SUPACAT deploys to Macedonia, gets IR lighting

Supacat, which has recently entered service with the UK's Rapid Reaction Force, has already deployed to Macedonia in support of Operation Essential Harvest It is also to receive IR lighting systems developed by Oxley Avionics, the UK based military lighting systems specialist

Several Supacat Mk 3were packed up and sent to Macedonia to assist with Task Force Harvest, the weapons collection operation designed to promote peace in the region. These versatile new vehicles are being used by paratroopers from l6 Air Assault Brigade, 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, and 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, who report that they are performing very well in this challenging operation.

The latest Supacat Mk 3 is an all-terrain mobile platform with a load capacity of 1.6 tonnes, extremely agile and able to access the toughest terrain, towing self-loading trailers with a load capacity of an additional 1.6 tonnes. Supacat is a fully automatic 6x6 air-portable and amphibious vehicle with a 64 kph road speed and the ability to climb 450 and traverse 400. The Mk 3 version has improved performance and capacity than previous models.

Oxley Avionics pioneered Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit systems for today's Air Forces, and havenow turned their expertise to the ground vehicle market.

The system consists of a complete exterior light fit, as well as the necessary circuitry and controls for isolating or blacking out normal white lights. Typical user requirements might include two front and rear light units, In addition some users are installing NVG-compatible interior lighting as well as map reading lights, instrument panel IR filters and IR LED warning lights for mission-critical systems

Tests have shown that an LED front light system is sufficient for high speed driving across rough terrain. For missions where complete concealment is critical, the user can switch to a low power mode, which minimises the chances of detection by other NVG users.

Brian Thomson, Sales Manager of Oxley Avionics said, "Our experience with aircraft NVG systems enabled us to transfer this technology to land vehicles and ships. We conducted extensive research into modem land warfare techniques and saw that the increasing complexity, requirements and speed of manoeuvre of existing fleet of land vehicles required an advanced NVG compatible system to enhance night operations."

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