Supacat Mk.3 |
Country of origin |
United Kingdom |
Entered service |
2000 |
Configuration |
6x6 |
Seating |
2 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight (empty) |
1.8 - 1.9 t |
Payload capacity |
up to 1.6 t |
Length |
3.44 m |
Width |
2
m |
Height |
1.85 m |
Mobility |
Engine |
Volkswagen 1.9-liter diesel |
Engine power |
78 hp |
Maximum road speed |
64 km/h |
Range |
850 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
100% |
Side slope |
40% |
Vertical step |
0.5 m |
Trench |
~ 0.6 m |
Fording |
0.6 m / Amphibious |
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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.
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