EQUIPMENT / LLPVs <<


>> FOXHOUND AT A GLANCE: >> Foxhound started life, with a design concept by Ricardo, as the Force Protection Ocelot, and was first seen as one of the contenders for the LPPV programme. After extensive trials by the MoD, Ocelot emerged as the victor and entered a series of tests. Although larger, the Foxhound was designed to replace the Snatch Land Rover in the urban environment. As requirements have changed dramatically in recent years the lightly armoured Land Rover had to give way to a vehicle that would offer its occupants better protection.


>> The vehicle has a protective pod constructed from advanced composite materials incorporating Formula One racing technology from Formaplex, which developed specialist injection moulding, machining and composite technologies that are now commonplace on the F1 racing cars. Foxhound’s pod houses the driver, commander and passengers; although a tight fit there is space for soldiers and their equipment. Beneath the pod is a V–shaped armoured chassis hull that deflects a blast upwards and away from the vehicle. Housed within the protected hull is the main fuel tank, drivetrain, batteries and generator.


The engine can be removed and replaced in just 30 minutes and it can drive away from an ambush on only three wheels.


❱❱ winter 2012_13 | globaldefencemedia.com


we will be the first Task Force to see our numbers reduce during the course of our tour – a big challenge but one we will embrace. We are an experienced and well-balanced Task Force; while based on a regular Army formation we also have a number of regular Royal Navy and RAF Service personnel in our ranks, as well as a number of reservists who have readily volunteered their time to accompany us to the front line.” The tour will see ‘The Black Rats’ – as 4th Mechanized Brigade is also known – working in support of the Afghan National Army’s 3/215 Brigade and the Afghan National Police in their mission to bring security and stability to a region that has known years of unrest but has seen steady progress, thanks to the efforts of Afghan, British and other international forces. Approximately 10 per cent of the personnel who deployed on Op HERRICK 17 are reservists, including elements of 6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 103 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 243 (Wessex) Field Hospital and 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery. Peter Luff praised the teams who developed Foxhound: “Technological advantage born in the UK continues to deliver race wins, season after season, under the flag of almost every nationality. It used to be the case, that where the military led the civilian world followed, but more than ever this is a trend that is reversing. Foxhound is a UK design and many of the companies involved in its production are UK–based. Foxhound has been designed to withstand a direct strike from an IED and not only keep those inside safe, but also drive away on just three wheels.” Variations of the vehicle have been trialled, including a cut–down Foxhound which looks more like an overgrown sports car than an armoured fighting vehicle. This may be intended for use by Special Forces who need speed and agility in certain situations. Following the success of Foxhound in Afghanistan, other armed forces have shown a keen interest in the vehicle. n


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