The Light Reconnaissance Vehicle (LRV) 400 is a high speed and high mobility off road vehicle developed to carry out border patrol, reconnaissance, rapid intervention and light strike missions. It is a militarised variant of the Wildcat off-road motorsport vehicle.
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Supacat and UK-based motorsport company QT Services jointly developed the LRV 400. Supacat introduced the LRV 400 at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition 2013 in London. The vehicle is available in petrol and diesel versions.
Development of the LRV 400
The LRV 400 was developed based on market research and customer feedback on a proof-of-concept closed cab demonstrator jointly developed by Supacat and QT Services in 2011.
The two companies adopted a commercial-off-the-shelf platform for the LRV 400 to provide affordable capability.
Supacat LRV 400 design and features
Designed to operate in harsh environments, including deserts and rough terrains, the LRV 400 is a low cost and high mobility platform, filling the gap between the heavier Jackal surveillance, reconnaissance and patrol vehicle and the smaller All-Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP).
The 4.3m long and 1.8m wide vehicle is designed with tubular space frame chassis. The space-frame design of the vehicle enables easy re-configuration to help address different operational roles. The vehicle is air transportable by the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
The LRV 400 is manned by three crew members (commander, driver and gunner). Its gross and kerb weights are 3,500kg and 2,100kg respectively. The fuel capacity is 160 litres.
UK-based survivability solutions provider ArmourWorks designed and manufactured a lightweight, convenient seat, which is primarily a standing platform that can be optionally used as a comfortable and safe seat, for the Supacat. Hutchinson provided bead-lock run flats for the vehicle.
The LRV 400 boasts a self recovery winch, a beam-type axle with 300mm travel race derived hydraulic shock absorbers, infrared (IR) lights, a differential front and rear air locking system, 24V DC electrical system, forward and rear facing IR cameras, lengthened wheelbase, LED hi-mount T16 driving lights and rear work lights.
The vehicle can be fitted with optional equipment and systems, such as smoke grenade launchers, a remote weapons station, weapon mounts, left-hand drive or right-hand drive configuration, Pinnacle compass, Nato tow hook, onboard water boiler, canvas roof and side screens, detachable polycarbonate windscreen and dry-break quick change main radiator system.
Various communication and weapon systems can be integrated with the vehicle based on customer specifications and configuration.
Light Reconnaissance Vehicle 400 self protection
The LRV 400 is fitted with low-weight armour solutions and can be hinged with add-on armour, for increasing the protection. It is also fitted with ballistic crew seats and ballistic armour.
Propulsion of Supacat’s vehicle
The fast-moving LRV 400 is powered by a 3.2L Ford diesel or V8 petrol engines. The Ford diesel engine generates 236hp and 550Nm torque. The V8 petrol engine produces 430hp to 640hp of power.
Supacat LRV 400 mobility
The LRV 400 can accomplish a maximum speed of 170km/h and maximum load range of 1,000km. It has the ability to carry a 1,400kg payload.
The vehicle comes with 265/75 R16 tyres, which can be optionally changed to 265/75 R18 tyres. An external tyre inflation system can also be connected.
The vehicle can ford a depth of 1.0m. The gradient and side slopes of the vehicle are 45° and 40° respectively.
The motorsport derived hydraulic shock absorbers ensure smooth road and utmost off-road performance. The wall to wall turning circle of the vehicle is 13.2m.
An onboard jacking system allows the LRV 400 to lift itself from grounding situations during combat recovery missions.
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