Supacat ATMP

   Since the end of the World War II British army used various air-transportable ultra lightweight vehicles that provide transport and logistic support to airborne troops or infantry that operate in extreme conditions.

   A new vehicle was developed by Supacat in the early 1980s. It was first produced in 1982 and since then it was continuously developed. It is commonly known by the name of its manufacturer. It has been in service with the British military since 1984. In the British service it is known as All Terrain Mobile Platform or ATMP. It has been supplied to the British Army in both Mk.2 and Mk.3 versions. The Mk.3 is a recent version. Several undreds of Supacat all-terrain vehicles are in service around the world. Earlier models have been exported to Canada, Mexico and United States. The recent Mk.3 model has been exported to Canada and Malaysia. It is also available for civil customers. Between 1995 and 2005 these vehicles were marketed and produced by Alvis Vehicles to military customers while Supacat Limited retained the marketing and production rights for civilian customers. So sometimes these ATVs are referred as Alvis Supacat.

   The Britishe Army ATMPs were extensively used on variety of military operations. These vehicles have seen action in Afghanistan and Iraq.

   The Supacat is a multi-purpose vehicle. It is airportable and amphibious. It can be used for different roles, including troop, cargo, equipment and weapon transport, reconnaissance, resupply, or casualty evacuation. This all-terrain vehicle is mainly used by airborne and airmobile units or special forces. This vehicle can briefly redeploy from landing zones to firing positions.

   The ATMP is a small bathtub-like design with 6x6 configuration. This all-terrain vehicle has a payload capacity from 1 000 kg to up to 1 600 kg. It accommodates driver and one passenger at the front. A standard NATO pallet or other cargo such as ammunition can be carried in the cargo area. If necessary four more soldiers can be carried in the rear cargo area. Vehicle can be fitted with a fixed cab, depending on mission requirements. Also it can be fitted with hydraulic cranes for cargo handling.

   Vehicle can be fitted with various weapon mounts for 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine guns. This ATV can be used as anti-tank or anti-aircraft missile carrier.

   This vehicle can tow a specially designed trailer or light artillery piece. The trailer has a payload capacity of 400 kg. It tilts automatically for loading and unloading operations. The Supacat Mk.3 has enough power to tow both trailer and artillery piece at once. It can also recover other light vehicles.

   The Supacat Mk.3 is powered by a Volkswagen 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 78 hp. Engine is mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. Maximum road speed is 64 km/h. A claimed maximum range on fuel is 850 km, obviously on hard surface roads. The previous Mk.2 model was fitted with a Volkswagen 1.6-liter diesel, developing 54 hp. It was mated with a 3-speed transmission. Top speed of the Supacat Mk.2 was 48 km/h. Vehicle has a permanent all-wheel drive and skid steering. The Supacat is fitted with low pressure tyres and has low ground pressure. This all-terrain vehicle has unrivalled cross-country capability. Also it can travel through snow. In Arctic conditions tracks can be fitted for improved mobility. Tracks can be fitted within 15 minutes in the field. The Supacat has limited amphibious capability. However it loses its amphibious capability when fully loaded.

   This all-terrain vehicle can be carried underslung by helicopters. Sea King can carry one vehicle externally. Black Hawk can carry two of these vehicles, while the Chinook can carry four. It can be carried internally by EH 101 and Chinook helicopters. These vehicles can be easily airlifted by the C-130 Hercules or similar tactical cargo aircraft. Furthermore Supacats can be paradropped.

   The Supacat ATMP Mk.4 is currently under development. Improvements are likely to include a new engine.