It is World Quality Week, with the main theme Quality: realising your competitive potential.
We asked our Quality Lead, Peter McIndoe in Australia what successful quality initiatives and improvements we have made in the organization over the last few years:
“I think of Quality as a fundamental aspect of the entire organisation, not just a separate department. Our Quality principles are integrated into all processes within the Supacat group. The true strength of our quality assurance is from years of cross-functional collaboration. Different teams working together to build a system that documents how we manage risks, ensures that the decisions we make are based on data and that we continuously improve, all while adapting to the inevitable changes in our business environment.
Our successes (and our failures) have resulted in the continuous evolution of our business systems (Quality). It’s the tools we take for granted that keep us on the path. Tools like Project Reviews that standardised the way we manage our projects. It’s a tool that anyone, whether they a have been with the company for 10 years or 10 days can follow. Tools such as this, show us what we must do, how we are tracking to the original plan, what risks we face and whether we need to change course. The examples are endless and part of everyday activities, but we probably don’t think of them as “Quality”.
Each department has similar tools that standardise how we do engineering release, how we control the finances of the company, how we interact with our suppliers and customers. Also, how we adapt and improve after setbacks, how we manage the flow of products and services through our workshops.
If I was to give a specific example, I would use the NSOC communications upgrade that we implemented into our fleet our vehicles in 2022. Think of all the aspects of the business that were required for this project to be a success. We collaborated with our customer and came up with a clear understanding of what we wanted to achieve. We defined that requirement in a clear statement of work and we distilled that statement of work into clear work instructions. We communicated when this task needed to be completed and documented how to verify that the product was fit for use. We worked out what resources were needed and procured the materials to complete the task and worked out a budget, then monitored the progress. Along the way we adapted to the challenges and unforeseen problems that occurred.
Consider how many aspects of the business collaborated to make that happen. The proof of the success is that we carried out this major upgrade to the HMT fleet at three separate locations with different teams of people. How you ask? The standard business tools that we use every day. The same tools we apply to any task that we do, whoever the customer may be.
If we take anything away from Quality Week it should be, there isn’t some department in Supacat that does all this work. Quality is the contribution made by each and every employee within the organisation”.
Supacat sponsored the British Army football team, both Men and Women’s teams, during the National tournament hosted by the Australian Defence Football Federation.
Nick Ames, CEO stated: “It has been a privilege to support the British Army Football Association teams on their tour of Australia and participate in the Australian Defence Force Football Federation National Championships. Some outstanding football has been played, all in good spirit, further strengthening the relationships between the Nations. These are important achievements given current global events. Supacat is proud to have vehicles in service in both countries and support the soldiers who use, maintain and care for them.”
The British Army football team deserves our admiration for their unwavering commitment to serving their country, and their relentless dedication to the sport they love. Their unbridled passion and determination on the field is a true testament to their heroic spirit and serves as an inspiration to us all.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has left the Country in-mourning.
On Thursday 8th September 2022, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II left us to walk again beside her beloved husband, Prince Phillip, leaving Britain and the rest of the world heavy-hearted.
The Queen has for the last 70 years been a constant and a positive influence, she has dealt with many personal and professional battles but has always remained dignified, diligent, and dutiful to her oath to ‘Serve’ the Country, the Realm and the Commonwealth.
Words spoken by our late, great, Queen Elizabeth II, always had an undertone of wisdom weaved through, which we must take heed of today! But now as we honor our Queen, we find ourselves lost for words, as no words can fill the void she has left or could ever be enough to explain what she meant to so many. She was a gracious figurehead, who meant the world!
Lizzie Jones, Supacat Operations Director and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
As we move into a new era, the Carolean period; we will pause and reflect on this historic moment. We will also take time to grieve and celebrate, the life of a Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth Realms, as well as welcome in our new King Charles III.
We remain grateful for her service and support to our customer the Armed Services.
As a wise Queen Elizabeth II once said, “Grief is the price we pay for Love.” statement that we should perhaps, take a moment to reflect upon.
We will be a little quiet in our comms as we reflect during this period of mourning – so please bear with us!
Our thoughts are with the Royal Family during this time.
Long Live the King – King Charles III
Peace be with you all, Supacat and all at SC Group
The three-year KTP project was based on modifying the Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP), an integral vehicle within the British Army since 1988. The vehicle has already undergone considerable development,converting the standard diesel engine into an electric six-wheel drive platform. The final stage objective was developing autonomy on the ATMP; preparing the vehicle for delicate situations, by offering safe, efficient and accessible transportation for any environment.
The aim of the KTP is to strengthen the competitiveness, wealth creation and economic performance of the UK by the enhancement of knowledge and skills and the stimulation of innovation through collaborative projects between business and the knowledge base.
Achieving an ‘Outstanding’ grade, demonstrates Yash’s tenacity to detail, and his creativeness and outstanding knowledge within the autonomous field of engineering. This movement, has helped position Supacat as one of the leading developers within autonomy – enabling the integration of new technology on existing platforms.
Supacat’s HMT400 is a favourite of the British Armed Forces, nicknamed “Jackal” by troops and commanders. To enhance operational capabilities, the British Ministry of Defence has contracted various organisations to design and produce hybrid electric-drive systems for some of their fleets, one of which is the HMT400.
The electric drive solution for the HMT400 is intended to deliver a range of operational benefits. Hybrid drive will allow silent mobility and enhanced silent watch capabilities for stealth operations, while on-board electrical power will allow the insertion of the latest technological upgrades and provide exportable power for other power-hungry demountable systems. The introduction of a hybrid drive system will also play a part in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing armies’ long-term energy sustainability.
Supacat has a long-term interest in electric-drive military vehicles – as early as 2003, the company displayed the original Supacat GHOST concept at its UK proving ground. Such exploration of hybrid drive concepts forms just one part of the company’s emphasis on technical innovations providing the most effective solutions for soldiers on the front line.
“The development of a hybrid electric-drive system for the HMT400, in cooperation with various partner organisations, is an example of delivering exciting developments in combat vehicle innovation, helping to make our “Jackal” a vehicle for the present and the future,” says Phil Applegarth, Director at Supacat. “If we are chosen to supply vehicles for the Czech Republic, the country can expect similarly beneficial industrial and innovation partnerships. Our recent teaming agreement with LPP demonstrates our intent to build up a strong network of Czech partners to ensure the best possible vehicle solution for the Czech Armed Forces.”
General (retired) Žižka, Director of Strategic Projects at systems integrator LPP, confirms the interest of Supacat’s Czech potential customer and its partners in the hybrid drive solution. “Hybrid electric-drive solution is an intriguing opportunity, not only in the United Kingdom, but also for the Czech Republic’s forthcoming tender for the paratroopers. Such a system would provide promising possibilities for “stealth” operations not only for them, but it could be used also for special operation forces. This solution will positively influence operational logistics in terms of refuelling requirements.”
The British MoD will analyse the operational impact of the new technical capabilities for the HMT400 based on demonstrator models. A positive assessment could lead to the delivery of enhanced capabilities for Supacat’s HMT400 vehicles both in the UK, and around the world. Supacat has to date delivered over 1000 battle-proven vehicles into service globally.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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 famous British Top Gear motoring show presenter Jeremy Clarkson recently described his country life in the Sunday Times and mentioned that he goes to pick up wood from the forest in a Supacat special vehicle. Clarkson bought a small six-wheeler produced by the British company in Devon in the south-west of England at a military sale. The company supplies its vehicles to the special forces of several NATO member states, including the domestic British army and allied Australia. Supacat, one of whose special forces vehicle types appeared in one of Clarkson’s shows ten years ago, is now seeking the favour of Czech soldiers. The Chrudim paratroopers will need about a hundred “light attack vehicles” worth around one billion crowns for the regiment currently under construction. The new machines should replace existing Cayman specials, which are based on the British Land Rover. “Supacat vehicles are modular, original designs which can be fitted with various weapon systems,” said Phil Applegarth, the company’s director, in an interview with HN.
It is not yet clear exactly what machines will be needed by Czech soldiers and with what equipment. As such, the price remains unknown. According to spokesman Jiří Pejšek, the General Staff and the Ministry of Defence are still working on a detailed specification of what such a vehicle, or its three different models, should look like. The tender and purchase would thus be possible in 2022 at the earliest, but more likely 2023. Last year, the Ministry addressed 20 companies in a marketing survey, 12 of which sent their offers. In addition to Supacat, they included the Israeli SandCat machine, the Eagle vehicle from Euro-American company GDELS, Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, as well as models from British company Jankel or Czech producer Dajbych.
According to Phil Applegarth, an order in the Czech Republic would be an excellent reference for other markets in Central Europe. To the logical question of whether Brexit will prove a complication for a British company like Supacat operating on the continent, he replies with a smile: “We fill in the same amount of paper as we did before.”
A usual condition for such tenders is that offers show the largest possible share of domestic production and services, because a “light attack vehicle” for Czech paratroopers would be purchased with at least the next twenty years in mind. “I estimate that sixty percent of production and all servicing would take place in the Czech Republic,” said Applegarth.
Supacat’s Czech partner is the domestic armaments company LPP, led by entrepreneurs Jiří Sauer and Radim Petráš, which is better known as a manufacturer of various special devices and as a systems integrator. It is led by the former commander of the ground forces of the Czech Army General Miroslav Žižka, who, somewhat surprisingly, left the army three years ago after returning from the post of Czech military representative to NATO and the EU, because there was allegedly no place for him in the armed forces. Žižka is in charge of cooperation with Supacat.
According to General Žižka, vehicles like Supacat’s fit into what a modern army should look like. According to him, three priorities are key to the modernisation of the army: “Firstly, a combined information system so you know in real time what is happening; secondly, autonomous and robotic systems that may eventually replace people in the front line; and thirdly, the availability of rapid reaction forces which can be quickly transported where they are needed,” said the general in an interview with HN. “You can only control an area with live soldiers. There may be fewer of them today, but they are equipped with sensors and other modern technology. ”
Paratroopers need to work even with relatively simple machines ensuring a secure connection and cyber protection. Other considerations include the ways in which man-made machines work with drones and unmanned ground machines.
“Supacat makes vehicles which, with their modularity, enable, among other things, cooperation between a human-controlled machine and an automatic external machine,” said General Žižka. One of the company’s models makes it possible to separate one vehicle axle and quickly convert one version of the machine to another.
Before new models for paratroopers can be selected, the Ministry of Defence and the military will have to deal with financing for ongoing contracts, such as the aforementioned infantry fighting vehicle programme and the previously agreed delivery of Shorad missiles and French Caesar artillery. However, it is uncertain whether, due to delays in the Ministry’s budget resulting from blocking maneuvers by the Communist party over ten billion crowns and other administrative difficulties, these large purchases will be completed before this year’s parliamentary elections.
In the last two years, the army has made significant progress in modernisation. It has signed contracts for the purchase of new combat helicopters, for MADR radars, for chemical reconnaissance vehicles, for two CASA aircraft, for Titus wheeled armoured vehicles, for new off-road vehicles, and for the purchase of small arms.
In addition to the purchase of vehicles for paratroopers, larger-scale projects include the purchase of 60 self-propelled mortars and an artillery fire control system.
Article featured in Jane’s written by Chris Foss explores the Jackal’s moves towards Hybridisation.
Why move to Hybridisation?
Supacat’s goal is to protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions through the hybridisation of the Jackal. By reducing carbon emissions we are not only protecting our planet for the future but we are protecting our Soldiers due to a significant reduction in noise pollution.
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