Supacat.

Supacat 6x6

The Supacat 6x6 has a long history. It has been in successful service in the UK Army with Parachute regiments and airborne regiments.

The Supacat is also now introduced in a Fire Fighter variant. It is a highly effective fire and rescue vehicle that uses water fog techniques to make one tonne of water act like three tonnes and much more effectively.

The Supacat weighs in a 1.8 tonnes. It uses a VW 1.9 litre turbo diesel and auto 4-speed gearbox. It is a hull type vehicle with the engine and driveline contained within the hull. This enable the Supacat to float. An outboard motor can be fitted and it can be used to cross calm water stretches, fishing etc.!

The Supacat 6x6 has two forms of steering both operated by handlebar. The turn of the handlebar (tiller) makes the front two axles turn in the conventional way. Pulling the right or left handle bar applies the brakes to all wheels on that side. This gives brake steer and normal steer function. Brakes and accellerator are duplicated as foot and hand controls.

Supacat will carry 1.6 tonnes and at the same time it will pull a further load. The military often pull a 1.8 tonne gun, or a trailer with one tonne of ammo as well as the tonne on the Supacat.

The Supacat is used by the British Land Speed Record team for towing their ten tonne SSC (eleven with fuel). Two are used for this - one at each end of the track to turn the SSC around. One will tow the SSC (in temperatures over 110F) for over five miles to the start line, the other takes it back after the run.

[Thrust SSC achieved an average speed of 1221kph (763mph, Mach 1.02) over two runs on 15 October 1997, raising the world land speed record above the sound barrier. The British team was led by Richard Noble, the car designed by Ron Ayers and driven by fighter pilot Andy Green.]

Thanks to Mike Hearn, HUGO ATV

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