Supacat Highlights its Light Mobility Vehicle Adapted for Special Forces.

At the opening of the DVD 2024 exhibition, held at the British Army's Millbrook proving grounds from September 18-19, Supacat showcased its Light Mobility Vehicle – Tactical (LMV-T). Designed for light forces and high-readiness units, the LMV-T is intended for operations conducted by the Royal Marines’ 3 Commando Brigade and the British Army's Ranger Regiment, in line with the UK's future requirements.

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Supacat Light Mobility Vehicle, LMV (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The LMV-T stands out for its ability to combine proven Toyota automotive components with a bespoke chassis and a modular combat cell. This vehicle is available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, offering great flexibility to adapt to different missions. Weighing around 3.5 tonnes, the LMV-T can be transported by air via aircraft such as the CH-47, C-130, A400M, and C-17, with the exception of the C-130, which is not part of the British Army's fleet.

The combat cell, developed by Armoured Car Systems in Bavaria, Germany, is designed to be configured according to the specific needs of each mission. It integrates a crew-served main weapon, such as a general-purpose machine gun, mounted on a 360° slewing ring, as well as a commander’s weapon on a swing arm installed on the dashboard. At the rear of the cell, a loading platform allows the transport of mission-specific equipment. Additionally, the vehicle can be equipped with extra armor based on threat levels and operational requirements.

Supacat's LMV-T was specifically designed to meet the needs of high-readiness forces, such as the 3 Commando Brigade and the Ranger Regiment. It emphasizes strategic mobility, high payload capacity, and the ability for internal loading onto a wide range of aircraft. The LMV-T chassis is a dedicated component rather than a simple modification of a standard chassis. It has been developed to provide an optimal mass-to-strength ratio, ensuring unmatched load-carrying capacities compared to competitors.

Thanks to its Toyota components, the LMV-T benefits from globally recognized reliability in all climate conditions, while complying with NATO's multifuel policies. These components were specifically chosen to offer the best combination of performance, ease of use, and sustainability.

The LMV-T can support a payload of up to 3,200 kg, suitable for various specialized configurations such as ambulance and mortar versions. With a maximum speed of 175 km/h and a range of 800 km provided by an internal 80-litre fuel tank, the LMV-T offers impressive versatility. Without preparation, it can tackle slopes up to 60% and features approach and departure angles of 37.5° and 54.5°, respectively.

This modularity allows the LMV-T to adapt to different missions, whether it be patrols, command and control, anti-tank operations, air defense, or logistics support. The LMV-T's combat cell can also accommodate various communication and electronic countermeasure (ECM) equipment, ensuring its compatibility with modern battlefield requirements.

The presentation of the LMV-T comes in the context of a recent defense industry cooperation agreement between the UK and Germany. Political leaders from both countries are now seeking to identify programs and platforms of common interest for their respective industrial bases. Supacat fits into this dynamic by offering the LMV-T as a tactical operations platform that could meet the UK's future requirements.

With this type of vehicle, the British Army is potentially looking to renew a significant fleet, estimated at several hundred or even thousands of units, to replace aging equipment. Supacat's LMV-T is already ready for further manufacturer testing, a step that could lead to a broader evaluation depending on the needs and interests of potential customers.