a representative hull for blast trials. The prototype vehicles and vehicle submitted for blast trials were all funded by the contractors. These initial trials were completed late in March 2010 and the requirement is now for an initial batch of 200 vehicles with a potential for another follow-on buy of 200. Late in April, the MoD purchased two LPPV from each contractor to further de-risk the programme. It is expected that a production contract could be placed in the second half of 2010 with first production LPPV being delivered in 2011.
Force Protection Europe Ocelot being put through its paces at Millbrook Proving Ground (Shaun Connors)
When deployed the LPPV would supplement the already deployed Mastiff (6 x 6) heavy PPV (HPPV) and Ridgback (4 x 4) medium PPV MPPV that have already been deployed to Afghanistan in significant numbers. Both of these have a high level of protection and are fitted with bar armour. These are both based on a Force Protection design with upgrade work being carried out in the UK under the leadership of NP Aerospace. Whichever contender for the LPPV is selected, it will also be provided with a significant amount of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) including
weapons, General Dynamics Bowman digital communications equipment and electronic devices to counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Ocelot features a V-shaped armoured spline that runs the full length of the vehicle and this contains the main diesel fuel tank, drive line, batteries and generator as well as the power pack. The latter includes the engine, gearbox, auxiliary fuel tank and associated electronic control unit. It is powered by a Steyr-Daimler- Puch 6 cylinder turbocharged diesel developing 160 kW coupled to a ZF six speed automatic transmission which gives a maximum speed of 110 km/h with the independent suspension providing a high level of cross-country mobility. One of the Ocelot has been fitted with steering on the rear wheels which allows the vehicle to have a very tight turning circle which is very useful in urban operations. Ocelot has a typical gross vehicle weight of 7,500 kg which includes 1,500 kg payload but with built in growth potential. It has a crew of two and carries four troops on individual seats who can rapidly enter and leave via the twin rear doors. Wherever possible standard commercial off the shelf components
The Force Protection Ocelot features a composite crew survivability capsule that can be rapidly replaced by a new or different module (Shaun Connors)
G3 DEFENCE 7
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