The new vehicle is one of the contenders for the UK MoD LPPV Program
The all-terrain vehicle producer Supacat launched the new light armored vehicle Supacat Protected Vehicle (SPV400) this week at the Long Valley Test Ground in Aldershot, UK. The new vehicle is one of the contenders for the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) program. MoD is planning to order the LPPV under an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) to replace the unprotected Land Rover Snatch patrol vehicles. The selection of the supplier and order for an initial batch of 200 vehicles is expected soon, the LPPV is intended to enter service in early 2011.
The SPV400 is an all-British vehicle designed to retain good mobility when adequately protected from the common IED threats currently encountered in the Afghan theater. It combines an integrated blast and ballistic protection system, including an all composite protected crew capsule (pod) and V-shaped hull. The vehicle retains the exceptional cross country mobility characteristic of all Supacat platforms, and the agility to maneuver in tight urban environments.
“The SPV400 is purpose designed for LPPV” said Nick Ames, Managing Director of Supacat Ltd. “Its clean sheet design is `future-proofed` and can be upgraded to exceed the present LPPV requirements for protection and mobility”.
The first SPV 400 prototype was subjected in December 2009 to two days of blast trials, simulating IEDs and large Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED) effect. The second and third SPV400 prototypes were completed at Supacat’s Dunkswell, Devon, facility in January 2010 and following initial company trials are participating in the UK MoD’s full trials program. A further two prototypes are being completed with one due to undergo further blast tests.
The vehicle was designed by Devon based Supacat, the specialist in high mobility, all terrain vehicles. Its armor protection partner is Coventry based NP Aerospace, which has designed the composite crew pod and protection system with access to the UK’s classified armor technology. Supacat and NP Aerospace have formalized their alliance under which volume production will be conducted through the Alliance at NP Aerospace’s Coventry facility.
With the Design Authority for the SPV400 being UK based, all Intellectual Property Rights for the SPV400 automotive and protection systems reside with Supacat and NP Aerospace. This means the UK retains full control over future design upgrades and the SPV400 is free from US ITAR restrictions.
The SPV400 is designed by Devon based Supacat, the world leader in high mobility, all terrain vehicles. Its armour protection partner is Coventry based NP Aerospace, which has designed the composite crew pod and protection system with access to the UK’s classified armour technology. Supacat and NP Aerospace have formalised their Alliance Agreement under which volume production will be conducted through the Alliance at NP Aerospace’s Coventry facility.
