Supacat has launched its new beach armoured recovery vehicle (BARV) concept at the ongoing Land Forces 2014 defence exhibition in Brisbane, Australia.
Based on the launch and recovery system (L&RS) vehicle currently operated by the UK’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the new militarised BARV system integrates a range of features, including forward and rear bumper arrangements, recovery and hauling winches, and towing points.
Furthermore, the vehicle’s platform allows a range of attachments on the front of the platform to be integrated, including blades and track layers. The integration of a crane would enable the vehicle to be independent in altering attachments.
The L&RS integrates a range of unique and innovative designs such as a permanent software controlled-track drive system and a highly manoeuvrable steering system.
Supacat Australia managing director Michael Halloran said: "The benefit of the Supacat BARV is that it is based on a modern, in-service platform.
"That means a proven performer with reduced through life costs and an existing support infrastructure for the vehicle."
In addition to offering visibility, the concept’s mounted cab has room for three occupants, with a 180° swivel command seat and controls to make best use of the platform.
With a normal operating depth of 3m, the vehicle can shut down and be left submerged at a depth of 9m.
The vehicle’s modular design enables appliqué armour to defend the occupants and key systems.
The British agency uses the RNLI to launch and recover its Shannon-class lifeboats from the beach.
Supacat founder and director Nick Jones said: "The size of the Supacat BARV also provides operational flexibility.
"Our design allows the BARVs to operate alone for the simple jobs, to be daisy chained for the big jobs or to work in tandem for the complex jobs."
