Mastiff in action

Mastiff on patrol

Mine resistant Mastiff

Mastiff 2

One of the most heavily armored vehicles that are used by Armed Forces is the Mastiff 2. It is a 6 x 6 wheel-drive patrol vehicle that can carry six persons and is suitable for the road patrols and army convoys. It is the latest addition to the wide range of highly effective and protected patrol vehicles that are used for army operations. The combat vehicle features mine protection technology. It has around 50 different modifications / models and its present design was built to carry infantry troops around all the danger zones. The Mastiff 2 is already used by the Bomb Disposal Teams and the Royal Engineers incorporating the highest levels of effectiveness and survivability. Its design features a V-shaped hull, blast run-flat tires, the internal liners and shock-mounted seating. The ballistic protection offered by the Mastiff 2 permits heavy combat engagements.

This vehicle is one of a wide range of protected vehicles that can be used in combat. For instance, we should not forget about the Bulldog, Vector, Viking, Snatch and Challenger 2. The first vehicle called Mastiff 2 arrived in Iraq in 2006. Mastiff 2 has a less intimidating profile when compared to other tracked vehicles. It can provide its operators with a wide range of options when it comes to dealing with threats. For instance, Mastiff 2 has electronic countermeasures and Bowman radios in order to face every type of threat. Additional armor can also be because Mastiff 2 can provide the operators with a safe environment far beyond the standard level. The best protection will be guaranteed. With its maximum speed of 90 kph, this amazing Mastiff 2 can be armed according to the latest requirements. Its armaments which are discussed in more detail below include general purpose machine gun, a 50 mm canon or 40 mm grenade launcher.

Mastiff 2 Development

Mastiff 2 was derived from the standard Cougars that were used by U.S. Marines. But when compared to these standard Cougars, this armoured vehicle has been better designed and fitted, Mastiff 2 development included vertical and large armor plates which cover the vision blocks. They also placed weapons at the firing points. Cougar was designed and protected against ballistics but the additional plates that were placed on the vehicle are likely to make it more effective while in a combat.

Battlefield Deployment

The battlefield deployment of the Mastiff 2 is impressive because this new and highly protected vehicle can be used in a wide range of military operations. This vehicle has become a real success because it can be used by all the military troops that are on patrol. High levels of safety and protection can be provided to counteract the effect of roadside bombs and mines. The soldiers can be protected by the highly effective armor of the Mastiff 2. The vehicle provides greater protection and accessibility in all the urban environments. This vehicle continues to be highly effective when operating in the rural and urban environments.

Mastiff 2 Armament

Mastiff 2 armaments consist of a 7.62 GPMG, a 40mm grenade machine gun and/or a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Mastiff 2 can be fitted with different and remote weapons systems in order to allow the operator to use this armament by using a joystick and a camera installed right in the vehicle.
The self-protection provided by the Mastiff 2 is even better than before because the present vehicles provide drivers with improved imaging. For instance, thermal imaging will allow the driver to operate the vehicle without risking his life. The armor is increased and the seats are especially designed in order to provide the soldiers with the necessary extra protection. This new generation of vehicles will improve the operator's command in no time. Mastiff 2 has improved suspension and axles in order for the driver to cope with all the harsh weather and terrain conditions. The explosive attenuating seats of the Mastiff 2 are among the most effective features that can improve the operator's self-protection because they can provide him with better protection when facing an impact. The crew capacity is greater (-8+2) but they will be provided with better thermal imaging that will allow them to handle every war circumstance. Mastiff 2 can have an armor that incorporates Dyneema UD. This special material is used in order to improve the protection and flexibility of the Mastiff 2. It is light-weight and it can protect the divers from landmines, direct fire and improvised explosive threats. The whole performance of the Mastiff 2 will be improved and even the payload will work better. Easier installation of this special armor will be guaranteed because this material improvement was designed in order to provide the army vehicles and their operators with extra safety conditions.

Fire and Control System

The armoured vehicles fire control and observation systems are designed to suit a wide range of military operations. Mastiff 2's features can cope with different military scenarios such as minefields and urban environments. It can transport up to 9 troops plus the necessary explosive detection robot. Mastiff 2 also suits the necessary control and military commands, the recovery vehicle, the ambulance role and the artillery primary mover. It can be armed with small caliber guns that are roof-mounted. Additional protection will be delivered. Accurate fire control can be provided by the Mastiff 2 because the operators are able to spot and visualize every target. Each hit can be visualized and the soldiers can perform the so-called crater analysis because Mastiff 2 provides them with the necessary protection. Its design can allow the operators to spot for the necessary long-range firing.

Propulsion / Engine

Mastiff 2 is powered by the Caterpillar C-7 diesel engine. This engine yields up to 330-shp of power. This power allows the Mastiff 2 to cruise at almost 55 mph at ranges of up to 700-800 miles while on the road. The wisdom of buying and using the Mastiff 2 is evident especially when it comes to the landmines because this vehicle can be used in order to carry the necessary assortment of military equipment. For instance, bomb disposal robots can be carried. Mastiff 2's power reaches 330 shp while its cruise speed can reach 25 mps.

Mastiff 2 Variants

Mastiff 2 was developed as a sort of enhanced version of the popular 4 wheeled Cougar. Therefore, this upgraded version can serve in various supporting roles when it comes to EOD teams, command, performing communications and control. Even the reconnaissance related missions can be performed thanks to this upgraded Mastiff 2. It can lead army convoys and it can also conduct the urban warfare. The current upgrades allow this vehicle to face harsh war conditions because it is protected against blast effects and mines. The latest versions of the Mastiff 2 have strong armor that can withstand strong ballistic impacts. Mastiff 2 is heavier and larger than its predecessor but it maintains the same effective characteristics. It can accommodate almost 12 troops while its predecessor could handle just 8 troops. The latest upgrades have allowed the payload to be increased and more room was provided for the expanded scope of the military missions. Mastiff 2 is designed especially for control and forward command. The occupants will be protected from the hostile fire and landmines and their safety is increased.

International Orders

The present number of international orders concerning Mastiff 2 is increasing on a constant basis because Mastiff 2 is extremely appealing forl the foreign armies. The foreign military customers are interested to purchase the Mastiff 2 because this vehicle is an innovative one that can meet the needs and challenges of modern wars. This tactical wheeled vehicle can be used in order to find the best ballistic and blast survivability solutions. The foreign customers may rest assured because they will be provided with a solid and highly effective return on their initial investments. Mastiff 2 and its innovative design can meet the growing demands coming from all over the world. This armored vehicle has gained its recognition and the foreign customers have become aware of the high level of capabilities and quality that are available in the case of the Mastiff 2. The company that is produces these highly effective military vehicles will serve both the national war industry and the needs of the foreign military customers.