Supacat, which has a major footprint in Australia, publicly displayed its new Medium Utility Vehicle (MUV) platform at Land Forces 2024. On display was a 6×6 variant, although a 4×4 configuration is also available to customers.
The light-medium-class vehicle is designed to fit between the All-Terrain Mobile Platform (ATMP) and High Mobility Transport (HMT) in Supacat’s product line in terms of size, capability and price. The vehicle is a collaboration between the Australian and UK branches of Supacat.
The high-mobility, modular MUV has a 6.5-tonne gross vehicle weight, which includes a 3.5-tonne payload capacity. The main target clientele is special operations forces, but alternative potential applications are troop carriers, weapons carriers and utility tasks such as laying communication cables.
Matthew Grech, head of future business at Supacat, told Asian Military Review that the MUV is based on a commercial Toyota Hilux platform. However, the MUV utilises a purpose-built chassis, to which a Hilux cab, engine and mechanicals are added.
Supacat stated, “Vehicle availability and reliability are enhanced by maximising the use of commercial off-the-shelf parts within the driveline, meaning that parts availability and serviceability is robust in almost any operational theatre.” Its commercial pedigree means militaries should better be able to support their MUVs using existing in-country infrastructure.
The diesel-powered prototype on display at Land Forces was fitted with a Kongsberg remote weapon station, surveillance cameras from Visionary Machines, and a Droneshield counter-UAS system. This MUV is the only prototype present in Australia, but the UK also has at least one example.
The MUV 6×6 is 6.2 feet (1.915 metres) long and 6.1ft (1.855m) wide, while the 4×4 configuration is 17.8ft (5.45m long). It can feature a single cab or double cab, which obviously affects the length of the rear cargo tray. It is also available in either right- or left-hand-drive configurations.
The vehicle can also be hardened with ballistic armour, while other options include a self-recovery winch, smoke grenade launchers, blackout lighting, canvas doors, 12V or 24V electrical system, and detachable polycarbonate windscreen.
Grech said the Asia-Pacific region is a potential market for the new MUV. Supacat concluded, “The MUV is truly an affordable option throughout the life cycle.”
Australian special forces are already a user of the HMT Extenda Mk1 and Mk2 from Supacat, though regular infantry formations such as the 1st Brigade are also currently utilising them as it transitions to a light, littoral mission.
by Gordon Arthur, Melbourne
