Darren Baker shares with us a Walkaround of the British Mastiff 6x6 with the photographs taken at Bovington Tank Museum during a Tankfest Event.

Introduction

The following information is as supplied on the information boards. 

The Mastiff can trace its roots back to 2004 when Force Protection Inc designed the Cougar, a 4x4/6x6 heavily defended mine resistant vehicle. This was developed for the USMC in the US and based on an evolution of vehicle mine protection technology used by the UK, Rhodesian, and South African forces from the 1950’s-1980’s. Mastiff, known as MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) by the US military and PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) in the UK. The base Mastiff vehicle is supplied by FP Inc and retrofitted by NP Aerospace in Coventry, integrating electronics and the UK armour package. The latest Mastiff MK3 remains essentially the as earlier versions but with changes to performance, interior, and accessibility. It has the Wolfhound configuration, with more power being delivered by a 6 speed Allison gearbox rather than the old 5 speed Allison gearbox. The Mastiff MK3 also has opening front doors to enable easier access and the ability to put bulky EOD kit in the rear. It has an extra 7 inches of roof height in the rear enabling easier movement within the crew area. The Mastiff MK2 is the protected eyes variant for the Royal Engineers, fitted with the MMC (Mast Mounted Camera) on the rear and extra stowage for T-hawk and Talon. 

Battle weight 25,960kg (Payload 5,200 kg)

Speed 90kmh (57MPH)

Length 7.813m

Width 3.852

Height 3.55m with weapon and sight fitted

Engine Caterpillar C7 FMM diesel (single turbo) 

Firepower OWS-optional fit 7.62mm GPMG, 12.7mm HMG, or 40mm GMG grenade launcher

Protection level 1 ballistic protection/2A mine NP Aerospace bar armour

Crew 2+8(MK3) 2+6(MK1 and 2)

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