SgtJim
12-01-2010, 06:02 AM
The Armed Forces are a step closer to their next generation of Light Protected Patrol Vehicle after a
£180 million contract was signed with Force Protection Europe (FPE) to build 200 of the new vehicles.
FPE’s 4x4 ‘Ocelot’ vehicle, which beat Supacat and NP Aerospace’s SPV400 to preferred bidder status in
September, will be renamed as ‘Foxhound’ by the MoD.
Named Foxhound, this new vehicle has been designed to provide unprecedented levels of blast protection for its size and weight.
Light and agile, Foxhound will allow troops to carry out a wide range of tasks in environments that may restrict larger,
heavier vehicles – for example moving with ease through narrow alleyways or crossing bridges.
9368
Foxhound incorporates Formula One racing technology and was devised by engineers from the World Rally Championship
McLaren F1 and BMW. Its engine can be removed and replaced in just 30 minutes and it can drive away from an ambush on only three wheels.
Crew and passengers also sit inside a protective pod, which can be quickly adapted to transform the patrol vehicle into an ambulance or supply truck.
Earlier in the year, Force Protection officials also confirmed that there was a MoD requirement for a weapons mount on board the LPPV,
most likely to be either a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), .50-calibre Heavy Barrelled weapon or 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher.
The first vehicles are expected to be available to troops for training in 2011, and will add to the wide array of protected vehicles already being used on operations in Afghanistan, including Mastiff and Ridgback.
(multiple sources: shepard.co.uk,ukforcesafghanistan,thinkdefenece.co .uk)
£180 million contract was signed with Force Protection Europe (FPE) to build 200 of the new vehicles.
FPE’s 4x4 ‘Ocelot’ vehicle, which beat Supacat and NP Aerospace’s SPV400 to preferred bidder status in
September, will be renamed as ‘Foxhound’ by the MoD.
Named Foxhound, this new vehicle has been designed to provide unprecedented levels of blast protection for its size and weight.
Light and agile, Foxhound will allow troops to carry out a wide range of tasks in environments that may restrict larger,
heavier vehicles – for example moving with ease through narrow alleyways or crossing bridges.
9368
Foxhound incorporates Formula One racing technology and was devised by engineers from the World Rally Championship
McLaren F1 and BMW. Its engine can be removed and replaced in just 30 minutes and it can drive away from an ambush on only three wheels.
Crew and passengers also sit inside a protective pod, which can be quickly adapted to transform the patrol vehicle into an ambulance or supply truck.
Earlier in the year, Force Protection officials also confirmed that there was a MoD requirement for a weapons mount on board the LPPV,
most likely to be either a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), .50-calibre Heavy Barrelled weapon or 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher.
The first vehicles are expected to be available to troops for training in 2011, and will add to the wide array of protected vehicles already being used on operations in Afghanistan, including Mastiff and Ridgback.
(multiple sources: shepard.co.uk,ukforcesafghanistan,thinkdefenece.co .uk)