MoD signs deal to replace Snatch vehicle with Foxhound - Polidicks

[quote=BBCNews] The Ministry of Defence has signed a £180m contract for 200 new patrol vehicles to replace the controversial Snatch Land Rover. The Foxhound, partly designed by Formula 1 engineers, has a V-shaped armoured hull designed to safeguard those inside from roadside bombs. There have been criticisms the Snatch has not offered enough protection to UK troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. The new vehicles are due to be ready for troop training next year. They were designed by Warwickshire-based Force Protection Europe and Ricardo, a British automotive engineering company, and originally named the Ocelot. They have been renamed Foxhound by the MoD. Adaptable At least 37 UK soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan while travelling in the lightly armoured Snatch; its vulnerability led some soldiers to call it the "mobile coffin". Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote This UK-designed vehicle demonstrates the government's commitment to providing our troops with the world class equipment they need” Peter Luff Defence Equipment and Support Minister The Chief of Defence Materiel, Gen Sir Kevin O'Donoghue, said its replacement had been specifically designed to withstand the kind of explosions caused by Taliban bombs. "Able to operate in extreme temperatures and navigate difficult terrain whilst also providing high levels of protection, Foxhound is ideal for current operational needs, but is also a valuable addition to our range of vehicles and will serve our Armed Forces for many years to come," he added. The Foxhound can be easily dismantled if need be and its engine removed and replaced in only 30 minutes. It also adaptable - the pod where up to six people can sit can be changed, turning the vehicle into an ambulance or supply truck if required. Its wheels work independently of each other, meaning it can still drive away from an ambush if one is disabled. Defence Equipment and Support Minister Peter Luff said: "Using state-of-the-art technology from a range of areas including the motorsport industry, this UK-designed vehicle demonstrates the government's commitment to providing our troops with the world class equipment they need. "The jobs created and sustained through the manufacture of the Foxhound will also provide a boost to local economies across the UK." The engineers behind the Foxhound come from a range of backgrounds, including the World Rally Championship, McLaren F1 and BMW. [/quote] [img]http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50220000/jpg/_50220094_010244477-2.jpg[/img] [img]http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49202000/jpg/_49202180_ocelot_lppv_464in.jpg[/img] PREVIOUS VEHICLE: [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Snatch2.jpg[/img] Source: [url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11877801[/url] Hurray! Now the brits have their own armoured vehicle!

Isn't this really late? I heard this on the radio in early October I think... [editline]30th November 2010[/editline] Awesome vehicle anyways. About time we replaced the death-traps.

[QUOTE=ChestyMcGee;26406870]Isn't this really late? I heard this on the radio in early October I think... [editline]30th November 2010[/editline] Awesome vehicle anyways. About time we replaced the death-traps.[/QUOTE] 30 November 2010 Last updated at 13:35 GMT

Looks a bit odd for some reason.

Thank fuck. I don't want to be rolling about in a Defender WMIK, fuck that.

I love how the first response to this thread has a Snake avatar. "FOXHOUND!?"

That actually is one sexy vehicle.

Looks pretty cool

Looks cool, the modular design is nice aswell. I remember seeing a vid on youtube where 5 soldiers disassembled and reassembled a modular jeep in 5 minutes or so.

Hopefully it will protect troops from IEDs. AND ROLLOVERS.

If I were going to dive over a bomb, this would be what I'd rather do it in.

[QUOTE=Ignhelper;26409549]Hopefully it will protect troops from IEDs. AND ROLLOVERS.[/QUOTE] Of course it will, that's pretty much the point of the design.

[QUOTE=JohnnyMo1;26407099]I love how the first response to this thread has a Snake avatar. "FOXHOUND!?"[/QUOTE] [quote]They were designed by Warwickshire-based Force Protection Europe and Ricardo, a British automotive engineering company, [B]and originally named the Ocelot.[/B][/quote] Haha love it.

what the fuck is happening, this is good, i agree, but isnt this government supposed to be totally against spending any money? spending money on this, and then the 8bn railway investment, whats happening?

[QUOTE=Ignhelper;26406859]Hurray! [b]Now the brits have their own armoured vehicle![/b][/QUOTE] [img]http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/Challenger2_Pics/Challenger2-on-unpaved-road.jpg[/img] What do you suppose that is made out of? Paper-bloody-mache?

MRAP's are a tactical liability, atleast in Afghanistan.

FOXHOUND? But they were disbanded back during the Zanzibar Land incident.

[QUOTE=Anteep2;26410865]what the fuck is happening, this is good, i agree, but isnt this government supposed to be totally against spending any money? spending money on this, and then the 8bn railway investment, whats happening?[/QUOTE] The MoD has been given a specific budget, which has been reduced due to the cuts. This vehicle has come from the MoD's budget, it has nothing to do with anything else the government is doing that is not related to the MoD

The MoD signed a deal to replace the Snatch vehicle with the Foxhound!?