Supacat & NP Aerospace Deliver Training Vehicles to UK MOD

Supacat and NP Aerospace have repurposed a number of IED damaged High Mobility Truck Variant (HMTV) vehicles for UK Ministry of Defence training under the Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) Contract.

The vehicles have been repurposed by NP Aerospace and Supacat engineering teams for the Defence School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (DSEME) in Lyneham. Effectively introducing a simulated training aid that will improve MOD vehicle knowledge and contribute to continued safety improvements.

The initiative has enabled two HMTV Platforms, previously used for training to be returned to the field Army for operational use and increasing the number of in-service vehicles. The project involved the collection, strip-down, refurbishment and rebuild of three HMTV vehicles to provide five training aids including four static and one mobile skeletonised module. These will be used to assist apprentices and qualified technicians on various courses run by DSEME.

David Petheram, Chief Operating Officer, NP Aerospace, said: “The objective of the UK MOD PMETS Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support Contract is to deliver vehicle upgrades and improvements that drive enhancements in safety and performance capability across the fleet, whilst introducing new innovations and sustaining proven platforms. The new HMTV training aids developed with Supacat are a great example of vehicle reuse and engineering innovation for the benefit of improving expertise and knowledge.”

Phil Applegarth, Director of Supacat, commented: “The HMTV platform is a proven platform for use in harsh environments. By refurbishing damaged vehicles and upgrading them with the latest improvements for training, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring MOD teams are knowledgeable about their equipment, which ultimately keeps crew safe and maximises training or operational availability.”

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Supacat delivers upgraded British Army CBRN vehicles to RBSL

Delivery of British Army CBRN to RBSL

UK defence vehicle developer, Supacat, has delivered the first tranche of upgraded British Army Fuchs/Fox CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) surveillance and reconnaissance vehicles to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL).

As part of an overall £16m UK MOD contract awarded to RBSL in October 2020 to upgrade and sustain the British Army’s fleet of Fuchs/Fox vehicles Supacat is conducting the physical integration of the latest chemical and radiological sensing equipment, RBSL having completed the engineering work required to upgrade the CBRN vehicles.

Originally designed and developed by Rheinmetall, the British Army’s Fuchs/Fox vehicles were adapted into a protected platform equipped with automatic systems and sensors for detecting nuclear radiation, CBRN agents and other toxic substances.  This latest contract will help modernise the fleet further and ensure operational readiness and effectiveness of the UK CBRN reconnaissance fleet.

The contract is the latest collaboration opportunity between Supacat and RBSL as Supacat grows its Engineering Services business to support global primes in the UK and Australia where it operates.

Phil Applegarth, Director of Supacat, said:

“This contract demonstrates how our relationship with RBSL provides comprehensive engineering expertise to the UK MOD, by increased agility through RBSL collaborating with an SME, and sustains high value jobs and skills in the UK”.

“Our engineers are able to bring extensive experience in delivering fully integrated, battle-proven vehicle systems, as demonstrated by the HMT platform (Jackal and Coyote) to maintain this critical UK MOD capability.”

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Photography courtesy of Andrew Linnett Crown Copyright.

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. Part of SC Group, it is an innovative engineering and design company providing global, defence focussed products and services with offices in the UK and Australia. Its agility and speed enables Supacat to provide and fully support high performance solutions in short timescales. The UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement of Jackal and Coyote vehicles demonstrates the regard in which Supacat’s capabilities and products are held. www.supacat.com

Media Contacts:

Nicky Yeoman, SC Group: [email protected]

+44 (0) 7568 106904/+44 (0) 1404 892592  

Celia Turner, CTPR: [email protected]

 

 

Supacat and MBDA show concept demonstrator of new Brimstone HMT

Overwatch capability for Light Forces at DVD 2022

Supacat and MBDA are jointly showing Brimstone HMT Overwatch, a concept demonstrator of a new tactical capability for Light Forces, at DVD, 21-22 September 2022 at Millbrook UTC, UK. The concept was first unveiled earlier this month at Army Expo.

The UK high mobility defence vehicle specialist and European missiles group have collaborated to integrate MBDA’s Brimstone precision weapon onto Supacat’s HMT vehicle to equip the Light Forces tactical commander with the organic capability to deliver precision anti-armour effects at long ranges and in volume.

Phil Applegarth, Director of Supacat, said, “Overwatch creates a potent new capability for Light Forces, combining HMT’s all terrain agility with Brimstone’s precision effects, and demonstrates the versatility of both elements”.

Mike Mew, UK SBD Director MBDA UK, said: “This Light Overwatch concept showcases how we can take an in-service platform and rapidly deliver an operational capability that provides a major lethality boost to the front-line, while learning lessons to spiral capabilities for the future. This is a great UK industry example of experimentation, supporting Op MOBILISE, accelerating Future Soldier and alignment with the Land Industry Strategy”

Supacat’s HMT (High Mobility Transport) platform is designed for modularity and equipment integration while Brimstone’s ‘one missile, multi-platform’ versatile design can be integrated onto helicopters, fixed wing aircraft (including fast jets), land vehicles, naval platforms and UAVs.

Brimstone HMT Overwatch provides an all-weather fire-and-forget capability and with low collateral damage in restrictive engagement scenarios. It allows for quick and effective engagement and for enhanced flexibility in mission fit capability options to repel adversary formations and single point targets. It has a salvo launch option to achieve co-ordinated effects on multiple targets during a single mission and includes line-of-sight or non-line-of-sight engagements, third-party targeting and high off-boresight agility. Brimstone also provides best-in-class Insensitive Munitions-compliance for safety.

Brimstone and HMT are each battle-proven with Brimstone achieving over 98% operational success rate in defeating static, moving and manoeuvring target sets including MBTs and other armoured vehicles. HMT is operated by British Forces as `Jackal` and `Coyote` and globally by numerous special forces.

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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. Part of SC Group, it is an innovative engineering and design company providing global, defence focussed products and services with offices in the UK and Australia. Its agility and speed enables Supacat to provide and fully support high performance solutions in short timescales. The UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement of Jackal and Coyote vehicles demonstrates the regard in which Supacat’s capabilities and products are held. www.supacat.com

About MBDA
MBDA is the only European defence group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air).
With a significant presence in five European countries and within the USA, in 2021 MBDA achieved revenue of 4.2 billion euros with an order book of 17.8 billion euros. In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.
MBDA is jointly owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).

For information:

Supacat
Nicky Yeoman, SC Group – Supacat: [email protected]
+44 (0) 7568 106904/+44 (0) 1404 892592
Celia Turner, CTPR: [email protected]
+44(0)7703 344425

MBDA
Nick de Larrinaga
+44 (0) 7812 624739
[email protected]

The loss of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II

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 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
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

 

 

Pioneering Devon Engineer Nick Jones celebrates 80th with Supacat Family

The pioneering engineer of specialist off road vehicles, Nick Jones, who co-founded Dunkeswell based Supacat, celebrated his 80th Birthday with employees, collaborators, friends and family on 13 August.

In preparation for the event held at Supacat’s Test Track on the RAF Culmhead National Heritage site, Nick was presented with his own much used, and prized, Supacat 6×6 vehicle, which had been immaculately refurbished by the company’s Paint Shop.

Still an active Director, Nick continues to oversee technical developments across Supacat’s holding company SC Group, which has become one of the world’s leaders in developing off road vehicles and equipment for harsh environments – from the globally leading special forces vehicle to the RNLI’s Shannon Launch & Recovery System.

“I am very proud of our Devon company’s achievements over the years and we have proved how British innovation and engineering can the lead the world. I’m excited we’re now taking the lead with Exeter University in developing electric and autonomous technology for extreme off road vehicles”, said Nick Jones.

Nick began in engineering over 50 years ago as an apprentice with FJ Edwards of Chard, followed by a move to Portland Group in Bath where he developed a prototype Hover Land Rover and various special-purpose vehicles and his passion for developing and manufacturing cross-country vehicles.

In 1981 Nick and business partner David Clayton founded Supacat to develop the Supacat 6×6 All-Terrain Mobile Platform (ATMP) to meet an urgent need of UK Ministry of Defence for a rugged off road `workhorse`, which subsequently became exported worldwide.  He oversaw the development of the renowned HMT vehicle developed for special forces, which the British Army then acquired as the 4×4 `Jackal` and 6×6 `Coyote` to serve in its core fleet.

 

Supacat Mk2 ATMP refurbished back to original vehicle!

Supacat Mk2 ATMP
Supacat Mk2 ATMP

 

Supacat Innovative and Collaborative Vehicle Transformation at Eurosatory 2022

World renowned manufacturer of light tactical vehicles is returning to the Eurosatory 2022 D&S International Exhibition and partnering with global mobility solutions provider, AM General.

The joint collaboration is excited to feature products demonstrating its commitment to leading the industry with continuous transformation, both meeting and exceeding the current and future demands of the modern battlefield.

This year, Supacat and AM General will showcase the versatility of Supacat light tactical vehicle and Soft Recoil Technology. The exposition will take place in Paris, France, June 13-17, 2022, Hall 5, Booth #B397 – U.S. Pavilion.

“It’s exciting to be back in Paris after a four-year hiatus. Eurosatory provides us a great opportunity to engage with global customers and display our innovative solutions based on their unique requirements,” said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. “Industry collaborations have led to the HUMVEE Saber Reinforced Security Concept and the Supacat 105mm HMT Extenda Mk2 concept, two examples of how breakthrough technology can be further customized and enhanced.”

Supacat have teamed up with AM General and Madus Technology displaying the versatility of Soft Recoil Technology (SRT), which is currently undergoing characterization tests by the U.S. Army and can be integrated into existing weapons systems and mounted on indigenous vehicles. The HMT Extenda Mk2 upfitted with a 105mm light weight gun containing SRT, transforming the vehicle into a more lethal mobile weapons system. The HMT Extenda MK2 is a light tactical vehicle that can be simply and easily integrated with equipment, which provides protection for the crew and vehicle in a variety of theatres. Mounting the 105mm gun with SRT onto the vehicle allows for “shoot and scoot” capability – it can quickly deploy, fire, and displace, increasing survivability from counter battery fire.

The HMT Extenda MK2 showcases the flexibility of the AM General /Mandus SRT and its ability to convert existing light vehicle platforms into self-propelled howitzer systems. Phil Applegarth, Director of Supacat explains, “the integration of the 105mm Light Gun Barrel and the AM General and Mandus Soft Recoil System onto the Supacat HMT Extenda Mk2 connverts the platform into a long-range artillery vehicle, providing enhanced mobility, avoiding static positions, and enticing counter fire. The ability to fire and manoeuvre without pulling a trailer exists with Soft Recoil Technology, protecting both the crew and vehicle – this is why we are working with this technology. Protecting lives is at the heart of everything we do.”

Supacat and AM General representatives will be available to discuss not only the innovative vehicles on display, but also the wide variety of mobility solutions in their product portfolio, as well as provide in-depth information on engineering and logistics services, award-winning global supply chain management, field service support, as well as parts and equipment warranty support.

RBSL Contracts Supacat to support British Army’s CBRN fleet upgrade

Supacat has been awarded a contract by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) to upgrade chemical and radiological sensing equipment on the British Army’s fleet of ‘Fuchs/Fox’ CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) surveillance and reconnaissance vehicles.

The vehicles will be modified at Supacat’s facility in Dunkeswell, Devon, over an estimated one-year period. Supacat’s engineers and vehicle technicians will complete the integration work, meaning the contract will help sustain valuable jobs and skills for the UK and the company.

The contract is part of the overall £16m UK MOD contract awarded to RBSL is October 2020 to upgrade and sustain the British Army’s fleet of Fuchs/Fox vehicles. RBSL is completing the engineering work required to upgrade the vehicles with the latest generation of sensing capabilities, with Supacat conducting the physical integration work.

Originally designed and developed by Rheinmetall, the British Army’s Fuchs/Fox vehicles have since been adapted into a protected platform equipped with automatic systems and sensors for detecting nuclear radiation, CBRN agents and other toxic substances. This latest contract will help modernise the fleet further and ensure operational readiness and effectiveness of the UK CBRN reconnaissance fleet.

The contract is the latest collaboration opportunity between Supacat and RBSL as Supacat grows its Engineering Services business to support global primes in the UK and Australia where it operates.

Phil Applegarth, Director of Supacat, said:

“This contract demonstrates how our relationship with RBSL provides comprehensive engineering expertise to the UK MOD, by increased agility through RBSL collaborating with an SME.

“Our engineers are able to bring extensive experience in delivering fully integrated, battle-proven vehicle systems, as demonstrated by the HMT platform (Jackal and Coyote) to maintain this critical UK MOD capability.”

 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

For information:

Nicky Yeoman
SC Group – Supacat
E: [email protected]
DD: +44 (0) 1404 892592
M: +44 (0) 7568 106904
Celia Turner
CTPR
[email protected]
+44(0)7703 344425

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. Part of SC Group, it is an innovative engineering and design company providing global, defence focussed products and services with offices in the UK and Australia. Its agility and speed enables Supacat to provide and fully support high performance solutions in short timescales. The UK Ministry of Defence has previously procured Supacat’s Jackal and Coyote vehicles. www.supacat.com


About RBSL

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) is a defence engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture and support of military vehicles used by the British Army and international customers. RBSL sustains a skilled workforce of more than 520 employees across the UK. This includes over 250 engineers based at sites in Telford, Washington, Bovington, and Bristol.

In addition to manufacturing Boxer vehicles under the UK MOD’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme and upgrading Challenger 2 vehicles under the Challenger 3 programme, RBSL also provides continued support to the British Army’s in-service armoured vehicle fleets and other land platform projects, including the Fuchs upgrade.

RBSL and its heritage companies designed and delivered many of the British Army’s armoured vehicle fleets, including Challenger 2, CRARRV, Titan, Trojan, Terrier and CVR(T), to name a few.

Director General (Land) DE&S visits Supacat

With so much uncertainty in the world, we were delighted that Chris Bushell and Maj Becca Meadows both felt a visit to Supacat would be valuable to all parties.

During the day, Chris Bushell took the time to address all the staff on the British Army’s praise for the Jackal (Supacat HMT) and the positive impact the vehicle has had for all end users in a number off different operational theatres.

Chris and Becca were given a tour of the Supacat facilities and were treated to an HMT Experience, which involved a fast lap around our Test track.

Chris Bushell was appointed Director General (Land) at Defence Equipment and Support in December 2019 and is currently responsible for all Land Equipment, Weapons and Helicopters across Defence; managing 4000 people.  So, he has an incredible task to deliver all the requirements to meet the MoD’s needs.

Maj Becca Meadows is Military Assistant to Chris Bushell, Director General (Land) and carried out a number of roles in the British Army. In her last posting Becca served as an Operations Officer in the UK’s NATO headquarters, the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

Chris Bushell Director General Land DE&S SC Group
Pictured left to right: Nick Ames Supacat CEO, Nick Jones Supacat Founder, Chris Bushell Director General (Land), Lizzie Jones Supacat Operations Director – vehicle eATMP

 

Chris Bushell Director General Land DE&S addressing the staff
Chris Bushell Director General (Land) DE&S addressing Supacat staff

 

Chris Bushell Director General Land DE&S and Maj Becca Meadows
Chris Bushell Director General (Land) DE&S , Maj Becca Meadows and Lizzie Jones Supacat Operations Director – Test track, vehicle HMT

 

Chris Bushell Director General Land DE&S in HMT
Chris Bushell Director General (Land) DE&S in HMT

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For more information contact Nicky Yeoman (+44) 7568 106 904 or [email protected]

Lord Ian Botham and Trade Envoy visited Supacat

Lord Botham is in Australia to commentate on the Ashes, and offered his time to visit and highlight companies with offices in the UK and Australia. He was recently appointed a Trade Envoy to boost British business interests around the world.

Lord Botham addressed the team in an inspiring speech during morning tea and signed cricket bats for some star struck #cricketfans. Thank you to the British High Commission Canberra – Melbourne office for coordinating the event, was such a fabulous morning!

Pictured left to right: Catriona Boyd from the British Consulate, Lord Ian Botham, Sarina Brunott & Michael Halloran from Supacat and Rosie Henry & Steph Lysaght – British Counsel General, Melbourne.

Gold for Supacat

The UK military vehicle developer, Supacat, has received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for its outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.

The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards represent the highest badge of honour for organisations that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.  This year’s awards were announced by Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty.

Supacat is a signatory and upholder of the Armed Forces Covenant and in 2018 received the Silver Award, one of the prerequisites for achieving Gold Award status.  Supacat has since enhanced its company policies in support of the scheme and nominated an ambassador to encourage and guide other companies to engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme and support the Armed Forces community.  

We are proud that Supacat has stepped up through the criteria over the years and achieved Gold Award status”, said Phil Applegarth, Director and Head of Supacat, who is a Reservist and the Supacat Ambassador for the Employment Recognition Scheme.

We spend considerable time helping those who are disadvantaged, whether it be physical or mental.  We have also demonstrated our support in having sponsored the Armed Forces Para-sports team and we have continued our sponsorship to Team Army since its conception over a decade ago

Receiving the Gold Award
From left to right pictured above: Rear Admiral Keith Beckett CBE, Phil Applegarth Director of Supacat, Nicky Yeoman Head of Marketing and Internal Communications and Brigadier Andrew Dawes CBE.

Military Band from Plymouth

HMS Cambria
Gold Awards Ceremony Hosted at HMS Cambria
Gold Awards Wessex Team
Wessex Organisations receiving their Gold Awards

Credit “Photographer: John Bradburn/Wessex RFCA”. 

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