Patria demonstrates maneuvers of its new FAMOUS all-terrain tracked vehicle in snowy Finnish forests

On June 28, 2024, a video posted on social media first unveiled the new FAMOUS (Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems) ATV, an all-terrain tracked vehicle developed by the Finnish company Patria. Shot in the snowy forests of Finland, the video highlighted the vehicle’s maneuvers and a new camouflage different from the one presented at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris. In particular, it was noticeable the absence of the Kongsberg Protector RS6 remote-controlled turret, equipped with a KNDS 30mm machine gun.
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Patria FAMOUS off-road tracked vehicle (Image source: Social Network)

The FAMOUS ATV differs from Patria’s Beowulf in that it has a unique, elongated structure, about nine meters long. Unlike the BvS10 Beowulf, which uses articulated parts to handle sharp turns, the FAMOUS ATV is designed to overcome obstacles. This ability was emphasized by Simo Saukko, the vehicle’s research and development manager. Patria plans to complete a prototype for testing by the end of 2024.

After receiving feedback, the vehicle will be refined over the next few years, leading to a second prototype equipped with a Kongsberg Protector RS6 remote-controlled weapon station for firing exercises in Finland. The FAMOUS program is scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2027 and aims to replace ageing tracked vehicles such as MT-LB, M113, M548 and Saurer 4K 4FA.

Juha Lahteenmaki, the vehicle’s technology portfolio manager, explained that the central positioning of the engine behind the drivers and the front gearbox configuration adjust the center of gravity, making the vehicle behave like a boat. This configuration improves its ability to traverse snow in arctic conditions. The first version of the FAMOUS vehicle will serve as a personnel carrier and accommodate ten soldiers and will be based on Patria’s 6×6 armored personnel carrier. Future adaptations could include the role as an ambulance, command and control center or mortar transporter.

The FAMOUS ATV concept weighs 15 tonnes and has a payload capacity of 3.5 tonnes. It accommodates a crew of two and can transport ten soldiers. Powered by a 250 kW engine, it reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h and has a range of 600 km. It is designed to operate in extreme temperatures from -46 °C to +44 °C and meets the STANAG K1 and M1 protection standards for light armoured personnel carriers (APC). The vehicle is also amphibious and allows water operations at a speed of 4 km/h with a wading depth of two metres.

The EDF FAMOUS 2 project, which is part of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) and is currently in the implementation phase from 2022 to 2026, focuses on the development, prototyping and verification testing of next-generation armoured vehicles to improve ground combat capabilities. Finland, with Patria as the industrial coordinator, leads the programme and is responsible for design, system integration and prototype manufacturing. The project is co-financed by the EU with EUR 95 million and by Member States with a further EUR 19 million. It involves a consortium of nine countries and 35 companies.

This consortium, coordinated by Patria, includes major defence companies from across the European Union, including KNDS, John Cockerill, Indra, Diehl Defence, Arquus and Millog. At the Eurosatory exhibition, the concept featured a remote-controlled weapon station with a mount from Kongsberg, a weapon from KNDS and optics from Escribano. While details of the vehicle’s tracks, essential for movement through snow and water obstacles, were not announced at Eurosatory 2024, they can be viewed now.

The main focus areas of the FAMOUS program include improving the tactical and operational mobility of vehicles in diverse environments such as urban, arctic and mountainous areas. The development of hybrid operating systems aims to ensure efficient performance in various conditions. In addition, the program emphasizes power generation and energy storage to support longer operating times. Advanced situational awareness systems, cybersecurity measures and comprehensive C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) solutions are critical to improving situational awareness and secure communications of military personnel.

The integration of robots and autonomous systems is another important aspect aimed at reducing risks to human personnel and increasing operational efficiency. The development of advanced weapon systems and comprehensive lifecycle support solutions is also a priority to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these modern armored vehicles.

The unveiling of the FAMOUS ATV represents a significant milestone in armored vehicle technology and promises improved mobility, protection and operational efficiency for future military operations.