Brisbane, Australia, 22nd September, 2014, Supacat today launched a concept vehicle for the ATMP MkIV at Landforces 2014.

The All Terrain Mobile Platform (ATMP) has a distinguished history, having served in Bosnia, the Gulf Wars and Afghanistan, and remains without equal as a highly mobile and highly reliable workhorse.

The MkIV concept vehicle is being displayed at Landforces 2014 and is being offered to armed forces within the region.

Michael Halloran, Managing Director, Australia, said:

“When we looked around the market, we found that there is nothing that combines the payload, mobility and robustness of the ATMP, so in developing this concept vehicle we decided to look at maintaining the fundamental strengths of the platform while updating the human interface and the automotive and communication systems.”

The result is an easily transportable, go-anywhere workhorse that can carry over 1.5 tons of payload. The open, flat back is easily configured for multiple uses and makes the ATMP extremely useful. The platform is equally at home in the desert, jungle or littoral environments.

Nick Jones, one of the founders of Supacat, is in attendance at Landforces 2014. He said:

“One of the interesting things to see over the years has been the number of different uses that people have found for the ATMP. It has been used for everything from forward base control, to firefighting to agriculture.”

The ATMP is powered by a diesel engine driving a 6×6 drive train. The mobility is significantly enhanced by 4 wheel Ackermann steering and skid steering. The ATMP can be transported within or below a range of air platforms providing instant mobility support for airborne and air-mobile forces on the ground.

The Defence Material Organisation (DMO) has awarded a $105M contract to high mobility vehicle specialist, Supacat, to deliver 89 Special Operations Vehicles – Commando (SOV-Cdo) for the Australian Defence Forces under the JP2097 Ph 1B (REDFIN) program. The new SOV-Cdo are based on the latest MK2 version of Supacat’s HMT Extenda and designed to meet Australian Special Force’s specific requirements.

The contract follows the successful completion of the Prototype Development and Evaluation phase in which Supacat built and delivered the prototype SOV-Cdo.

Nicholas Ames, Managing Director, Supacat Group said “This is the first of the MK2 HMT Extenda’s to go into production and represents a significant increase in capability in terms of protection, transportability and firepower, while retaining the mobility and versatility for which the vehicle has become well known.”

Designed for, and used by, the world’s elite special forces, the HMT Extenda is unique in being convertible to either a 4×4 or 6×6 configuration to meet different operational requirements. Its open architecture provides for various levels of protection and great variety in the roles and missions for which it can be configured. The SOV-Cdo will be delivered in four reconfigurable roles, emphasising the flexibility of the HMT platform.
Supacat has partnered with Australian companies located throughout NSW and Victoria within Supacat Team Australia to manufacture components and assemble the vehicles at a facility in Western Sydney. In January 2012 Supacat opened offices in Australia to manage Supacat’s activities in the Asia Pacific region and which will be responsible for delivering the program.

Michael Halloran, Managing Director, Australia, said “The award of this contract is another important stepping stone in the development of our presence in the Asia Pacific market and is due recognition of the performance of Supacat and our partners in the Australian market to date.”

 

UK high mobility vehicle specialist, Supacat has provided technical assistance to Tata Motors to develop a combat vehicle, based on a Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle (LAMV) programme by the Indian Ministry of Defence. The LAMV prototype was unveiled at Defexpo, New Delhi, on 6 February, 2014.

The LAMV incorporates crew protection and suspension technologies based on the Supacat Protected Vehicle 400 (SPV400) Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) requirements of the UK Ministry of Defence. These include blast resistant features such as a V-shaped hull and an all composite crew cab.

Nick Ames, Managing Director, Supacat said, “Tata’s stature in India and the UK, and Supacat’s experience in protected vehicles is a powerful combination. Our aspiration is that this is the beginning of a strategic relationship, which opens up opportunities for both companies in the Asian and European markets for protected vehicles.”

Mr. Vernon Noronha, Vice President – Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors said, “We at Tata Motors have been associated with the Indian defence and security forces for over 60 years now, with an endeavour to supply a range of world-class, high technology and reliable off-road mobility solutions. With technical support from Supacat we are proud to have been able to indigenously develop the LAMV, for vital reconnaissance mobility, protection and firepower for the Indian armed forces, giving them the much needed capabilities of rapid offensive thrusts into enemy territory.”

Since the prototype SPV400 was assessed in 2010 for the UK MoD’s LPPV, Supacat continued to develop the design to production standards, in order to meet international demand for this new class of vehicle.

Supacat is best known for developing the `Jackal` and `Coyote` vehicles operated by British Forces in Afghanistan and numerous special forces worldwide.

The UK high mobility vehicle specialist, Supacat, has prepared the sit-ski rig its engineers have adapted for Mick Brennan to ensure the athlete’s equipment is ready for the top level of competition in disability skiing.  Mick Brennan is a member of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (CSDST), which Supacat  sponsors with technical and financial support to the athletes.

The designers of the acclaimed `Jackal` off road patrol vehicle lent their expertise to design and custom build Mick Brennan’s sit-ski rig’s state of the art suspension system, which can be fine-tuned to all conditions.  The Dunkeswell, Devon, based company has supported the CSDST Team over the last five years and focussed on helping the performance athletes’ chances of selection to represent their country.

Mick lost both legs ten years ago in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq while serving with the Royal Signals.   He got onto skis for the first time in 2008 as part of his rehabilitation, and it was announced last week that Mick has been successful in his quest to represent ParalympicsGB in Alpine Skiing at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Mick Brennan said, “I feel as though I am one of the family in Dunkeswell.  For the last 5 years I have been climbing the world rankings in an attempt to get to the highest level in disability skiing.  The road has been long and difficult and the advances I have made along the way can be directly attributed to a number of factors; social, financial, physical and equipment are the key areas. A special mention must be made to the team that have helped to design certain aspects of equipment that I use. There are many areas but the main equipment change that made the greatest difference is the suspension system, without this I would be nowhere.  The guys have helped to develop a bespoke suspension system that is envied around the disability skiing circuit and has forced other teams into bettering their own equipment.  I guess, indirectly, the help I have received has influenced future safety and performance areas across the disability skiing world”.

Jamie Clarke, Supacat’s Head of Communications & Marketing said, “All of us at Supacat congratulate Mick on his selection.  Our engineers have spent a lot of time with him, both on and off snow, and the relationship has become a personal one for many within the company, who have all met him when he has visited our facility for technical support. We’re so pleased that he’s qualified which, for all sorts of reasons, has been a huge challenge for Mick. We are exceedingly proud to be associated with such an inspirational guy and we will be following his progress closely”.

Click here to view video of Mick

Supacat is launching the Light Reconnaissance Vehicle 400 (LRV 400) at DSEi 2013 as a low cost, high performance capability for special forces, border patrol, reconnaissance, rapid intervention and light strike roles. Offering light forces supreme levels of all-terrain mobility, the LRV 400 is able to be tactically loaded within a CH-47 Chinook with its full operational payload on board.

The LRV 400 is a militarized variant of Qt Services’ successful `Wildcat` off-road motorsport vehicle, which has a proven record on the Rally Raid circuit and has earned a reputation for rugged reliability and high speeds over rough terrain.

Using a fresh approach, Supacat have teamed with Qt to modify and integrate the COTS vehicle to military standards, thus providing an affordable capability using proven technology. The LRV 400 fills the gap in Supacat’s product portfolio between the heavier `Jackal` surveillance, reconnaissance and patrol vehicle and the smaller All-Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP).

“The LRV 400 meets the gap in the military market for a light reconnaissance vehicle with an overall capability as close to that of Jackal as possible, but smaller and at less cost by adopting a COTS approach. We’ve taken motorsports’ best of breed in Qt’s Wildcat and modified it to military specification using Supacat’s proven expertise in developing Jackal,” said Jamie Clarke, Head of Marketing & Communications, Supacat. “Supreme performance and tactical CH-47 internal loading have been key targets on this project. The users will be able to drive in and drive out without the need to offload their payload or to conduct any lengthy preparation for flight. When they get there, they will be afforded the very best terrain access and operational capability. Applying motorsport technology to Defence applications is an exciting approach and one that will deliver unrivalled performance”.

The LRV 400 has evolved out of customer feedback on a proof-of-concept closed cab demonstrator developed by Supacat and Qt in 2011. Wildcat’s tubular space-frame chassis and state of the art suspension are critical to the LRV’s performance and rugged reliability. The display vehicle at DSEi is shown in a three crew configuration of commander, driver and gunner but the flexibility of the space-frame design allows the LRV 400 to be easily re-configured to meet different operational roles.

With a Gross Vehicle Weight of 3500kg, a width of 1.8m and a height of 1.8m (weapon removed or lowered) the LRV 400 is easily air portable in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. It boasts a maximum speed of 106 mph (170km/h) and a range of 1000km. Payload is up to 1400 kg, depending on customer specification and configuration. It can be fitted with a range of powertrain options – the display vehicle has a Ford 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder diesel engine developing 236 hp and 550 Nm torque coupled to a Ford-supplied 6-speed automatic gearbox and two-speed transfer box however, other engine and transmission options are available.

Click here to visit the LRV 400 product page

Supacat is unveiling the Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV24) to the defence and security market at DSEi. Launched to the wider marine and renewable energy sectors in July, the SMV24 is a new concept in support vessel design, which also has the potential to perform a range of defence and security related roles. Its flexibility, high speed and high payload have already attracted interest from potential operators in the sector.

The SMV24 is a fine entry catamaran that can achieve speeds up to 30 knots and has a range up to 790nm. In the present configuration, the 24 metre vessel can carry up to 12 additional passengers and up to 30 tonnes of cargo simultaneously. However, the flexibility of the design allows for adaptation to meet alternative and emerging roles.

The first SMV24 is under construction and will be completed later this year. It was developed by Supacat to support the new generation of far offshore wind farms which require it to operate up to 150 nm from a safe haven.

“Since launching the SMV24 into the marine and renewable energy markets it has generated interest from military users for a number of different roles, hence our decision to exhibit it at DSEi. Supacat has a strong brand in defence, which differentiates our offering in this segment of the market”, said Jamie Clarke, Head of Marketing & Communications.

Supacat has built a global reputation as the developer of high mobility vehicles, such its HMT series – the vehicle of choice for elite special forces and best known as `Jackal` and `Coyote` in service with British Armed Forces. Over the last decade the company has successfully applied the company’s innovation and engineering skills to develop products in the adjacent marine and renewables sectors for customers, including the RNLI and Fred Olsen.

The SMV24’s multi-role performance is based on a revolutionary deck system boasting a through-deck and an integrated rail system running the length of the vessel. This allows a range of equipment for different roles to be installed, such as ISO containers, a deck crane or diving rig. The deck can carry up to 50ft of ISO containers in a variety of 20ft and 10ft sizes.

For the SMV24 project Supacat selected a team with strong pedigrees in the marine sector. Naval architects Incat Crowther translated Supacat’s SMV 24 concept into a detailed design and established boat builder, Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd, is building the first vessel. DNV advised on classification. The SMV24 will meet DNV 1A1 HSLC R1 Windfarm Service Vessel Class 1 and be UK MCA SCV Code (MGN280) Category 1.

The ISO compatibility of the through deck allows the SMV24 to perform multiple roles including infrastructure support, diving, survey, fuel transport, workshop, refrigeration, general cargo, passenger transport, Remotely Operated Vehicle support by using ISO compatible modular custom loads. The rapid loading of these alternative ISO modules extend the functionality of the SMV 24 further. Interestingly, the inspiration for this functionality came from defence where Supacat has witnessed such modularity in use for military logistic operations.

The SMV24 is a catamaran based design constructed from marine grade aluminium with double bottom to ensure maximum survivability. Two MAN D2862 LE463 engines each coupled to a Servogear Controllable Pitch Propeller give greater control of thrust throughout the rev range and maximise fuel economy. Significant redundancy has been built into the electrical system to fulfil specific customer requirements and the two generators fitted are capable of powering all the vessel systems individually.

At DSEi a 1:25 scale model of the SMV24 can be viewed on Supacat’s stand.

 

In association with Supacat, the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS) was awarded the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Star Award for 2013, which recognise excellence in collaboration between CRCs and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Supacat, the innovation house and high mobility vehicle specialists, and Pacific ESI, were the two SMEs engaged with CRC-ACS (and its subsidiary ACS Australia) who received certificates in recognition of the companies’ interaction and involvement with the research and government communities.  The certificate was presented by Ms Chris Butler, Head of Division, AusIndustry, on behalf of Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Science & Research, at the CRC Association Conference’s Excellence in Innovation Awards dinner.

Michael Halloran, Managing Director, Supacat Pty Ltd said, “The involvement with CRCs is an important element of our R&D program and through CRC-ACS we have been able to leverage that research into relationships with significant international companies.”

Thanh Nguyen, who leads Supacat’s participation in CRC-ACS, received the certificate on behalf of the company at the awards dinner.  Mr Nguyen said, “Not only has our involvement with CRC-ACS continued to develop our high end skills in CAE dynamic analysis of composites, it has resulted in new engagements in the Oil and Gas and Aerospace industries.”

CRC-ACS is one of only two CRCs to have received a 2013 CRC Star Award.  The award was presented to CRC-ACS for its key roles in engaging with SMEs and researchers in driving and delivering innovation.

 

Supacat Pty Ltd

Supacat is an innovative engineering company specialising in vehicles and complementary machinery.  It is a product developer with a broad customer base, providing products and services in the defence, renewables, marine, oil and gas, and mining sectors.  It also provides engineering services directly to a range of customers within Australia, Asia and Europe.  Its core capabilities include Computer Aided Engineering, mechanical and composite design and prototype development.  It also uses its strong project and engineering management capabilities to work with a global network of partners to offer solutions in a wide scope of areas.

 

CRC-ACS

CRC-ACS embeds Australian Composites Industry SMEs into global supply chains through collaboration in the aerospace, defence, and oil and gas industries.  It has a unique model for fostering Australian innovation and building opportunities for SME organisations, and through its subsidiary ACS Australia collaborates with Australian organisations to build international business. Working with CRC-ACS and ACS Australia, Australian SMEs have won design and advanced structure contracts in emerging aerospace markets.  Projects have also developed solutions, goods and services for projects as diverse as oil, gas and petrochemical industry fire protection and helicopter safety.

 

 

Supacat, a company whose design skills span high performance military vehicles to wave energy conversion devices, is supporting aspiring engineers at Taunton School to boost their performance in the national Greenpower electric racing car competition.

Taunton School is one of 400 schools competing to design an electrically powered racing car, which is judged on the distance covered within a four hour period.  Currently ranked in 15^th position, the Taunton team’s aim is to break into the top ten with a new all-carbon vehicle design, code named `Project Photon`, and break the 100 miles barrier.

Supacat hosted a visit by a group of the students, during which a cheque for £1000 was presented by Nick Baker, Supacat’s Engineering Manager to Jon Baker, Head of Design & Technology at Taunton School.  This will fund the car’s manufacturing costs. In addition, Supacat’s engineers will be giving their time to mentor students and provide practical advice.

The students were given a tour of the company’s facility at Dunkeswell, Devon,  where they saw the acclaimed `Jackal` high mobility patrol vehicle used by British Forces in Afghanistan as well as the Lifeboat Launch & Recover System developed by Supacat for the RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat.  Their guide was Supacat’s RNLI Project Engineer, Simon Turner, a former Taunton School student who will act as the Greenpower liaison contact.

Supacat’s Nick Baker said, “With our expertise in vehicle design and new direction into renewable energy, the Greenpower project is a perfect fit and we are delighted to be able to help the Taunton School team.  Supacat is a keen supporter of school engineering projects to inspire young engineers and this is the latest in a number of projects we’ve supported in the local area”.

Taunton School’s Jon Baker said, “The team is very excited to be involved with Supacat in the development of our new monocoque construction Greenpower car. Inspiring the next generation of engineers through developing high quality efficient racing vehicles is what we strive for and we are delighted that Supacat share this vision for the young budding engineers at Taunton School. Through visits and meetings with Supacat’s leading engineers we have already identified some exciting possibilities to pursue in order to help place our 2013 car ‘Panther’ in the top ten nationally. The season starts at the end of April so watch this space….. “

Melbourne, Australia, 14 Dec, 2012, Supacat has delivered a prototype of its new special operations vehicle to the Australian Defence Force, on time and on budget.

Supacat, partnering with a team of Australian companies, was selected in April 2012 as preferred bidder to provide a prototype vehicle for the Special Operations Vehicle element of the Australian Defence Material Organisation (DMO)’s JP2097 Ph 1B (REDFIN) program.

“With our partners and Elbit Systems of Australia, we are delighted to have delivered this initial phase of the REDFIN 1B program. We have worked closely with the customer and our joint commitment has enabled us to achieve this on time and to budget,” Michael Halloran, Managing Director of Supacat Pty Ltd said.

The vehicle is the latest version of Supacat’s Special Forces HMT Extenda. The new vehicle retains a high level of commonality with the Australian Army’s existing Nary HMT fleet, delivered by Supacat in 2009, but provides improved capabilities, particularly in crew protection and vehicle versatility.

“Supacat’s REDFIN 1B solution offers capability improvements in the key areas of firepower, protection, capacity, operability and safety, based upon direct feedback from the worldwide operational use of existing HMT fleets. There are also a number of additional options offered that the ADF may wish to choose,” Mr Halloran said.

The DMO will use the prototype during the evaluation phase in support of the options that will be provided to Government at second pass.

Nick Ames, Managing Director of Supacat Ltd, said,

“The completion of this key milestone in the REDFIN 1B program for the DMO is an important achievement by everyone at Supacat. Our investment in creating an in-country design and engineering capability and strong supply chain partnership will continue to be key to the success of the program and to future opportunities for our products in the wider Asia Pacific market”.

Supacat’s HMT series is the most capable vehicle in its class and is the vehicle of choice for the elite land forces of the world’s most active and influential armies.  It combines high levels of mobility, protection, payload and firepower. Designed for use by Special Forces, the HMT Extenda is unique in being convertible to either a 4×4 or 6×6 configuration to meet different operational requirements by inserting or removing a self-contained third axle unit. Like other HMT series platforms, 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.

 

Further information:

Bob Parker, BDM – Defence, Supacat Pty Ltd +61 (0) 418 854 364 or [email protected]

or

Celia Turner, CTPR, +44 (0)7703 344425 or Jamie Clarke, Supacat Ltd, + 44 (0)1404 891777/ +44 (0)7921 973916 [email protected]  

 

Boost to defence industry capabilities with opening of new operation in Victoria
Supacat’s first international facility opened in Australia

Melbourne, Australia, 13 Dec 2012. Victoria’s defence industry capabilities have been boosted with the opening of Supacat’s new facility in Port Melbourne today, by the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare.

It is the first international operation for Supacat, whose special operations vehicles are used by the Australian Defence Force and other elite land forces around the world.

“Australia is the first country outside the United Kingdom where Supacat provides complete in-country support from prototype design right through to spares and maintenance. It means we can work closely with our customer, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), to ensure the vehicles our soldiers are using are the best and safest possible, for the environments where they are deployed,” the Managing Director of Supacat Pty Ltd, Michael Halloran said.

The Australian Army has used Supacat’s High Mobility Transporter (HMT), a light to medium load carrier, since 2009. Known as the Nary, the HMT was specially designed for off-road use by Special Forces. A prototype of the next generation HMT Extenda will soon be delivered by Supacat[1] to the ADF for evaluation, under JP2097 Phase 1B.

Supacat’s new facility will provide logistics support to the existing Nary fleet as well as supporting the prototype during its evaluation. It is staffed by design, analysis and systems engineering professionals, as well as specialist project management and support personnel.

“The availability of these skills was a key factor in choosing Australia as the place for our first international operation. As the business grows in both Australia and Asia, we expect the growth in these high value jobs will be significant,” Mr Halloran said.

 

[1] Supacat partnered with a team of Australian companies to win the tender to develop the prototype.

-ends-

 

Further information:

 

Australia

Bob Parker, BDM – Defence, Supacat Pty Ltd +61 (0) 418 854 364 or [email protected] or Megan Burges +61 (0) 417 535 510 or [email protected]

Global

Celia Turner, CTPR, +44 (0)7703 344425 or Jamie Clarke, Supacat Ltd, + 44 (0)1404 891777/ +44 (0)7921 973916 [email protected]