The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Coventry-based NP Aerospace an £81m contract to convert Cougar 4x4s into Ridgback protected patrol vehicles (PPV) for use in Afghanistan.
A total of 157 Ridgbacks will be produced in four variants, including a troop carrier, a protected weapons station, an ambulance and a command-post vehicle.
Based on the popular Mastiff PPV, the vehicle will benefit from sharing the same basic components as its counterpart for easy integration into training practices.
Both the Mastiff and the Ridgback are manufactured by Force Protection Industries, Inc (FPII). The smaller Ridgback model will act as a support to the Mastiff and will feature strong axles, increased manoeuvrability, weapons systems, additional armour and modified seats to offer the crew more protection from bomb blasts.
Poll: Should the UK’s railways be renationalised?
I think that a network inclusive of the vehicles on it would make sense. However it remains to be seen if there is any plan for it to be for the...