The Multi-Functional Combat Vehicle (MFCV) is an armored vehicle featuring either a tracked or wheeled chassis. Armed with a 40 mm cannon, a coaxial machine gun, and one or two drum magazines containing up to fourteen guided missiles, this versatile vehicle can fulfill multiple combat roles. These roles include serving as an infantry fighting vehicle, providing artillery support, and engaging in anti-tank and anti-aircraft combat, which enhances the flexibility and effectiveness of a combat unit.
The MFCV's ability to assume a wide range of roles is attributed to its 40 mm cannon, which has an elevation capacity of up to 80 degrees. This enables the cannon to function as a mortar or an anti-aircraft weapon in specific situations. The vehicle's combat efficiency can be further improved with the use of laser-guided ammunition [1].
In addition to traditional 40 mm ammunition, laser-guided projectiles based on reactive material structures [2] can be utilized. These materials enhance the projectile's destructive force while compensating for the weight loss resulting from the embedded laser-guidance equipment, making them even more potent than conventional ammunition.
Laser guidance mitigates the disadvantage of the cannon's larger caliber and a lower rate of fire compared to 20 mm multi-barrel anti-aircraft guns by increasing the likelihood of hitting targets and enabling accurate targeting at greater distances with enhanced destructive effects. This feature allows the MFCV to damage heavily armored air targets, such as well-protected sections of attack helicopters or the ceramic cockpit of an A-10 fighter that can withstand a 23 mm projectile.
Laser guidance is not easily disrupted by current aircraft countermeasures (for example advantage of Swedish MANPAD system RBS-70) There are no widely used devices for laser jamming. Thus, it may be giving it an advantage over conventional 20 mm anti-aircraft guns. The same applies to laser-guided missiles stored in drum magazines.
The combination of high elevation and slightly larger caliber, compared to traditional infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) or anti-aircraft guns, makes the MFCV suitable for indirect fire support. Although the smaller caliber may result in a reduced destructive effect compared to mortars, this can be compensated for by firing in bursts and at a higher rate. Laser guidance can be used in the final phase of projectile flight, with guidance provided by infantry or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [3].
The vehicle's turret can be fitted with one or two drum missile magazines (each holding seven missiles). In the transport position, only two missiles are visible from the front view, with one in the center and one on top (one of six missiles in a revolver-style drum). Missiles in this position can be used for direct combat. When the top missile is fired, another one from the drum automatically moves into the firing position.
These missile magazines, along with their protective casings, can also serve as standoff armor. They can be loaded with various types of missiles to perform different tasks, such as anti-tank, anti-air, anti-personnel, and artillery missiles, or multi-purpose laser-guided missiles with combined effects.
The MFCV was first introduced by Hefaistos Defense Systems.
[1] Sandia’s self-guided bullet prototype can hit target a mile away: Demonstrating that laser guidance can be incorporated even in smaller calibers, such as 0.5 caliber.
[2] Reactive Material Structures (RMS): Solid materials that cannot be detonated but can be activated by the explosion of a projectile, forming non-explosive parts of the projectile and increasing its destructive effect during the explosion.
[3] Weapons: Laser Guided Mortar Round: Example of laser-guided mortar shells.
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| MFV in fire position for indirect fire support |
[1] Sandia’s self-guided bullet prototype can hit target a mile away: Demonstrating that laser guidance can be incorporated even in smaller calibers, such as 0.5 caliber.
[2] Reactive Material Structures (RMS): Solid materials that cannot be detonated but can be activated by the explosion of a projectile, forming non-explosive parts of the projectile and increasing its destructive effect during the explosion.
[3] Weapons: Laser Guided Mortar Round: Example of laser-guided mortar shells.