Please follow the link to see an interview conducted at the recent DSEi Exhibition:

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/dsei-2015-supacat-upgrades-4×4-offering/

Supacat is unveiling the LRV 400 `Mk2` at DSEi 2015, an all-new, all British lightweight reconnaissance vehicle.  Designed as a versatile tactical capability for special forces, the LRV 400 can be transported inside a CH-47 Chinook fully equipped and loaded so the user can “drive on, drive off” the aircraft operationally ready.  The LRV 400 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.

LRV 400 is a high performance off-road vehicle for rapid intervention operations in harsh environments by special forces, border patrol or strike forces.  It can achieve speeds of up to 100mph/160km and operate up to 800km from the point of insertion, offering a true special forces long range capability.  It is designed for a crew of 3 or 4 supported by an operational payload of 1700kg with a gross weight of 4200kg.

In 2012 Supacat launched the LRV 400 `Mk1` as a new concept to fill a gap in the market for an agile off-road vehicle sized between Supacat’s HMT Series (Jackal, Coyote, HMT Extenda) and quad bikes.  Having proved the concept, Supacat has evolved the design to develop the LRV 400 `Mk2`.

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.  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.

“For the first time the user has the ability to deploy from a Chinook fully operationally ready.  Coming from the Supacat stable, LRV 400 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 SC Group.

The LRV 400 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.  The LRV 400 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.

The high mobility vehicle and engineering firm, Supacat, has rebranded under a new SC identity to take the company forward in its successful expansion into new markets and provide a clear customer focus for the company’s products and capabilities.

The newly formed SC Group comprises four defined businesses.  Solidly established in defence, the Supacat name remains in place for the company’s core defence business; SC Innovation is the new brand for all engineering solutions for non-defence customers; Proteum the new brand for the marine products and services company (formerly MDS Marine); and the Blackhill Engineering brand is retained for the large fabrications and associated machining business.

Having successfully outgrown its brand, and whilst retaining its heritage, the new group identity has been created as a platform to allow the company to grow and develop its joint capabilities and bring innovative solutions to its customers across multiple sectors.  Over the last decade it has become one of the world’s leading companies in developing equipment for operation in harsh environments in sectors from defence to marine, renewables, mineral exploration, oil & gas and nuclear power sectors, where high performance, reliability and safety are paramount.

The company was founded in 1980 to develop high mobility vehicles for defence and civil customers.  In 2011 it established Supacat Pty Ltd in Australia and during 2014 made a series of acquisitions in the commercial marine sector leading to the creation of Proteum based in Hamble, UK.  At the end of last year Exeter based heavy fabrication specialist, Blackhill Engineering , was acquired.  SC Group, the Supacat defence business and SC Innovation operate from headquarter facilities at Dunkeswell, Devon, UK.

“The SC brand brings together our people, products and services to create an innovative engineering group structure to achieve our 2020 vision of a diversified industrial group offering a one stop shop of engineering processes.  I look forward to leading the SC Group into the future and, working with our customers to exceed their expectations. We have a passionate and committed team with the skills, expertise, focus and passion to provide the highest value to our customers with bespoke quality products and services”, said Nick Ames, Chief Executive, SC Group.

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The renamed SC Group comprises:

• Supacat is the refreshed brand retaining the company heritage for the core defence business.  Supacat develops and supports high mobility military vehicles such as the HMT Series (e.g. Jackal and Coyote), LRV400 and SPV400 and provides specialist engineering services for defence customers.
• SC Innovation provides engineering solutions to support all non-defence business. SC Innovation incorporates specialist vehicle work with the RNLI and the emergency services together with products and services for challenging sectors such as oil & gas, marine, renewable energy and nuclear.  These include the SMV 24 multi-purpose vessel and a wave energy device.
• Proteum is a newly consolidated marine brand within SC Group, formed following the recent acquisition of MDS Marine and Bukh Diesel UK. Proteum represents and distributes a portfolio of marine products and services across UK and Ireland including Bukh, Marine Diesel Sweden, OXE Diesel and Konrad propulsion systems. Proteum also offers global support solutions.
• Blackhill Engineering Services, established over 50 years ago and another recent acquisition of the Group, retains its existing brand.  Blackhill Engineering serves current and new customers with an expanded portfolio of machine engineering, large fabrication and complex machine assembly services.

-ends-

For information:
Jamie Clarke
SC Group Ltd
[email protected]
+44 (0)7921 973916

Celia Turner
CTPR
[email protected]
+44(0)7703 344425

Rheinmetall has lodged a bid in response to the Commonwealth of Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 2 – Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability request for tender. Under the tender, the Commonwealth is offered the latest version of the BOXER 8X8, the in-service LANCE turret and Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) architecture.

The battle proven BOXER 8×8 – a joint development of Rheinmetall and KMW – provides a unique mix of mobility, capacity and survivability that allows the vehicle to operate effectively across the full spectrum of combat operations, while the vehicles inherent adaptability allows it to evolve as requirements and threats change. If selected for LAND 400 the BOXER Cavalry Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) will provide the Australian Army a combat proven, low risk capability that can be rapidly transitioned into service and easily supported through life.

The Rheinmetall LANCE turret is a mature system that is in-service with a NATO country. LANCE generates a range of scalable, precise, effects to effectively deal with threats on the current and future battlefield.

Rheinmetall is committed to the creation of an enduring Australian capability beyond the minimum LAND 400 Australian Industry Capability (AIC) requirements, and has successfully completed a comprehensive supplier engagement activity with more than three hundred Australian Companies. Through this process Rheinmetall has selected Supacat to be the first Australian company to be part of the BOXER CRV team.

Supacat in Australia will draw on its experience in developing and certifying vehicles with the Australian Department of Defence to support the Rheinmetall LAND 400 team.
Andrew Fletcher, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said “Delivering the best possible protection to Australian armed forces – in line with the demanding protection specifications – is a non-negotiable objective for our LAND 400 team.”

“Rheinmetall’s combat proven BOXER 8×8 CRV delivers the highest levels of protection required under LAND 400 and is a formidable MOTS platform when combined with the in-service LANCE Turret.”

“Our LAND 400 industry engagement activities have been well received and our European executives have identified a number of Australian suppliers who we are currently in negotiations with to enter our global supply chain for LAND 400 and other international programs. We look forward to working with Australian industry to provide the best capability for the Australian Defence Force on the LAND 400 program.”

Ian Irving, Chief Executive of Northrop Grumman Australia, welcomed the alliance with Rheinmetall.

“Northrop Grumman will leverage its extensive experience to offer a fifth-generation C4ISR solution that will significantly reduce crew workload, improve situational awareness and enable interoperability across the Australian Defence Force and with coalition forces. Our solution will provide an enduring platform ready for enhancements with future sensors and communications systems. Together, Northrop Grumman and Rheinmetall will also extend an impressive and lasting package of work for Australian industry,” Mr Irving said.

Michael Halloran, Managing Director of Supacat in Australia said “We are delighted to be working with Rheinmetall Defence and offering a local perspective on testing, qualifying and modifying vehicles for the Australian users.

For our own products, we partner with a number of Australian SMEs who deliver outstanding capabilities in their own right and we look forward to bringing these capabilities into the LAND 400 program.”

About the participating companies:

Rheinmetall and its Defence divisions – Combat Systems, Electronic Solutions and Wheeled Vehicles – set the global standard for excellence in a wide array of disciplines and offer an extensive array of military hardware that deliver mobility, lethality, survivability of troops, reconnaissance capability and networking of national and international systems. Please visit www.rheinmetall-defence.com and https://boxercrv.com.au for more information.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernisation to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com/Australia for more information.

Supacat is an innovative producer of high mobility military vehicles, specialist vehicles and maritime products. Supacat have an established presence in Australia based in Melbourne, Victoria. Please visit www.supacat.com for more information