Article Posted on : - Jun 27, 2010

Jackal weapons-mounted 4x4 patrol vehicle. Photo: Babcock International

DUNKESWELL (BNS): Supacat-Babcock industry alliance has received a £45m contract from UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for over 140 further Jackal weapons-mounted 4x4 patrol vehicles to support its operations in Afghanistan.

The new order will bring the total number of Jackal vehicles in service with the UK Armed Forces to over 400, in 3 configurations; Jackal 1, Jackal 2 and this latest improved variant, Jackal 2a.

Production of the Jackal 2a vehicle uplift was commenced on February 2010, immediately after the final delivery of a UOR contract placed with the Supacat-Babcock alliance in April 2009 for approximately 120 Jackal 2 and more than 70 new 6x6 'Coyote' Tactical Support Vehicle (Light) (TSV (L)). This contract has been completed successfully to a high quality standard and on time.

The upgraded Jackal 2a is an enhanced version of the successful Jackal 2 with the design changes driven by direct operational feedback. The primary change is the introduction of a new cab design with integrated mine blast protection which simplifies production and improves the performance over that offered by the previous system fitted to Jackal 2.

"The Jackal vehicle has been a resounding success and these additional Jackal 2a's will further enhance the operational capabilities of our troops in theatre. The ability of the Supacat-Babcock Alliance to consistently deliver these vehicles also provides military planners with assurance of our continued support,” Roger Gillespie, Equipment Solutions Managing Director, Babcock, said in a company news release.

Jackal has proved its supreme versatility as a weapons-mounted light patrol vehicle in Afghanistan, with its high speed and maneovrability and unparalleled cross-country performance over the region's harsh terrain.

In the Supacat and Babcock alliance, Supacat is prime contractor and as the design authority it is responsible for design, development, prototyping, integration and overall programme management. Babcock is responsible for detailed production planning, purchasing and manufacture at their Devonport facility.