Husky 2G is a two-seat variant of Husky MKIII vehicle mounted mine detector (VMMD) designed and manufactured by South African firm DCD Protected Mobility (DCD PM).
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Equipped with a number of sensors, the vehicle is ideally suited for mine-clearing operations including detection, identification and destruction of improvised explosive devices (IED), landmines and other explosive materials.
The Husky 2G is currently operational with the Egyptian Army, Iraqi Ground Forces, Jordanian Army, Latvian Army, Royal Saudi Land Forces, Spanish Army, Turkish Army, and the US Army. It is being marketed through a partnership between DCD PM and US-based Critical Solutions International (CSI).
Orders and deliveries of Husky 2G mine detection vehicle
The Spanish Army placed an order for six Husky 2G vehicles and support systems in November 2012 for use in mine clearing activities in Afghanistan. The contract awardees were NIITEK, CSI and Eleycon 21.
The Turkish Army ordered three Husky 2G VMMDs for route clearance and infrastructure security missions in June 2013.
In February 2015, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense acquired the Husky 2G for IED detection and mine clearing missions as part of a $73.5m contract.
DCD PM demonstrated the capabilities of the Husky 2G mine detector during the Africa Aerospace and Defence Show held in South Africa in September 2016.
The US Army Contracting Command placed a $132m long-term contract with CSI for Husky 2G route clearance and counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) vehicles in March 2017. The vehicles will be delivered to the US and foreign military sales (FMS) customers including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Latvia. Latvia received three Husky 2G VMMD vehicles from the US in October 2019.
Husky 2G mine clearing vehicle design
The hull of the Husky 2G 4×4 vehicle is V-shaped and features a modular design, which allows for easy installation and removal of front and rear components.
The vehicle is 7.34-long and 3.14m-high, with a kerb weight of 9,000kg. The operating weight and gross vehicle mass are 9,200kg and 11,350kg respectively.
Husky 2G accommodates two crew members in a double-cabin structure, featuring a 6mm Armox protective wall. The cabin has large armoured fixed-pane glass windows at the front and sides for improved visibility. A roof hatch is provided for the cabin access.
To create a comfortable environment, the cabin is installed with an automatic fire-extinguishing system and a Booyco Engineering air-conditioning system.
Equipment onboard Husky 2G VMMD
With a high-sensitivity metal detector aboard, the Husky 2G VMMD has the ability to detect mines with low metal content.
TORC Robotics’ Route Clearance Platform Autonomous Control Kit (RC-PACK) fitted to the vehicle allows the commander to operate the vehicle in manned, semi-autonomous and tele-operation modes.
The RC-PACK is equipped with networked cameras including pan-tilt-zoom and wide-angle fixed cameras to provide 360° situational awareness. It can be optionally provided with thermal and high-definition cameras.
The front-mounted VISOR ultra-wideband ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been developed by NIITEK and is intended for the identification and recognition of targets in real-time.
The vehicle uses FASCAN International’s interrogation arm, equipped with cameras and digging tools, for the inspection and disposal of explosive ordnance. The unit’s day/thermal cameras provide a wide field of view, whereas air/water digger and rake attachments enable the operator to remove explosives.
Optional devices for the Husky 2G include a RHINO IED pre-detonation device, sparks roller, cyclone blower, remote weapon station, and robotic arm.
Protection features
The mine detection vehicle’s V-shaped armoured hull ensures high levels of protection up to STANAG 4569 level 4a and 4b from mine and IED blasts. The add-on armour kits fitted to the vehicle offer ballistic protection up to STANAG 4569 level 3 and IED fragmentation protection up to STANAG 4569 level 5.
Frangible sub-systems used in the vehicle minimise the effects of ballistic and blast threats and other kinetic forces.
An automatic fire suppression system aboard the vehicle further improves the crew survivability. The vehicle has the ability to overpass anti-tank mine threats.
Engine and drivetrain
Power for the Husky 2G vehicle is derived from a Mercedes Benz OM 906 LA 6.4l, six-cylinder, 201hp turbo diesel engine, which produces a torque of 750Nm.
The engine is coupled to an Allison 2500 SP five-speed automatic transmission system.
The vehicle’s drivetrain components include RSD-Z-65 transfer case, FMVSS 121 certified anti-lock braking system, 14.00 R20 and 550/70 R20 tyres. The disk brakes all-round improve the braking efficiency.
Husky 2G mine detection vehicle performance
With a fuel capacity of 150l, the Husky 2G mine detection vehicle can attain a speed of 72km/h and travel up to a range of 350km.
The vehicle can withstand temperatures from -32°C to 57°C. The maximum gradient and side slopes of the vehicle are 70% and 22% respectively and the fording depth is 0.76m.
