LONDON, 9 Sept. 2008. Defence Secretary Des Browne, on a visit to NP Aerospace Coventry, announced a 60-million-pound contract to deliver the next-generation Mastiff combat vehicle.
During the visit, Defence Secretary Des Browne said:
"The Mastiff is already a hero in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today's contract for Mastiff 2 will deliver a vehicle that is even better -- improved thermal imaging for the drivers, increased armor, and specially designed seats that will give the soldiers that extra protection -- it is the next generation of vehicles for our commanders on operations. NP Aerospace and its workforce are to be congratulated on the support they are providing to our Armed Forces -- the equipment they deliver, from body armor plates to helmets, is saving lives on a daily basis."
The Mastiff 2 vehicles will have:
- Improved axles and suspension to cope with the harsh terrain;
- Better thermal imaging for the drivers;
- Explosive attenuating seats, providing better protection to the soldier on impact;
- Improved armor;
- Greater crew capacity of 8+2.
While visiting the facility, the Defence Secretary praised the company for its outstanding job in transforming basic Cougar vehicles from Force Protection Inc. into the sophisticated Mastiffs, and in providing Osprey body armor plates and MK 6A helmets to the Armed Forces, saving lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
