UK MoD moves forward with MBT upgrades
– Horstman Group winds news UK MoD contract (Photo: Hortsman)
The UK MoD has awarded a new contract to Hortsman Group to deliver a newly refurbished and upgraded version of its third-generation Hydrogas suspension unit for MBTs.
On 15 November the UK subsidiary company of Renk Group, Hortsman, announced a new multi-million-pound contract to support the British Army’s armoured fleet.
As part of the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme (HAAIP), Horstman will provide an upgraded version of its Hydrogas external suspension.
Ian Pain, CEO of Hortsman Group, said: ‘This was a very competitive contract to win, and we are excited that we were able to secure it.’
He added: ‘This is testament to the engineering, project, and delivery teams who have worked hard through difficult times to prove the HAAIP concept and win this new work.’
Designed to support internal packaging constraints, overcome vulnerability to mine blast and crew exposure to fragmentations resulting from torsion bars, the capability will be fitted into new Challenger 3 MBTs, AS90, Terrier and Challenger Hydrogas vehicles.
This announcement follows a previously awarded contract for the German Army in October 2021 to provide immediate supply of its Hydrostruts suspension for Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability]()
SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability
The company's Multi Canister Launcher can deploy its Viper system from multiple military platforms, boosting operational flexibility.
-
![Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance]()
Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.
-
![ARX Robotics expands in UK following British Army backing for uncrewed platforms]()
ARX Robotics expands in UK following British Army backing for uncrewed platforms
Following an order from the British Army, ARX Robotics has begun manufacturing autonomous ground platforms in the UK. Christopher Foss examines the company's growing range of systems.
-
![Textron unveils a smaller, low-cost variant of the Ripsaw family of UGVs]()
Textron unveils a smaller, low-cost variant of the Ripsaw family of UGVs
Ripsaw M1 has been designed to support the US Marine Corps’ littoral missions by carrying diverse types of payloads and performing multiple missions. Shephard spoke with Textron to find out more.
