The Boeing Phantom Badger, or simply the Badger, is a combat support vehicle built by Boeing, in collaboration with MSI Defense Solutions.[2] Designed for transport inside the V-22 Osprey, the Badger is notable for its size and versatility.[3] Unlike previous vehicles and competing offers, the Badger's design is such that it avoids non-standard equipment, instead using already available hardware for construction.[4] Although officially certified for use with United States Navy aircraft, the Badger is also used by the United States Air Force as well as United States Marine Corps special operations.[citation needed]

Phantom Badger
Marines with the 22nd Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron look over the Phantom Badger
TypeLight Utility Vehicle, 2-door truck
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2014–present
Used byUnited States
Production history
DesignerMSI Defense
ManufacturerBoeing Phantom Works, assembled at Mooresville, North Carolina
Produced2014–present
VariantsSpecial Recon, Combat Search and Rescue, Casualty Transport, FAV
Specifications
Mass7,850 lb (3,402 kg) base curb weight
 length180 in. (457 cm.)
Width60 in. (152.5 cm)
Height65 in. (165 cm), able to lower to 60 in. (152.5 cm) for transport
Crew1 driver, passengers vary based on configuration

Payload capacity3,356 lb (1,587 kg)
SuspensionIndependent 4×4
Operational
range
450 miles (724 km)
Maximum speed 83 mph (134 kmph)
Steering
system
24.5 ft (7.47 m) four-wheel steering; 32ft (9.75 m) two-wheel steering[1]

The Badger is the second vehicle to fit into the MV-22 after the M1161 Growler ― the Internally Transportable Light Strike Vehicle (ITV-LSV) also designed specifically for use with the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

Design

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The Badger is designed with mission-specific rear modules that are attached with six bolts at six connection points that can be interchanged on the field in 30 minutes or less. Interchangeable modular mission capabilities include reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, casualty transport and explosive ordnance disposal in addition to mounts for weapons like a .50-caliber machine gun and 40mm automatic grenade launcher.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Boeing: Digitally Advanced & Integrated Warfighter Solutions".
  2. ^ "Boeing: Meet the Phantom Badger".
  3. ^ "Boeing's Phantom Badger packs a lot of combat vehicle into a small package". 18 April 2014.
  4. ^ "Reporting for Duty | MSI Defense | MSI Defense". www.msidefense.com. Archived from the original on 2018-01-17.
  5. ^ "Home". 11 June 2021.
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