The BV 206 tracked carrier is an all-terrain transport vehicle specifically designed to travel both on and off roads, under almost any conditions and in any climate. It has four tracks that propel it through water, making it amphibious. The large track area allows the vehicle to travel over deep snow and soft ground that would be impassable to almost any other tracked and wheeled vehicles.
The cars are coupled together by a central, articulated steering assembly. Hydraulic cylinders are used to steer the vehicle and turn the cars relative to each other.
The BV 206 tracked carrier is predominantly for use by the Canadian Army Immediate Reaction Units in domestic operations in both winter and Arctic conditions. The BV 206 tracked carrier can also be used in collective training, with the main focus being preparation for support to domestic operations.
First used in combat during Operation Anaconda in March, 2002. 78 originally purchased. 14 rebuilt in late 2000s and expected to last into early 2020s.
Will be replaced under the Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project, a purchase of around 100 vehicles is expected, and potential candidates include the ST Kinetics Bronco 3 and the BAE Systems Hägglunds BvS 10 Beowulf.
Variants:
- BV 206 command post vehicles
- BV 206 ambulance variant
- BV 206 cargo
