Armoured dune buggies for troops

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

New all terrain armoured vehicles will soon be on the way to Afghanistan as part of an ongoing effort by the MoD to give ground commanders as many safe transport options for troops and supplies as possible.

Under a £7m contract with Enhanced Protection Systems, the MoD will buy 75 Springer armoured vehicles. The vehicles will be used for transport and re-supply operations in all types of terrain and will be based at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).

Each vehicle can hold up to two people and carry a load of one tonne. MoD officials said that the Springers would be used to transport supplies between helicopter landing zones and the FOBs

The vehicles can best be described as a cross between a dune bugy, a pick-up truck and an armoured golf cart.

Dr Andrew Tyler, chief operating officer for Defence Equipment and Support, hailed the new contract, saying:

"This new vehicle will enable the delivery of vital equipment to front line troops. It is designed specifically for rugged, desert conditions - which means it is well-matched to the operational environment in Afghanistan."

The vehicles are expected to be delivered to troops in Afghanistan by the summer.