Supacat Australia collaborates with Air Radiators to enhance the capability of it’s HMT vehicle

Posted on March 23, 2021March 25, 2021 by nickyyeoman

In a quest to continually improve the HMT platform, Supacat has invested in an innovative R&D project with local SME Air Radiators to improve the operation of the existing European radiator system.

The Supacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT) is used around the world by conventional military forces and is a particular favorite of Special Forces. The primary role of the vehicle is to be a long range, off road, high payload reconnaissance platform.

As the HMT found service in new units and roles it became apparent that the users were applying the vehicle to a much wider range of activities. Therefore in 2017, Supacat initiated its HSLR (High Speed Long Range) project which aimed to have the vehicle operating proficiently in high speed transit as it already did in its traditional roles. As a result, this project has led to a number of design improvements to the HMT platform.

During the program Supacat engaged Air Radiators, local specialists in innovative heat transfer solutions to develop solutions for the much higher thermal loads generated by the HMT platform in the new operational scenarios. In partnership, Supacat and Air Radiators developed a number of concepts and assessed the options for both performance and durability. In the end, the team chose to advance with a new technology developed by Air Radiators called ALU FIN. While ALU FIN had been used in commercial vehicles, this was the first development into a military platform.

The new design was taken to final test and validation through bench testing at the Air Radiators facility and in-vehicle testing on HMT vehicles.

To improve the capability of both in-service and new platforms the final solution was designed to be retrofitted to existing vehicles in keeping with Supacat’s commitment to the Through Life Support of the HMT. This all-Australian design and development is a world first and has improved the performance and durability of the HMT platform in HSLR operations.

Supacat Managing Director, Michael Halloran said, “Since our foundation in 2012, Supacat has continuously developed the local supply for our products by actively seeking out and working with other Australian companies. The addition of companies like Air Radiators to Supacat Team Australia, strengthens our defence capability in Australia and creates additional export opportunities.”

You can learn more about this project – https://youtu.be/LYadLr2r6mM

About Supacat:

Supacat is an innovative producer of high mobility military vehicles, specialist vehicles and maritime products.

Supacat was established in Australia in 2012 and has rapidly grown as a Compact Prime, delivering development, acquisition and support programs to the Commonwealth and global defence primes. Supacat specialises in the design and development of high mobility vehicles for specialist forces around the world. In addition to its world class mobility products, Supacat provides engineering services to a range of military and civilian customers within Australia, Asia, North America and Europe. Its core capabilities include platform and system integration design, prototype development and high end dynamic structural analysis. Supacat excels at delivering fully Integrated Logistic Support to in-service fleets throughout the vehicle life of type. Supacat currently supports the HMT fleets in Asia Pacific and is a partner to Rheinmetall Defence Australia on the Land 400 Phase 2 Program.

Supacat’s HMT Extenda is a convertible special forces predator

Posted on March 18, 2021 by nickyyeoman

The Extenda’s modular design allows the unique possibility to configure the vehicle as either a 4-wheeled or 6-wheeled variant by simply adding or removing a third rear axle. This ingenious solution means special forces can rely on having the vehicle type they need without compromise or complication – reconfiguration can be done in a matter of hours, using standard military workshop tools and lifting equipment. Supacat’s modular design philosophy means the Extenda also comes with a range of other configuration options, including various mission modules and protection levels.

Developed for use by special forces in the most dangerous and demanding operational tasks, the newest Extenda Mk2 version was unveiled in 2019 and represents a step change in wheeled vehicle capability. An enhanced suspension system enabled the gross weight of the vehicle to increase by 1,500 kg, while main crew seating spaces increased to six from four. A maximum speed of 120 km/h and maximum road range of 1000 km combine with guaranteed performance in tricky terrain, including a 1 metre fording depth capability and operability on 60% gradients and 32° side slopes.

The Norwegian and Estonian Armies are the latest customers to purchase the upgraded Extenda Mk2. With the Czech Republic now considering its own wheeled vehicle renewal programmes, the Extenda is a uniquely adaptable and flexible option.

“The HMT Extenda Mk2 has undergone rigorous testing and validation processes,” confirms Phil Applegarth, Director at Supacat. “As well as testing at our own facilities, it underwent a 12,500km tour of Australia to confirm reliability and performance over long distances. The Extenda has received rave reviews from users, who say the vehicle exceeded their expectations and offered operational capabilities they never previously thought were possible.”

Continual analysis of technical data is key to ensuring the through-life capability of a combat vehicle. For this reason, Supacat has teamed up with LPP, a Czech company which will coordinate all project activities in the Czech Republic. Besides coordinating tasks for Supacat vehicles, LPP will also be responsible for the provision of diagnostic devices gathering technical data from vehicles, as well as from sensors and weapons, and combining them to create a real-time operational picture. Establishing partnerships with domestic military industry players is a key part of Supacat’s production philosophy, meaning cooperation with the Czech Armed Forces would also bring benefits for the local economy.

“The Extenda is an extremely capable vehicle,” says General Žižka (retd.), Director of Strategic Projects at LPP. “Its 2-in-1 modularity is a unique example of the next-level capabilities which Czech special forces could enjoy with Supacat vehicles. LPP’s role, along with Supacat’s cooperation with other Czech military industry players, meanwhile indicate the broader economic benefits which Czech industry would reap through participation if the Czech Armed Forces choose to acquire wheeled armoured vehicles from Supacat.”

With customers in Australia, the USA, Norway, Denmark, Great Britain, New Zealand and Estonia, Supacat’s innovative vehicles have gained recognition across the globe. The company delivers all aspects of vehicle design and production, including engineering, testing, prototype manufacture, certification, low-rate production and fleet support.

Watch this simple Supacat 4×4 – 6×6 conversion

About Supacat

Supacat is the world’s leading specialist in the design and development of high mobility defence vehicles with over 1000 specialist, battle-proven vehicles delivered into service globally. Building on firm foundations with three decades of engineering design success, the company has grown to be one of the world’s leading companies specialising in the design and development of equipment operating in harsh environments. Supacat’s passionate and committed team has the skills, expertise, dedication and focus to provide the highest value to customers with bespoke quality products and services. Supacat’s range of off-road wheeled and tracked vehicles continues to expand as new requirements for high-mobility cross-country defence vehicles arise. Supacat is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 and delivers all aspects of vehicle design, including engineering, testing, prototype manufacture, certification, low- rate production and fleet support. The company has offices in the UK and Australia.

About LPP

LPP s.r.o. is a technological company which was founded in 1993, to become very soon a local industrial leader in development and manufacturing of the flight instruments. Company has gradually expanded into other production areas, mainly in the land forces domain with the Vehicular Information and Battle Management System, which was successfully integrated as a part of Command and Control system into various combat and support platforms of Czech Armed Forces.

Nowadays the company provides comprehensive solutions to the customers all over the world not only in the Defense and Security Sector, but also in the area of intelligence and civilian rescue systems. LPP’s solutions include an artificial intelligence, big data analysis, information and cyber security systems, as well. Based on its own expertise, knowledge management and long-term engagement, has introduced own C6 ISR system, including a full integration of necessary sub-systems into the various aerial and land platforms.

Besides that, LPP focuses on development and production of own vetronics, control and data terminals, diagnostic units as well as various E/O sensors. In an aerospace sector the company is capable to provide complete avionics suits, including own EFIS and ESIS displays, mission computers, HUMS and other various instruments. LPP team predestines the company to provide its customers with the innovative and top-of-the-art solutions.

The Jackal Turns Heads in the Czech Republic

Posted on March 16, 2021March 22, 2021 by nickyyeoman

“Jackal” is battle-proven in operations in Afghanistan and has been praised in glowing terms by the highest echelons of the British Armed Forces. Its unique air suspension system allows the selection of variable ride heights to suit the terrain, ensuring optimal performance in any environment. With flexibility becoming an ever-more important consideration in modern battlefields, the HMT400 is at the forefront of combat vehicle innovation responding to new and developing threats.

Weighing in at 7600 kg with a payload of 2100 kg, the HMT400 is a remarkably agile and durable battlefield predator. A top speed of 120 km/h and maximum range of 800 km make it well-suited for dynamic cross-country fighting. A high level of responsiveness and agility meanwhile allow effective operation in difficult terrain, with a maximum fording depth of 1 metre, operability at 60% gradients and on 35° side slopes, and a turning circle of 13.5 metres.

The HMT400 is supplied with an optional mine blast and ballistic protection kit. It also features a range of additional options for specific combat environments, including run-flat tyres, locking differentials, a self-recovery winch, weapon mounts, a remote weapon stations, smoke grenade launchers, and infrared lights. It also comes in both right-hand and left-hand drive variants.

“Our HMT 400 vehicle type has proven its agility and lethality in the harsh terrains of Afghanistan,” says Phil Applegarth, Director at Supacat. “With the Czech Republic considering the renewal of its wheeled armoured vehicle capability, the Jackal offers unparalleled levels of cross-country prowess and operational flexibility. Our focus on the localisation of production meanwhile ensures that Czech industry would reap the benefits of cooperation between the Czech Armed Forces and Supacat.”

A recent Teaming Agreement signed between Supacat and LPP, an acknowledged Czech systems integrator, could signal the potential for further industrial partnerships with other domestic military industry players. This emphasis on local industrial involvement makes Supacat a strong contender for programmes with high requirements for domestic participation. LPP’s role in the cooperation involves the provision of diagnostic devices gathering technical data from Supacat vehicles, the collection of information from different sensors, weapon systems and the battlefield into one operational picture.

“The HMT400 is an incredibly exciting possibility for the Czech Armed Forces,” says General Žižka (retd.), Director of Strategic Projects at LPP. “Our cooperation with Supacat shows the high potential on both sides to offer the most innovative military technology systems for our airborne and special troops. And Supacat’s intention to bring tangible benefits to local communities – through local manufacturing, potential exports, and job creation – highlights the economic boost which the company’s presence would bring here too.”

Supacat has delivered over 1000 battle-proven vehicles into service globally, with customers in Australia, the USA, Norway, Denmark, Great Britain, New Zealand and Estonia. With offices in England and Australia, the company delivers all aspects of vehicle design and production, including engineering, testing, prototype manufacture, certification, low-rate production and fleet support.

For more information on the HMT platform watch our vehicle demonstration

About Supacat
Supacat is the world’s leading specialist in the design and development of high mobility defence vehicles with over 1000 specialist, battle-proven vehicles delivered into service globally. Building on firm foundations with three decades of engineering design success, the company has grown to be one of the world’s leading companies specialising in the design and development of equipment operating in harsh environments. Supacat’s passionate and committed team has the skills, expertise, dedication and focus to provide the highest value to customers with bespoke quality products and services. Supacat’s range of off-road wheeled and tracked vehicles continues to expand as new requirements for high-mobility cross-country defence vehicles arise. Supacat is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 and delivers all aspects of vehicle design, including engineering, testing, prototype manufacture, certification, low- rate production and fleet support. The company has offices in the UK and Australia.

About LPP
LPP s.r.o. is a technological company which was founded in 1993, to become very soon a local industrial leader in development and manufacturing of the flight instruments. Company has gradually expanded into other production areas, mainly in the land forces domain with the Vehicular Information and Battle Management System, which was successfully integrated as a part of Command and Control system into various combat and support platforms of Czech Armed Forces.
Nowadays the company provides comprehensive solutions to the customers all over the world not only in the Defense and Security Sector, but also in the area of intelligence and civilian rescue systems. LPP’s solutions include an artificial intelligence, big data analysis, information and cyber security systems, as well. Based on its own expertise, knowledge management and long-term engagement, has introduced own C6 ISR system, including a full integration of necessary sub-systems into the various aerial and land platforms.
Besides that, LPP focuses on development and production of own vetronics, control and data terminals, diagnostic units as well as various E/O sensors. In an aerospace sector the company is capable to provide complete avionics suits, including own EFIS and ESIS displays, mission computers, HUMS and other various instruments. LPP team predestines the company to provide its customers with the innovative and top-of-the-art solutions.

Supacat Hybrid HMT

Posted on March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 by nickyyeoman

UK PMETS ~ Supacat Hybrid HMT Demonstrator

https://www.joint-forces.com/videos/41043-uk-pmets-supacat-hybrid-hmt-demonstrator