Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) (Ocelot)

History of Foxhunt Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) (Ocelot)

Early combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq revealed serious deficiencies in modern British and American armoured forces especially in asymmetric operating environments. Both human and machine casualties have begun to mount as the enemy uses covert improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and both powers seek to modernize their roster of vehicles to address these battlefield threats.

This has resulted in a new generation of armoured vehicles known as "mine protection, ambush protection" (MRAP) vehicles, armoured platforms with uniquely angled surfaces, reinforced landing gear and life-saving features.

The British Army continued to receive several MRAP vehicles into official service, one of which became the "Foxhound", built by Force Protection Europe based on their "Ocelot" model. Preliminary design work began in 2009 and production began in 2011.

For the Brits, the Foxhound was chosen as a direct replacement for the "snatch" Land Rover models in stock - as well as stock that already used the Mastiff, Ridgeback and Wolfhound range of MRAPs. However, the smaller Foxhound provides a compact, lightweight alternative to heavier armored vehicles that can be carried under the belly of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft or under a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

The Foxhound is classified by the British Army as a "Light Patrol Vehicle" or "LPPV". The vehicle follows best MRAP practices with a "V" hull to divert mine blasts away from the crew compartment. Both the compartment and motor housing are armored, and the windows are bulletproof. The vehicle has very high ground clearance, keeping occupants away from blasts, while providing excellent forward visibility and optimal clearance through obstacles. Traditionally housed in the front compartment, the engine is a Steyr M16 single-cylinder diesel 3.2-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel.

According to marketing specifications, the power unit has a "quick change" capability, with the entire assembly being removed within 30 minutes. The engine is mated to a six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission that drives an independent limited-slip differential axle on a fully-suspension 4x4 wheel assembly with power steering. The wheels work independently, so loss of power to one wheel does not affect the other wheels.

Tire pressure is controlled by the Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), which manages the air pressure in each of the four tires. The front panel of the vehicle includes the louvered grille assembly, bumper (with winch system) and recessed headlamps. The cabin is modular and can be replaced with several different types, including the normal covered form (with a hatch for optional machine gun mounting), a flat version (also with a hatch for machine gun mounting), and open-air protection.

The roller bar fits into a structure that trains the machine gun pivot. The 7.62mm machine gun is optional on all forms and can be replaced with a new generation of remote control turret mounts. Staff of two and four people are allowed inside. The electronics include monitors that provide a panoramic view of the entire vehicle from the safety cab. Thermal images are available.

Standard car-style doors are mounted on the front side walls of the cab, while a two-door arrangement is mounted on the rear wall. Performance-wise, the Foxhound can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h) and have a range of up to 373 miles (600 km). It has a transport capacity of 2,000 kg.

In size, the Foxhound is compact enough to be transported in the belly of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules. It can also be flown on a Boeing CH-47 Chinook tandem rotor helicopter by the suspension method. The car is 5.3 meters long, 2 meters wide, 2.3 meters high and weighs 7.5 tons (7500 kg).

Foxhound originally debuted in 2009 as Force Protection Europe's Ocelot during the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition in London. Due to the ongoing fighting in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defense took particular interest in the design and commissioned two test products in April 2010. The results were positive, and the ocelot was soon adopted as a "foxhound" in line with the British Army's nomenclature for its MRAP.

The first production prototypes arrived in the Afghanistan theater for operational evaluation in June 2012. Results so far have been positive, as the vehicle has demonstrated good quality against improvised explosive devices and other battlefield threats in the region, ensuring the British Army's operational presence for decades.

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