Supacat’s all-new LRV400 Mk2 light reconnaissance vehicle, designed as a high performance off-road vehicle for rapid intervention operations in harsh environments by special forces, border patrol or strike forces, is being launched onto the EMEA market at Eurosatory, 13-17 June 2016 in Paris.
LRV400 Mk2 will be displayed on the Supacat stand alongside its larger HMT 400 stablemate `Jackal`, the vehicle chosen by the world’s elite special forces, most recently by Norway, and currently in production for Australia’s Redfin 1B programme.
LRV400 Mk2 is a highly versatile tactical capability for special forces; it can be transported inside a CH-47 Chinook fully equipped and loaded, making it immediately deployable. Also it has the unique feature of being convertible from 4×4 to 6×6 to provide a flexible alternative configuration that increases payload, capacity and range to meet different operational requirements.
“LRV400 Mk2 is the first reconnaissance vehicle to give the user the ability to deploy from a Chinook in full operational readiness. Coming from the Supacat stable, LRV400 offers a scaled down version of `Jackal` with its acclaimed all terrain tactical performance in all environments”, said Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat, part of the SC Group.
Supacat designed the LRV400 Mk2 to fill the gap in the market for an agile off-road vehicle sized between its HMT Series (GVW 7600kg) and quad bikes. It carries a crew of 3 or 4 supported by an operational payload of 1700kg with a GVW of 4200kg. It can achieve speeds of up to 100mph/160km and operate up to 800km from the point of insertion, offering special forces a true long range capability.
Having launched and proved the concept in 2012, Supacat evolved the design to develop the LRV400 Mk 2. The significant design change is a move to a well-known, mass produced base automotive platform, adapted by Supacat for specialist military applications. The automotive platform delivers proven performance, reliability and cost efficiencies to the LRV 400 Mk2. In addition, the vehicle is ITAR free and can be supported via the existing globally available spares network enhanced by Supacat’s established military vehicle through life support service.
The LRV400 Mk2 has been developed with a common user interface to its HMT `big brother` to maximise inter-operability and minimise training. A variety of lightweight armour solutions, weapons and communications systems can be fitted to meet each customer’s requirements offering a multi-role capability.
It has front and rear independent double wishbone air suspension offering variable ride height and lock out – bump stops for stable firing and high power to weight ratio. Powered by a V6 3.0 turbo diesel providing 256 bhp and 600Nm Torque, it has an 8 speed automatic transmission and high and low permanent 4WD with centre diff lock. Cross-axle diff locks are also available as an option.