Husky Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV), United Kingdom

Manufactured by Navistar Defence, the Husky is a medium-armoured high-mobility tactical support vehicle (TSV) based on the international MXT model. The vehicle has been designed specifically for the British Army under a $180m contract.

The British Army's fleet of tactical support vehicles includes Wolfhound, Coyote and Husky. The vehicles and are also used for transporting supplies. Husky will support light armoured vehicles, while Wolfhound and Coyote will support heavy and light armoured vehicles respectively.

Under the contract with the British Army, Navistar will supply 262 Husky vehicles to the TSV fleet for deployment in Afghanistan. The first Husky made its debut on 24 June 2009 at the UK MoD vehicle show known as DVD. The Husky is part of the operational utility vehicle systems (OUVS) programme launched in 2003. Under the OUVS programme the UK ministry of defence procures armoured vehicles to replace the RB44, Pinzgauer and Land Rover capabilities.

Husky mission variants

Husky has been designed to aid patrols in areas of lower threat. It is produced in three variants – utility vehicle, ambulance and command post vehicle.

The utility variant is equipped with a flat bed, while the command and ambulance variants have enclosed cabs at the rear. An ambulance developed with enhanced protection is scheduled for service in 2010 along with the command post vehicle.

Design

The Husky is a four-wheel drive medium platform TSV designed to exhibit mobility and strength. The vehicle is 6.4m long 2.5m tall and 2.4m wide and weighs 15,300lb. It can accommodate four people including the driver and a commander.

The Husky is fitted with Hutchinson wheels with a bead lock retention system and Michelin 395/85R20 radial tyres with a Dana central tyre inflation system.

Engine

The Husky is powered by MaxxForce D6.0L V8. It provides 340hp (254kW) and can be driven at a maximum speed of 70mph. Any Nato single-fuel derivative can be used to fuel the engine.

Armament

Husky's strong frame is capable of being up-armoured while retaining its manoeuvrability, hauling and braking capacities. The vehicle features a mounted general-purpose machine gun and remote controlled weapons system with door and glass firing ports. The armour has been designed by Plasan Sasa and has two removable armour kits, A-kit and B-kit. The weapons included in the weapon system have a calibre of up to 12.7mm.

Defence

The Husky is similar in construction to the mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle. MRAP vehicles are designed to sustain improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes and belong to the category of armoured fighting vehicles.

The vehicle has an interim vehicle-mounted mine detector that detects hidden metallic explosives from a distance. Its v-shaped undercarriage protects its driver by directing the blast away from the vehicle. The Husky's single-operator cockpit is equipped with armoured steel, ballistic windows and an automatic on-board fire extinguisher.

Unlike other MRAP vehicles, the Husky is also distinguished by thicker transparent armour shields, MRAP-style two-piece armoured windscreens and grills and raised air intakes with improved dust-protected filters.

Tactical support vehicle programme

As part of the OUVS programme, Navistar vehicles were selected in October 2008 to replace part of the UK's light tactical wheeled vehicle fleet. Navistar is competing with eight other finalists. After being tested in 2009, Navistar's vehicles, basically designed on the International MXT model, will replace Land Rover, Wolf, Reynolds Boughton RB-44 and Pinzgauer vehicles. The programme was launched by the UK Ministry of Defence in 2003.

In addition to MRAP vehicles and TSVs, Warrenville, Illinois-headquartered Navistar Defence manufactures heavy-haul armoured vehicles and future tactical truck system demonstrator vehicles (FTTS).

International MXT model

The International MXT is a rugged lightweight vehicle meant for border patrol, reconnaissance missions and security details. It measures 252in, 91in and 96in in length, height and width. The model is powered by the MaxxForce D/VT-365 V8 engine and is suitable to accommodate five passengers. The vehicle can be armoured with a complete range of ballistic IED and mine-blast protection solutions, integral and A-kit / B-kit configurations and 360° crew protection.