Supacat announce partnership: the first for the Rheinmetall Land 400 Phase 2 program

Posted on October 26, 2018November 26, 2018 by Proteum

Supacat and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have signed a new partnership agreement to encompass Supacat’s participation in the LAND 400 Phase 2 acquisition program. Supacat will be among a small number of Tier 1 partners on the program with a broad range of activities across engineering development, systems requirements and validation and manufacturing of sub systems.

The teaming agreement provides the implementation framework for Supacat’s ongoing strategic partnering relationship. As an embedded partner on the program Supacat aims to be a seamless member of Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s LAND 400 program team.

Supacat was established in Australia in January 2012 and since that time has built a considerable capability focused on Land Systems in the region. In addition to delivering its own products and services within Australia, the region and globally, Supacat is proud of its collaboration with the Rheinmetall LAND 400 team from the early stages of the bidding process through to playing a key role in the RMA phase of the program. Supacat is looking forward to continuing to work closely with Rheinmetall on the LAND 400 program for many years to come on Phase 2 and future phases of the program.

Michael Halloran, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, congratulated both teams in achieving the signing of the teaming agreement and said “We are very pleased that Rheinmetall recognizes the value an Australian business can provide to its programs both here and internationally. Both companies value long term relationships and partnerships as one of the foundations of success.”

Supacat has significant recent expertise in developing industrial capability in Australia and New Zealand through delivering development, production and support programs in partnership with Australian SME’s under the Supacat Team Asia Pacific banner.

Mr Halloran went on to say “Over the last six years, we have strived to create an agile, compact prime, capable of delivering land projects within our region and services around the globe. As we continue to deliver projects and services both locally and for export, our involvement in the LAND 400 program will contribute to a lasting legacy of Defence Industry capability that provides Defence with access to a cradle to grave development capability for Land Systems”.

Supacat receives Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award

Posted on October 18, 2018October 17, 2018 by Proteum

UK military vehicle developer, Supacat and parent SC Group, have been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, which acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and defence by going above and beyond their covenant pledges.

Nick Ames, Chief Executive of SC Group, and Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat received the Silver Award on 4 October from the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, supported by his Deputy Lord Lieutenants, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope GCB, OBE, DL, and Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Ridgeway KCB CB DL, Commanding Officers of 6 RIFLES and 165 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC, the High Sheriff and other Civic dignitaries. The Lord Lieutenant also formally appointed a number of cadets representing each of the three Armed Services to accompany him on his official duties

The Silver Award is bestowed to organisations meeting specific criteria, which include proactively demonstrating that service personnel and the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes. Supacat employs many former service personnel and reservists who continue to serve their country and also regularly supports activities on behalf of the armed forces community. The Awards scheme recognises the different levels of commitment provided by employers and allows the Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and honour those organisations for their support.

Earlier this year Supacat re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, affirming its pledge to uphold the Covenant. This is a promise by the nation, enshrined in UK law, to those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, that they are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.

On receiving the award, Phil Applegarth said, “We delighted that our commitment to supporting the armed forces has been recognised with the Silver Award and are very proud to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant. It was a pleasure for us to witness the next generation of the Armed Forces attending this prestigious event and how the Cadet organisation provides an important pathway for individual development”.

Supacat supports Rheinmetall with engineering services for Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme

Posted on September 19, 2018September 19, 2018 by Proteum

Supacat, part of SC Group, has been supporting Rheinmetall with a wide range of engineering services on vehicle programmes including the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank Life Extension Programme (Assessment Phase), the company announced at DVD 2018.

Supacat has been a preferred supplier of engineering services to Rheinmetall on the Challenger 2 LEP, which included Supacat fabricating a Human Factors demonstration asset. The two companies have worked together before, with Supacat supporting Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) on a number of programmes and providing specialist staff placements working alongside Rheinmetall Landsysteme (RLS) in Germany.

Thomas Zierke, Vice President Programmes at Rheinmetall Landsysteme, said, “Supacat provides Rheinmetall with a range of excellent support services including supply chain management, project management and engineering design and analysis. Supacat’s experience and knowledge is renowned, and having its full engineering capability available for us to draw on, gives Rheinmetall the agility to apply additional specialist resources quickly”.

Nick Ames, CEO of SC Group, said, “Supacat is experienced in delivering fully-engineered, integrated and battle-ready vehicle systems to the UK MoD, so there is no doubt that we can add significant value. SC Group’s long-term strategy for Supacat is to build its engineering services to support successful defence primes, in parallel with its core OEM vehicle business. Our relationship with Rheinmetall is therefore a highly significant development for us and one which we hope will create future opportunities on programmes such as the British Army’s MIV (Mechanised Infantry Vehicle)”.

Supacat’s HMT Light Weight Recovery (LWR) progresses through development trials

Posted on September 18, 2018September 18, 2018 by Proteum

Since the launch of the Supacat HMT Light Weight Recovery (HMT LWR) vehicle at DSEi in September 2017 the prototype vehicle has been undergoing trials both by Supacat at its test facility and by CSS TDU (Combat Service Support Trials & Development Unit). The trials have identified areas with potential for further capability gains and enhancement to the original specification. The next phase of development trials will start in October 2018 and will continue throughout 2019.

The 10.5 tonne HMT Light Weight Recovery (HMT LWR) has been developed to fill a capability gap to recover vehicles operating in hard to access urban and rural locations as required by the UK MoD’s Light Weight (Air Portable) Recovery Capability (LW(AP)RC) programme.

The 6×6 HMT LWR offers high levels of agility, off-road performance and protection in common with Supacat’s High Mobility Transporter (HMT) family, which includes `Jackal` and `Coyote` now within UK MoD’s Core Fleet. HMT LWR utilises many HMT design features such as the variable height air suspension system, engine and drive line that have been battle proven in numerous theatres. Blast and ballistic protection has been built into the chassis providing the optimum protection for its weight of 10.5 tonnes.

HMT LWR utilises an innovative new Supacat designed technology, `Supalift` (patent pending), which increases the size of vehicles that can be recovered by a light weight recovery vehicle. HMT LWR’s recovery system can be operated both in conventional mode and by the operator engaging `Supalift`, which increases the maximum lifting weight of the recovery system by up to 50%. In conventional mode the HMT LWR recovery system lifts a maximum recovered vehicle axle mass of 3.8 tonnes and in `Supalift` mode rises to 6.1 tonnes (specification based on recovering an HMT 400 `Jackal 2`). `Supalift` technology is based on the principle of distributing the weight of the casualty vehicle more evenly over the recovery vehicle.

Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat, said, “We are very excited by the potential of this pioneering vehicle. The HMT platform has proven itself as the vehicle of choice for modern fighting forces and we look forward to the successful delivery of this latest addition to the HMT family. It will be a game-changer in extending the lifting capability of recovery systems for defence and other industry sectors.”

Supacat unveils HMT 600 `Coyote` in mobile Anti-UAV role mounted with operationally proven AUDS Anti-UAV Defence System

Posted on September 12, 2018September 12, 2018 by Proteum

UK special operations vehicle developer, Supacat, is displaying its HMT 600 tactical support vehicle, best known as `Coyote`, in an anti-UAV defence role for the first time at DVD. It will be installed with AUDS (Anti-UAV defence system), the only operationally proven counter drone system, supplied by Chess Dynamics and the AUDS Team.

In November an AUDS mounted `Coyote` will participate in `Autonomous Warrior- the 2018 Army Warfighting Experiment’, which will test how Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) can be exploited in the Land Environment and assess their ability to reduce the danger to troops during combat.

“This is a further example of the flexibility of the HMT platform, which can be reconfigured to integrate the latest technology and enhance capability for our armed forces on the modern battlefield,” said Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat.

The Coyote mounted AUDS is the latest collaboration in a long standing relationship between Supacat and fellow UK SME, Chess Dynamics, and demonstrates the agility of both UK companies in coming together to deliver battle ready solutions that fill a capability gap.

“We are both innovative, high technology British SMEs of similar size and geared to responding at speed to customer requirements. We both build world beating products in Britain that are successful abroad, making exports a central focus for our businesses”, said Applegarth.

AUDS is in service with the US forces in both its field mast configuration and has also been installed on Stryker vehicles. It has over 700 confirmed “kills” and has been on continuous combat operations since it deployed almost 2 years ago. It is designed to disrupt and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) engaged in hostile airborne surveillance and potentially lethal activity.

Supacat announces ATMP Modernisation Programme to future hybrid and autonomy

Posted on September 12, 2018September 12, 2018 by Proteum

UK creator of high mobility vehicles, Supacat, is announcing the modernisation programme of its highly successful All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) at DVD 2018. The original vehicle has been in service with the UK MOD, foreign militaries and other non-defence sectors since the early 80’s and remains the reliable, flexible and capable workhorse that it was designed to be. The vehicle is undergoing a modernisation programme to initially manage obsolescence issues whilst also supporting the future hybrid development and automisation of the platform.

The ATMP can carry a substantial payload of 1600kg which, combined with its “go anywhere” ethos, has made it the vehicle of choice for many years. Already proven on a variety of military and humanitarian operations in locations such as the Gulf, the Falklands, Bosnia, Kosovo, Canada, Malaysia and Afghanistan, the ATMP can be transported within or underslung below a range of air platforms providing instant mobility support for light forces on the ground.

The modernisation programme will involve updating the engine and drive train whilst also managing legislative requirements and Human-Machine Interface. It will also integrate a hybrid drive train into the platform. Supacat and the University of Exeter are working together as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to develop the alternative drive solution, and have made good progress. Matthew Harvey of the University of Exeter comments, “The Knowledge Transfer Partnership is an exciting opportunity for us to use the latest academic research in industry to improve and modernise what is already a hugely successful vehicle. It is fantastic to work with a company like Supacat who have a huge wealth of experience and a really agile approach to engineering.”

The hybrid ATMP offers a number of benefits to the user. These include a reduced logistic burden, a silent running mode and a mobile battery charging platform. The hybrid ATMP will not compromise on the existing capability of the vehicle, aspiring to improve on what has been a timeless, hugely successful product. Supacat intends to fully autonomise the ATMP, developing the mule concept of follow on vehicles and opening up a number of capability options. A technical demonstrator with hybrid drive and novel fuel cells will be built in the first half on 2019.

A second KTP, starting in October 2019, will create an ‘optionally manned’ demonstrator, leveraging off the development of the hybrid demonstrator. This will incorporate elements of autonomous operation which will be of benefit to both defence and other users operating in dangerous or challenging environments.

Steve Austen, Engineering Director said, “This is an exciting time for Supacat as we seek to harness the rapid advances in hybrid propulsion and autonomous technologies made over the last few years to enhance the capabilities of our products and team for the benefit of our defence and non-defence customers.”

Supacat seeks export markets and broader roles for HMT

Posted on September 4, 2018September 10, 2018 by Proteum

After delivering 89 special operations vehicles (SOV) to the Australian Army, Supacat is looking to sell its family of High Mobility Transporter (HMT) vehicles into other markets.

Managing director of Supacat, Michael Halloran, told DTR that the focus is now on exports. “We want to go into Asia. We think there are good opportunities in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and maybe Thailand.”

In an era where combat vehicle dimensions and weight seem to be on an upward curve, the modest size of the HMT Extenda Mk 2 and a maximum weight of 10.5 tonnes make them well suited to the complex terrain and compromised infrastructure common throughout much of the South East Asian region.

The HMT Extenda Mk 2 was designed as, and remains, the most capable cross-country wheeled vehicle in its class. The unique suspension design along with the balanced arrangement of the vehicle, maximises the traction that is available from each wheel, providing high cross-country mobility.

Ease of operation, design flexibility and versatility also opens up the potential for the HMT Extenda Mk 2 for use in undertaking a range of roles within armies which may not have top tier fleet sustainment resources.

Running in parallel with the export push is an interest in promoting the other roles which the HMT Extenda Mk 2 can perform other than special operations missions.

“What the Australian Army now has in its inventory in the SOV-Commando is an incredibly versatile platform, and we need to get people to understand that so we can start thinking about applications for the vehicle outside special forces,” Mr Halloran said.

To illustrate this point, Supacat has mounted an Elbit Cardom 81mm mortar pack on the rear cargo bed of a 4×4 HMT Extenda Mk 2. This will be on display at the Land Forces 2018 defence exhibition in early September in Adelaide.

“If you think of the spectrum of capabilities,” Mr Halloran said, “we go from a platform with a mortar on the back through to the lightweight recovery vehicle at the top end, and everything else in between.”

The 6×6 version of the HMTExtenda Mk 2 are particularly well suited to undertake additional roles, with a 4m long rear cargo bed (extendable to 4.8m) and 3,474kg payload providing the potential to mount mission modules, weapon systems or transport cargo.

Examples of 6×6 protected cab and open design variants at the concept/prototype stage include a light recovery vehicle and a tractor with rear cargo bed.

Supacat Re-signs Armed Forces Covenant

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Proteum

UK military vehicle developer, Supacat and parent SC Group, have re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, affirming their pledge to uphold the Covenant. This is a promise by the nation, enshrined in UK law, to those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, that they are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.

Head of Supacat, Phil Applegarth, who himself served in the regular Army and continues as a Reservist, re-signed the Covenant on behalf of the company with the Commander South West Brigade, Col Andrew Dawes, during this year’s Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor organised by the Brigade.

Supacat has supported numerous activities on behalf of the armed forces, including the Ten Tors, where it fielded three of its high performance all- terrain vehicles, Jackal, LRV400 and SPV400. Supacat is aiming later this year for a Silver Award, which enables the UK Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and honour those organisations that have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and defence by going above and beyond their covenant pledges.

Phil commented, “We are very proud to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and of the many former service personnel and reservists who work for the company and continue to serve their country. The whole company’s culture is one of total commitment to providing our armed forces with the finest vehicles and equipment”.

Over 1,500 organisations have signed the Covenant to date, including businesses and charities and all 407 local authorities in mainland Great Britain and four councils in Northern Ireland.

Supacat delivers the first production HMT Extenda Vehicle to Norway

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Proteum

UK Special Forces vehicle designer and manufacturer, Supacat (part of SC Group), has today announced the recent delivery of the first production HMT Extenda vehicle to the Norwegian Armed Forces. The handover took place at Supacat’s Devon facility on 30 May 2018.

Supacat signed a £23 million contract with The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) to supply a new fleet of High Mobility Vehicles in May 2015. The award includes the provision of a comprehensive through-life support package. The first ‘pre-series’ vehicle was delivered in early 2017 followed by full fleet delivery taking place during 2018 and 2019.

The HMT Extenda is unique as it is convertible to a 4×4 or a 6×6 configuration by inserting or removing a self-contained third axle unit to meet different operational requirements. Like other HMT series platforms, such as the UK’s ‘Jackal’, the HMT Extenda can be supplied with optional mine blast and ballistic protection kits and with a variety of mission hampers, weapons, communications, ISTAR and force protection equipment to suit a wide range of operational roles.

Major Arild Stangenes, NDMA Programme Manager said “the delivery of our first production vehicle is a major milestone in a long-term programme that has been ongoing since 2011. We are very pleased with the quality of our first production vehicle and with a product that fully meets the needs of our user.”

Nick Ames, Chief Executive of SC Group, of which Supacat is a part, said “this project milestone is a great achievement for Supacat and for our Norwegian customer. I am proud of what the team has achieved in delivering a fantastic product and we are looking forward to following this first production delivery with the rest of the order.” He added, “yet again, the Supacat HMT has proven itself to be the vehicle of choice for specialist users across the globe.”

Supacat Welcomes LAND 400 Decision

Posted on March 13, 2018March 14, 2018 by Proteum

Supacat, which is a member of the Rheinmetall Land 400 team, welcomes the announcement of the selection of the Boxer CRV and Rheinmetall as the preferred tenderer for Phase 2 of the LAND 400 program. Supacat believes that Defence has chosen the outstanding capability to serve the Australian Army.

Supacat was established in Australia in January 2012 and since that time has built a considerable capability focused on Land Systems in the region. In addition to delivering its own products and services within Australia, the region and globally, Supacat has been proud of its participation with the Rheinmetall LAND 400 team since the early part of the bidding process through to playing a key role in the RMA phase of the program.

Supacat now looks forward to playing a substantial role in the delivery and support of the Boxer CRV fleet. Michael Halloran, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, congratulated Rheinmetall on the Boxer down selection and said “We have been very impressed with the way that Rheinmetall has actively sought out Australian industrial involvement for the program. Participating in this program offers Australian SMEs an opportunity to further develop their capabilities and reach a global audience.”

Supacat has significant recent expertise in developing industrial capability in Australia through delivering development, production and support programs in partnership with Australian SME’s under the Supacat Team Australia banner.

Mr Halloran went on to say “Over the last six years, we have strived to create an agile, compact prime, capable of delivering land projects within our region and services around the globe. On top of our existing projects, our involvement in the LAND 400 program will contribute to a lasting legacy of Defence Industry capability that provides Defence with access to a cradle to grave development capability for Land Systems.”

The interaction between Supacat and Rheinmetall is not limited to Australia. Mr Nick Ames, Chief Executive Officer, SC Group said, “We are delighted that the involvement between Supacat and Rheinmetall will continue through the LAND 400 program. This complements our interactions with Rheinmetall on a number of European projects.”