(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued June 24, 2009)
A ground-breaking new armour system and a fleet of new armoured vehicles that will provide better protection on the frontline in Afghanistan were unveiled by the Ministry of Defence at the defence equipment event called DVD today. The revolutionary, textile-based TARIAN vehicle armour system will give lightweight protection against RPGs, in place of the current bar armour that is fitted to vehicles such as Mastiff and Ridgback. More than 20 sets of TARIAN have been ordered and are in use on operations in Afghanistan, with half of them fitted to the Heavy Equipment Transporters. The armour has been developed with Dorset-based AMSAFE in Bridport and will mean the weight saved on armour can be applied elsewhere on the vehicle. DVD also sees the unveiling of the Wolfhound, Husky and Coyote Tactical Support Vehicles (TSV), the first time these newly-purchased trucks have been seen in public. More than 400 of these brand new vehicles are currently being manufactured across the UK, with delivery to training units expected later this year. The new TSV fleet will be used to accompany frontline patrols and carry essential combat supplies such as water and ammunition. Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said: “Troops on the frontline have high-quality, versatile equipment that gives us the battle-winning edge in Afghanistan. We are working tirelessly to ensure they have the right equipment for the right job and ensuring that we respond quickly and innovatively to equipment requests from the frontline. “The new TSVs and Tarian armour system are just two examples picked out from the vast array of kit and equipment that is on show. The number of items on display clearly demonstrates that we have many more success stories to tell about our flexibility in delivering equipment to where it is needed.” The equipment show also saw a taste of frontline action as Members of the 1st Battalion the Rifles and 29 Commando Regiment RA simulated a battle group in action on the frontline. They were fully equipped with personal body armour, rifles and the new Husky and Ridgback vehicles and even called in air support from Apache and Merlin helicopters. Both units have recently returned from frontline operations, with 1st Battlion the Rifles helping to mentor the Afghan National Army and 29 Cdo Regiment RA based at Musa Qala. DVD is an equipment showcase which highlights the importance of diverse areas such as fuel delivery, clothing, food and vehicles that have been bought or upgraded under the Urgent Operational Requirement programme. BACKGROUND NOTES: -- The TARIAN armour system is the result of a significant amount of research and development between DSTL and industry to AMSAFE in Bridport, Dorset. The system defeats the same threats as the existing Bar Armour, but at a much reduced weight which allows improvements to the vehicle’s protection elsewhere. Testing has shown that TARIAN is very robust and more than capable of withstanding battlefield wear and tear whilst allowing considerable weight savings and functioning as intended. If it does get damaged it is very easy to replace. -- Husky, a medium armoured support vehicle, is manufactured by Navistar Defence, with Malvern-based company Dytechna carrying out the integration work will form the main bulk of the TSVs and will carry out roles where heavy vehicles, like Mastiff, cannot be used. -- The other 2 TSV categories are: Heavy – Wolfhound, based on a Cougar 6x6 flatbed, manufactured and integrated through the Integrated Survivability Technologies Joint Venture between US company Force Protection Industries Inc and Coventry based NP Aerospace, will support and re-supply our Mastiffs in the highest threat areas; Light – Coyote, based on a 6x6 derivative of the Jackal designed by Supacat Ltd and manufactured by Plymouth based Babcock Marine, will support our go-anywhere, high-mobility Jackals across the harsh terrain in Afghanistan. -- The UOR Demonstration has been organised by HQ Land Forces for the first time at DVD focusing on the MOD’s success in delivering the equipment required by our troops in Afghanistan. The UOR Demonstration concentrates on the advanced clothing and weapons provided for the soldier and the vehicle platforms which have either been adapted or procured to meet the specific challenge of operating in Afghanistan. The clothing and weapons were demonstrated by soldiers from 1 RIFLES, who have recently returned from Afghanistan, and 24 different vehicles ranging from Quad-Bikes to WARRIOR. -- Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) in conjunction with the MOD, equips and supports the UK’s armed forces for current and future operations. -- DVD is the annual stakeholder event run by MoD Defence Equipment and Support. It brings together industry and customers within the defence and emergency services environments. It is not open to the public but is the only event that allows invited delegates to view vehicles and drive or be driven in a realistic scenario at the world-class driving facilities of Millbrook Proving Ground.
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