Jackal 3 (HMT 400 line) is the latest version of the Jackal vehicle developed by Babcock International Group, a UK-based defence services company, and Supacat, a British military vehicle manufacturer, for the British Army.
Babcock and Supacat began production of 70 HMT Jackal 3 vehicles in February 2024 as part of the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy, with the aim of enhancing collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and industry. This is one of the first contracts awarded under this programme.
The British Army currently uses the Jackal 2 4×4 all-terrain vehicle, an ideal platform for reconnaissance missions, rapid attacks, fire support and convoy protection.
The Jackal is also used in Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Estonia.
Details on the development of Jackal 3:
In February 2023, Supacat was awarded a £90 million (US$113.6 million) contract by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to provide 70 Mk 2 Extenda All Terrain Vehicles (HMTVs), increasing defence flexibility as the modular design allows them to operate as either the Jackal (L400) or Coyote (L600).
Babcock has been subcontracted by Supacat, the main contractor, on a sole source basis to produce 62 vehicles at its Devonport facility, Plymouth, UK, by April 2024.
Supacat will produce the remaining 8 vehicles within the same timeframe at its Dunkeswell facility.
This contract has the capacity to produce up to 240 light armored vehicles, depending on operational requirements.
Jackal 3 (HMT 400s) design and features
The Jackal 3 measures 5.79 m long and 2.05 m wide, with a maximum height of 1.88 m and a minimum height of 2.44 m. The platform length is 1.7 m, while the wheelbase is 3 m.
The vehicle’s total weight is 7,600 kg. The empty weight (with fuel and armor) is 5,500 kg and the load capacity is 2,100 kg. The vehicle’s maximum speed is 120 km/h.
The vehicle’s maximum road range is 800 km, it can wade up to 1 m deep, has a maximum gradient of 60% and a maximum lateral angle of 35°. The vehicle has a turning radius (kerb to kerb) of 13.5 m and a fuel capacity of 200 l.
The maximum and minimum ground clearance heights are 4.85 m and 1.8 m respectively, while the approach and departure angles are 40° and the ramp angle is 150°.
The Jackal 3 is built as a 4×4 vehicle, but can be converted to a six-wheel drive vehicle thanks to a new suspension system, doubling its load capacity.
The vehicle will be harder to detect and have better electromagnetic compatibility, as well as better protection for the crew in the event of a rollover.
The vehicles will be equipped with Venta’s Predator Series military infrared headlights, military infrared taillights and SDI6 Type 6 turn signals.
Additional options include puncture-proof tires, differential locks, self-recovery winch, weapon mounts, remote-controlled weapon stations, smoke grenade launchers and the option of right- or left-hand drive.
Innovation and technology have been seamlessly integrated into every stage of the manufacturing process, harnessing the power of Pulse software, specifically designed to improve vehicle assembly efficiency.
Armament
The Jackal 3 offers a variety of specialized payload bays for different missions, including options for weapons, communications, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance equipment.
The vehicle will be equipped with the ISTEC [a designer and manufacturer of specialized military equipment] weapon system, allowing it to mount multipurpose machine guns and heavy machine guns.
In addition, it can be optionally equipped with a mine and guided munitions protection kit to improve safety.
Propulsion
The Jackal 3’s 6.7L Cummins 6-cylinder diesel engine produces 180 horsepower and 700 Newton meters of torque. It is mated to a fully automatic Allison Transmission 2500 Specialty Series automatic transmission.
The braking system uses a pneumatic-hydraulic system with an anti-lock braking system to improve safety, and the electrical system operates on 24V DC.
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