to the 150 vehicles ordered in 2012 and 2013. Specifications: • Crew 2 to 3 • Troops 6 • Mass Both carriages: 15 tons • Length 8.3 m • Width 2.2 m • Height 2.3 m • Load capacity 3 tons • Max. speed 65 km/h (road), 4 km/h (water) • Sec. armament 1 × turret or Weapon Station 01 with 5.56 mm machine gun 90, 7.62 mm machine gun 58, 12.7 mm machine gun 88, 40 mm automatic grenade launcher 92 • Manufactured 2013 – • Manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds The image shows the tracked vehicle Bv 410 (Bandvagn 410) in British service. Image: Wikipedia.

Swedish

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Bandvagn m/1948 (Tracked Vehicle m/1948)

Bandvagn 202 and 203 (Tracked Vehicles

202 and 203)

Bandvagn 206 and 208 (Tracked Vehicles

206 and 208)

The tracked vehicle 206 (Swedish: Bandvagn 206 (Bv 206)) and tracked vehicle 208 (Bandvagn 208 (Bv 208)) are military tracked off-road vehicles with articulated steering that can carry up to 17 combat- equipped soldiers. The Bv 206 is the basic model in Hägglunds' family of articulated tracked vehicles (ATVs) with plastic bodies, but around fifty variants of the Bv 206 have been manufactured, including both military and civilian variants. In the early 1970s, the Swedish Army began looking for a replacement for the tracked vehicle 202 (Bv 202). The requirements for a new articulated tracked vehicle included higher load capacity, better road handling, greater reliability, and lower maintenance costs. In 1974, Hägglunds won the contract for what became the tracked vehicle 206 (Bv 206). Three test series were built by Hägglunds, and in June 1979, the Swedish Army ordered 3,500 Bv 206s but has since placed additional orders for another 1,000 vehicles. Over 11,000 tracked vehicles of the 206 and 208 were constructed, with the Swedish Armed Forces receiving a maximum of 4,500. The Bv 206 and Bv 208 have been exported to a large number of countries. The image shows the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 206 (Bandvagn 206) in 2015. Image: Wikipedia. In 1990, Hägglunds, in collaboration with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), presented an armored variant of the Bv 206, designated Bv 206S, or, as it is known within the Swedish Armed Forces, the Bv 308 & 309. Variants: The Swedish Armed Forces have had two main variants of the tracked vehicle, the Bv 206 and the Bv 208. These two main variants are available in a large number of sub-variants. • The Bv 206 is the standard variant with a Ford V6 gasoline engine. The Bv 206A is the troop transport version. • The Bv 208, also known as the Bv 206D, has a Mercedes 5-cylinder diesel engine. The Bv 208 is a troop transport version similar to the Bv 206A. Specifications: • Crew 1 (driver) • Troops 16 • Mass 2,740 kg (front carriage), 1,760 kg (rear carriage) • Length 6.90 m • Width 1.87 m • Height 2.30 m (front carriage), 2.45 m (rear carriage) • Engine Bv 206 Ford 2658E V6 water-cooled gasoline engine, 135 hp • Engine Bv 208 Mercedes-Benz OM 603.950 Turbo Diesel 3.0 l 136 hp • Max. speed 55 km/h (road), 4 km/h (water) • Main armament Machine gun Ksp 58 or heavy machine gun Tksp 12.7 in a mount on the roof • Manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds • Manufactured 1979 - • Numbers 11,000, of which 4,500 are in Swedish service • In Swedish service 1979 - The image shows the articulated tracked vehicle Bv 206A (Bandvagn 206A). Image: Wikipedia.

Bandvagn 308 and 309 (Tracked Vehicles

308 and 309)

The tracked vehicle 308 and 309 (Swedish: Bandvagn 308/309 (Bv 308/309)), also known as tracked vehicle 206S (Bv 206S), is a tracked, articulated, armored personnel carrier with off- road capability. The tracked vehicle is a two-part articulated vehicle with two interconnected carriages, all four of whose tracks are driven. The tracked vehicle 308/206S (Bv 308/206S) is a variant of Bv 206 with an armored cabin and diesel engine, popularly known as Skalman in Swedish. Initially, this version was called Bv 208, but was renamed Bv 308 to distinguish it from the composite plastic tracked vehicles. The tracked vehicle is, in other words, a further development of the unarmored basic version Bv 206/208 and was developed in collaboration between Alvis plc Hägglunds (now BAE Systems Hägglunds) and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). In Hägglunds' range, it is called the Bv 206S. A total of 479 tracked vehicles of this armored- protected variant have been ordered. The Bv 308/309 also has amphibious capabilities. The reason for the reinforcements to the Bv 309 is to enable it to participate in operations outside Sweden's borders. It is equipped with CBRN protection and air conditioning and can operate in temperatures ranging from -32 to +46 degrees Celsius. Initially, it was intended for use solely by the Swedish Armed Forces, but has since been adopted by the armed forces of several other countries. The image shows the tracked vehicle Bv 309 (Bandvagn 309). Photo: Mats Carlsson, 2012. Image: Swedish Armed Forces. Variants: • The Bv 308 is an armored tracked vehicle. The vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine and has a top speed of approximately 52 km/h. The Bv 308 has been in service since 1993. • The Bv 309 is an amphibious variant. The vehicle is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine from Steyr and has a top speed of approximately 52 km/h. It is equipped with CBRN protection and air conditioning and can operate in temperatures from -32 to +46 degrees Celsius. Bv 309 has been in service since 2003. Specifications Bv 308: • Crew 4+8 • Mass Front carriage: 3,140 kg, Rear carriage: 2,190 kg • Length 6.86 m • Width 2.00 m • Height 1.97 m • Engine Mercedes-Benz OM 603.950, 136 hp • Max. speed 52 km/h • Main armament Machine gun Ksp 58 or heavy machine gun Tksp 12.7 in a mount on the roof • Manufacturer BAE System Hägglunds • Numbers 20 • In Swedish service 1993 - Specifications Bv 309: • Crew 3+8 • Mass Front carriage: 3,860 kg, Rear carriage: 2,450 kg • Length 6.92 m • Width 2.00 m • Height 2.0-2.1 m • Engine STEYR M16 Turbo Diesel 176 hp • Max. speed 52 km/h (road), 4,7 km/h (water) • Main armament Machine gun Ksp 58 or heavy machine gun Tksp 12.7 in a mount on the roof • Armor Withstands direct fire from 7.62 * 51 caliber weapons • Manufacturer BAE System Hägglunds • Numbers 93 • In Swedish service 2003 - The image shows the tracked vehicle Bv 309 (Bandvagn 309). Image: Wikipedia.