The UK’s Supacat completed physical modifications to a Jackal 1 4×4 surveillance and reconnaissance vehicle (SRV) in mid-December 2020, and is ready for Magtec to integrate its hybrid electric drive (HED) system. Magtec was selected in August 2020 by NP Aerospace, the lead contractor for the Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) contract. The company was assessed by NP Aerospace and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) as able to offer a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) HED application for the Jackal 1 with low developmental and programme risk.
The Jackal 1 or MWMIK (Mobility Weapon-Mounted Installation Kit) is a family of vehicles designed and developed by Supacat Ltd at their factory in Honiton, Devon (UK) for use by the British Army and Royal Air Force Regiment. Supacat re-branded to SC Group in September 2015, the Supacat brand retained for the group’s core defence business. The primary role of the vehicle in the British Army is deep battlespace reconnaissance, rapid assault and fire support – roles where mobility, endurance and manoeuvrability are important – and it has also been used for convoy protection.
Jackal 1 4×4 SRVs are powered by a six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine developing 185 hp, coupled to an Allison 2500 five-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case. This gives a maximum road speed of up to 120 km/h, and a range of up to 800 km. For the HED application, the six-cylinder engine has been replaced by a four-cylinder Cummins diesel engine coupled to a generator that provides power to a bank of batteries located in the rear cargo area, which in turn provides power to the four wheels.
