Development and Delivery of Prototype Access Hatches Boxer BDR and AMB

The Netherlands and Germany jointly launched a development programme for a multipurpose armoured vehicle: the Boxer. For the Boxer vehicle programme, Iv developed three prototype access hatches: two different types for the Ambulance (AMB) variant and one type for the Battle Damage Repair (BDR) variant.

The hull interface, access hatches and spring hinges were developed during the engineering phase using digital prototyping (3D).

The access hatches had to be capable of being opened and closed manually from inside the vehicle. To achieve this, Iv developed a unique spring mechanism within the hinge.

The new hatches were developed through an extensive engineering process, covering concept, basic and detailed engineering. Throughout this process, the client continuously conducted design reviews during the PDR, CDR and FDR phases to arrive at the final design.

By carrying out FEM, frequency and motion analyses on the 3D model, Iv verified the prototype design against the specified functional, technical and operational requirements set out in the Programme of Requirements.

During the FAT and SAT phases of the implementation process, Iv validated the hatches together with the client against the specified requirements.

The unique spring mechanism within the hinge enables a hatch weighing between 70 and 120 kilograms, depending on the vehicle’s level of armour protection, to be opened and closed easily and manually from inside the vehicle.