L-R: Privates Matthew Emerson, Kevin Percival, Mark Mardell, Jake Lee, Kurt Jones, Liam Dodds and James Hodgekinson, all 2nd Mercian Regiment, visit Coventry to see the vehicles they have been using on Operations manufactured
[Picture: Sgt Graham Spark]
Seventeen soldiers from B Company visited NP Aerospace in Coventry this week to watch the Mastiff role off the production line.
The vehicle won praise from the soldiers, who while in Afghanistan wore Osprey body armour and helmets also designed and manufactured by NP Aerospace.
Platoon Commander Phil Godsiff said:
"It was a great piece of kit. The Mastiff had several mine strikes but it stood up to it every time. Nobody was injured and the only damage that was done on one occasion was a damaged wheel and even then it was still driveable.
"It drove over and up all the terrain that we threw at it. It's also got some pretty big guns on the top cover. In short it's a good piece of kit."
NP Aerospace is a world-leader in the production of personal equipment and armoured vehicles designed to protect military personnel like the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment in combat environments.
L-R: Privates Nathan Roberts, Tom Brownless and Josh Domegani, all 2nd Mercian Regiment, sit inside a brand new Mastiff at the factory in Coventry
[Picture: Sgt Graham Spark]
The firm also manufactures state-of-the-art full body armour suits worn by Army bomb disposal operators, complete with integral air conditioning that allows wearers to operate in high temperatures.
Private Jake Lee, aged 18, said of the Mastiff:
"You feel very safe when you are inside and it's quite comfortable and air conditioned which gives some welcome relief when you've been patrolling in the heat."
2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment returned from Afghanistan late last year. The Battalion took part in heavy fighting during their six-month tour based in Helmand province. They were instrumental in establishing local governance in Gereshk and provided an environment where the local population were able to return to their homes and establish a bustling market town. They were also involved in intense combat in the formidable "Green Zone" establishing a dominant position, which reduced the enemy to mounting indirect attacks.
NP Aerospace has delivered 108 Mastiff armoured vehicles to the MOD since November 2006. The chief executive of NP Aerospace Roger Medwell said he was honoured to welcome the soldiers to the factory:
"We will do all that we can to ensure the safety of the soldiers. At every stage of the production process the soldiers are always foremost in our minds. The commitment to their job is remarkable and we in turn are committed to providing the equipment they need to continue their work."
Mastiff is the UK variant of US Force Protection Inc's Cougar vehicle. NP Aerospace in Coventry integrates and uparmours the Cougars to create the finished Mastiff vehicle.
It was announced in October 2007 that 140 additional Mastiff vehicles are being bought by the MOD.