EQUIPMENT / LLPVs <<
For its size and weight, Foxhound provides
unprecedented levels of blast protection against the threats faced by troops on the front line
A FEW examples of General Dynamics’ Foxhound were sent to Afghanistan for troop training purposes late last year. It was an immediate success with the soldiers and additional examples of the light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV) were despatched. The vehicle has proved to be excellent in the role for which it has been designed, and last month the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced plans to procure 25 extra Foxhound vehicles to add to the Army’s existing fleet. The MoD made an initial order for 200 Foxhound vehicles in November 2010 and a further 100 were requested late last year as part of a £400m package. The latest 25 will be in addition to this at a cost of £30m.
Foxhound, the Army’s state–of–the–art LPPV, arrived in Helmand province in June of this year. The Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, made the procurement announcement at a recent event at the Army’s Bulford Camp showcasing the capabilities of Service personnel from 4th Mechanized Brigade who were preparing to deploy on Operation HERRICK 17. Mr Luff said: “I was very pleased to be able to confirm the purchase of 25 additional new Foxhound
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vehicles. Foxhound’s cutting–edge technology gives our troops the ability to engage with Afghan civilians, as they must, while benefiting from a high level of protection. Personnel from 4th Mechanized Brigade will be among the first to use this outstanding new vehicle. This is another example of how the MoD, having balanced the budget, is now able to confidently spend money on the equipment that our personnel really need.” Personnel from 4th Mechanized Brigade are amongst the first to make use of the new Foxhound vehicle on operations. For its size and weight, Foxhound provides unprecedented levels of blast protection against the threats faced by troops on the front line. Robust enough to withstand the blast from an IED, it has a top speed of 70mph (113km/h). The engine can be removed and replaced in just 30 minutes and it can drive away from an ambush on only three wheels. The 4th Mechanized Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in October for a six–month tour as the lead formation of Task Force Helmand. They replaced the 12th Mechanized Brigade in theatre. Due to the significant progress in the development of the Afghan National Security Forces it will be the first brigade to oversee a
This is another example of how the MoD, having balanced the budget, is now able to confidently spend money on the equipment that our personnel really need.
winter 2012_13 |
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