UK deploys vehicles to Mali after off-road mobility upgrade

A team led by NP Aerospace has re-engineered Ridgeback protected patrol vehicles and Mastiff mine-protected platforms for a British Army deployment in Mali.

‘A number of vehicles have already been deployed on operation during COVID-19 restrictions with the first wave delivered in just over 80 working days,’ NP Aerospace announced on 16 March.

New systems on Ridgback and Mastiff (pictured, the UK version of the Cougar mine-protected vehicle) include independent suspension systems with ride height control; an upgraded driveline; steering and braking systems; central tyre inflation systems; and increased diameter tyres.

Work under an MoD Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support contract met an Urgent Capability Requirement for the British Army.

The off-road mobility upgrade contract, worth about £7 million ($9.7 million), was awarded in May 2020 and covered 12 vehicles plus associated spares.

NP Aerospace led the project with support from HORIBA MIRA, Horstman, Texelis, Timoney, Tyron and Universal Fabrications.

More than 700 Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles have been overhauled and modified by NP Aerospace over the last 15 years for use in various operational theatres.

Work has included updating communications systems, up-armouring to meet specific threats and suspension system upgrades.

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