Combat buggies ordered for Afghanistan
9 Apr 09
A fleet of brand new all-terrain vehicles has been ordered by the Ministry of Defence to move vital equipment to troops on the front line in Afghanistan.
Unmodified prototype of the Springer vehicle
[Picture: MOD]
A £7m contract has been awarded to Derbyshire-based Enhanced Protection Systems Ltd (EPS) to supply around 75 Springer vehicles which will hold a crew of two and have the ability to carry a combat load of one tonne.
The Springer, which is expected to be delivered to the MOD this summer, will be specifically focused on moving combat supplies from helicopter landing sites into the forward operating bases.
Dr Andrew Tyler, Chief Operating Officer for MOD Defence Equipment and Support, said:
"This new vehicle will enable the delivery of vital equipment to front line troops. It is designed specifically for rugged, desert conditions - which means it is well-matched to the operational environment in Afghanistan.
"[Springer] is designed specifically for rugged, desert conditions - which means it is well-matched to the operational environment in Afghanistan."
Dr Andrew Tyler
"The Springer dune buggy will be an added capability for troops at Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan. This contract demonstrates that we're continuing to invest in vehicles for the front line."
Managing Director of EPS, Sue Maltby, said:
"EPS UK Ltd prides itself on delivering quality products to the defence and security industry and is delighted to be involved with the MOD with our Springer vehicle, which will provide valuable service to our soldiers on operations."
The Springer will be the first vehicle of its kind to be used by British forces in theatre and will provide battlefield commanders with additional transport capabilities on the front line.