A new breed of vehicle, the Wolfhound, which will give troops increased protection as they support missions in high threat areas, is now on order following the signing of a £90m contract.
Integrated Survivability Technologies Limited (IST) will build the Wolfhounds, a truck variant of the acclaimed Mastiff armoured troop carriers.
Wolfhound will provide a highly protected, load carrying vehicle to carry out a variety of tasks such as moving bulky stores for use in the construction of forward bases; as a Gun Tractor and Gun Limber for the Royal Artillery’s 105 Light Gun and finally to carry general stores like ammunition, food or water.
Integrated Survivability Technologies Limited (IST) is a joint venture company between Force Protection Inc and Coventry-based NP Aerospace. The contract is for the supply of over 90 heavy tactical support vehicles based on the Cougar (American vehicle of which the British Mastiff is an up-armoured variant) design. The development will create 50 new jobs within NP Aerospace and the supplier base.
Dr Andrew Tyler, Chief Operating Officer for Defence Equipment and Support said:
“I am proud to announce the order of the Heavy Support Vehicle, Wolfhound which, with the proven protection capabilities of the excellent Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles, will be a vital asset to battlefield commanders in supporting the front line.
“This contract is an excellent example of how we are continuing to work with British Industry to secure highly skilled jobs and retain valued expertise in this ever changing market.”
“With the proven protection capabilities of the excellent Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles, [Wolfhound] will be a vital asset to battlefield commanders in supporting the front line.”
Dr Andrew Tyler
Wolfhound will be armed with a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and the normal fit of radio and electronic equipment. Its commonality of design will ensure that the support solution is already in place, and that the training bill for troops using the fleet is minimised.
DE&S project manager, Nick Fox, added:
“The capacity, performance and outstanding protection afforded by the vehicle will be much welcomed by front line troops. Supplied as part of the Tactical Support Vehicle programme, building on lessons learnt from previous Urgent Operational Requirements and working closely with the new joint venture company, Integrated Survivability Technologies (IST), an improved capability will be delivered.”
Force Protection Chief Executive Officer and chairman of IST, Michael Moody, said:
“Much like the Wolfhound vehicle requirement, Force Protection and NP Aerospace have come a long way in a very short time. We have established a partnership in the United Kingdom that we believe will become the base for growing our relationship with the UK Ministry of Defence.”
Wolfhound, will join its sister vehicles Husky 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.
