Ocelot (vehicle)

Designed by Force Protection Europe and the automotive engineering company Ricardo, the Ocelot is intended for use as a light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV) with specialised protection against roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It can weigh up to {{convert|7500|kg|lb}} when loaded. This is smaller than most Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles,[https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA530265.pdf Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress], Congressional Research Service, 2010 but larger than the Humvee replacement vehicles being developed through the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.[https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA543282.pdf Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress], Congressional Research Service report, 2011

Powered by a Steyr M16-Monoblock diesel engine[http://www.armyrecognition.com/us_army_wheeled_and_armoured_vehicle_uk/ocelot_force_protection_mine_protected_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_technical_data.html Ocelot Mine protected wheeled armoured vehicle]: Army Recognition (6-cylinder, 160 kW[http://www.steyr-motors.com/automotive/applications-gallery/force-protection-ocelot-foxhound-189/ Applications Gallery]: Steyr.Motors.com), connected to a ZF 6HP28X 6-speed automatic transmission, it reaches a speed of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in 19.75 seconds, and has a maximum speed of {{convert|82|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. Its wheels function independently, so the vehicle's other wheels should continue to work if one is blown off. It is claimed that the engine can be removed and replaced in 30 minutes.[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/200NewPatrolVehiclesToBeBuilt.htm British Ministry of Defence article, November, 2010]

The design is modular, and all of the components can be removed easily. The protective pod where up to six people can sit is interchangeable to allow easy modification according to the vehicle's role. For example, it can perform as an ambulance, supply vehicle, or jeep. Parts can also be easily replaced for minimum service time. It can travel through terrain that would not be accessible to other civilian vehicles, such as jungle, deep mud, or ruts. Its cabin is made of advanced composite materials. It is claimed that such composite materials can provide protection like metal armor with a composite spall liner, but at a lighter weight, saving fuel.Hogg, P.J. Composites in Armor. Science 314(5802):1100-1101, 17 November 2006 Critical parts such as the crew compartment, engine, fuel tank and transmission are contained within the V-shaped armored 'spine' that deflects potential blast away from the pod, thus protecting the occupants and key components.

The Ocelot will be the first British military vehicle to meet the MoD's recent Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) requirements.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tanknutdave.com/component/content/article/557 |title=Tanknut article: The British Army Ocelot AKA Foxhound LPPV, March 2011 |access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208144813/http://www.tanknutdave.com/component/content/article/557 |archive-date=8 December 2011 |url-status=dead }} The GVA requirements are intended to create a single, standard digital electronic and electrical architecture for UK vehicles.[http://www.rti.com/whitepapers/Generic_Vehicle_Architecture.pdf The UK MOD Generic Vehicle Architecture: A Compelling Case for Interoperable Open Architecture.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911220349/http://www.rti.com/whitepapers/Generic_Vehicle_Architecture.pdf |date=11 September 2014 }} Real-Time Innovations Report, September 2011

File:Foxhound UK vehicle.jpg

Force Protection Industries in America and Europe has developed several mine-resistant vehicles with V-shaped hulls since 2000, including the Buffalo and the Cougar (specific variants of which were bought by the British military as the Mastiff, Ridgeback, and Wolfhound, and by the Iraqi military as the Badger). These have demonstrated improved protection of soldiers exposed to blast threats. Both the Buffalo and the Cougar are large and heavy. Force Protection developed the Ocelot to meet the need for a smaller, lighter, more versatile vehicle that could still provide protection against blasts.

The Ocelot was first shown in September 2009 by Force Protection Europe at the Defence Systems and Equipment International exhibition in London. Two units were purchased by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in April 2010 for further testing.{{Cite press release |title=Force Protection Announces Sale of Two Ocelot Vehicles to United Kingdom Ministry of Defence |url=http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news.html?id=339 |publisher=Force Protection, Inc. |date=27 April 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010}}

File:Foxhound Patrol Vehicle in Afghanistan MOD 45154019.jpg, Afghanistan.]]

On 22 September 2010, the MoD announced that the Ocelot would replace the Snatch Land Rover, the previous LPPV, which has received criticism for its lack of protection against roadside bombs. The MoD has renamed the vehicle Foxhound{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11877801 |title=MoD signs deal to replace Snatch vehicle with Foxhound |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=30 November 2010}} in line with the "dog" names given to other wheeled armoured vehicles in British use, such as Mastiff and Ridgeback. The original order was for 300 vehicles at a cost of £270 million, with another 25 ordered in 2012 at a cost of £30 million.{{cite web | url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmscotaf/957/95705.htm#a3 | title=The Referendum on Separation for Scotland: How would Separation affect jobs in the Scottish defence industry? - Scottish Affairs Committee | publisher=UK Parliament | date=26 March 2013 | access-date=9 October 2014}}

On 17 June 2012, it was announced by the MoD that the Foxhound had been delivered to Afghanistan and was undergoing final tests and evaluation before being deployed on operations.{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/FoxhoundArrivesInAfghanistan.htm |title=Foxhound arrives in Afghanistan|publisher=MoD |date=17 June 2012}}

On 18 January 2015, Defense News reported that General Dynamics was offering Ocelot to Canada as a replacement for its special forces Humvees.{{cite news|title=Canada Crafts Spec Ops Equipment Needs|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/warfare/2015/01/17/canada-special-operations-isr-aircraft-vehicles/21799631/|access-date=18 January 2015|agency=Defense News|date=17 January 2015}}

• Supacat Protected Vehicle 400 series (SPV400)
• Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Foxhound light protected patrol vehicle}}

• [http://www.armyrecognition.com/united_kingdom_british_army_wheeled_vehicle_uk/foxhound_lppv_light_protected_patrol_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_description_picture.html Technical data sheet and pictures Foxhound LPPV]
• [http://armour.ws/foxhound-armored-vehicle/ Foxhound LPPV]
• [http://www.gdls.com/products/specialty-vehicles/ocelot.php General Dynamics Ocelot]

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Category:Armoured cars of the United Kingdom

Category:Cars of England

Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s

Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the United Kingdom

Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers