(NSI News Source Info) April 6, 2009: Work has started on a fleet of over 200 new 'go anywhere' vehicles which will greatly improve the protection of British troops in Afghanistan.
Under a contract worth almost £120m, the US company Navistar Defense is building and supporting the new Husky vehicle which has been designed for a range of missions including transporting food, water and ammunition, and acting as a command vehicle at headquarters.
The Husky will provide a robust and highly mobile protected support vehicle for operations. The Navistar Defense International MXT-MV is a tactical vehicle family featuring rugged design, light frame rail system and 4x4 performance. These vehicles are designed to transport personnel and cargo safely and securely. The MXT-MV is ideal for border patrols, recon missions and security details. Its strong frame design also provides the ability for it to be up-armored. And even with the extra weight of the armor, the MXT-MV has superior maneuvering, hauling and braking capability. The MXT-MVA is the five-passengers armored cab version of the MXT-MV platform. It is powered by a MaxxForce D engine developing 300-hp of power. The Husky is a customized version of the MXT-MVA selected by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense (MoD) in November 2008. It is intended to carry out the support roles in areas where heavy vehicles, like Mastiff, cannot be used. Husky along with the Coyote and Wolfhound vehicles are the preferred bidders for a £350 million program for around 400 brand new armored support trucks to support military operations in Afghanistan. It will serve as utility, ambulance and command post vehicles.
Some vehicles will be fitted out as protected ambulances. The contract also sees British firm Dytecna, who are based in Malvern, carrying out specified vehicle modifications and installation of various electronic and communication systems to ensure that Husky meets the British Army's requirements.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said:
"Getting the right vehicles and equipment to our Armed Forces has always been an absolute priority. I am sure that Navistar will bring energy and commitment into delivering these much needed vehicles to our troops in good time.
"I am also pleased that British industry is playing a full part in this exciting project and that a British company, Dytecna, is able to deliver high quality equipment for our Armed Forces."
Equipped with a machine gun, the new protected support vehicle is designed to provide commanders with a highly mobile and flexible load-carrying vehicle for the troops on operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Wills, Tactical Support Vehicle Programme Manager in Defence Equipment and Support's Protected Mobility Team, said:
"The Husky vehicle provides a robust and very mobile protected support vehicle for operations. The design has picked up on many of the lessons from current operations.
"Throughout the process to date, Navistar Defense and their UK integrator Dytecna Ltd have been extremely proactive. With the first prototype having arrived in the UK already, we look forward to getting to grips with trials and integration work."
Husky will join its sister vehicles Wolfhound and Coyote as part of the £350m Tactical Support Vehicle programme announced last year which will buy over 400 new armoured support trucks to accompany our existing patrols carrying the essential supplies such as water and ammunition.
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