Elbit Systems UK Reveals Crossbow Turreted Mortar System with Iron Fist APS
At this year’s International Armored Vehicle conference in London, Elbit Systems UK revealed their Crossbow 120mm turreted mortar system mounted on a Boxer chassis. The system offers single-crew operation with a fully automatic loading and round indexing system. In combination with an advanced fire control system, the Crossbow can land hits on the move as well as conduct Multi-Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) missions. Elbit’s diverse portfolio allows them to offer a complete solution that includes their GPS-guided Stylet and laser-guided Iron Sting munitions that integrate seamlessly into the system.
Further still, Elbit has chosen to install its Iron Fist Light Active Protection System (APS) which can intercept a wide variety of threats including guided artillery. This creates an interesting situation where an artillery system can intercept counter-battery fire. Currently shoot and scoot methods are the only way to avoid return fire, however, if a hostile UAS tracks you and guides in a laser-guided round then scooting won’t help. The extent of Iron Fists’ ability against artillery threats hasn’t been specifically stated, the marketing material shows what appears to be a Russian Krasnopol 152mm laser-guided round. Recently Iron Fist cleared US Army trials and will be fielded on around 150 Bradleys equipping a full Armored Brigade Combat Team with this game-changing vehicle protection system.
Crossbow was developed for and funded by the Israeli Ministry of Defense which sought to replace many of its open-top M113-based mortar systems with an advanced turreted solution. However, according to Janes, the IDF has elected to install this system on several dozen Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) which are nothing more than trucks. This leaves them without much protection compared to the Boxer configuration displayed at the conference. Israel is adopting the Eitan 8×8 which is broadly similar to Boxer and will be fitted with Iron Fist. Perhaps Eitan will eventually be fitted with Crossbow.
Though displayed in London on the Boxer, which the British Army is buying in huge volume, it is unlikely the UK will pursue it. The UK-based Joint Venture between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems has already designed, built, and test-fired a Mortar Mission Module that is manufactured locally at Telford. To pursue another solution when a UK-produced system already exists is unlikely. However US interest is expected, the Army’s new AMPV Mortar Carrier is equipped with a simple bipod-mounted M121, also built by Elbit, and is seeking a replacement. The US Army had a Future Indirect Fire Turret requirement that sought an off-the-shelf turreted mortar and showed great interest in Patria’s NEMO. With Elbit’s Iron Fist already selected for Bradley and with Elbit providing ALL of the current US Army 120mm mortar systems across M113, Stryker, and dismounted infantry, adoption of Crossbow is certainly possible.