Universal Engineering unveils Ranger PPV

Aimed at finding a single, multirole vehicular solution to the 'triangular' problem of payload, mobility and protection, Universal Engineering has unveiled its Ranger protected patrol vehicle (PPV) prototype for operations in Afghanistan and beyond.

Launched as a PowerPoint presentation at the DVD (Defence Vehicle Dynamics) show in 2008, the first Ranger prototype was exhibited at the 2009 show in Millbrook, UK, only days after being completed.

According to Ranger's programme director, John Scott, the vehicle is capable of providing the payload (up to six tons) of a support vehicle; the mobility of Supacat's 4x4 Jackal patrol vehicle; and protection of Force Protection's 6x6 Mastiff.

"Currently, coalition forces operate over 30 different vehicle types in Afghanistan, each with more or less a single role each. This means more training and logistics but Ranger would reduce the need for those," Scott told Jane's .

Although the system has yet to be officially signed up to any specific procurement programme, Scott said Ranger was aimed at the UK Ministry of Defence's Operational Utility Vehicle System (OUVS) programme, the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) utility variant, Canadian Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle programme and foreign military sales.

Another possibility is for Ranger to replace Mastiff and Ridgback PPVs, as part of Project Talisman, the British Army's standard operating procedure for improvised explosive device (IED) road clearance drills in Helmand province, Scott announced.