The Supacat Extenda patrol vehicle is based on the proven HMT 400 / Jackal and HMT 600 / Coyote all-terrain vehicles. It has a modular design. The Supacat Extenda is manufactured in a 4x4 configuration, but can be converted into a 6x6 by adding an additional removable axle in less than 2 hours using standard tools. The 6x6 version has advanced features and higher payload. When not necessary, the third axle is removed.
Extenda offers a wider range of applications and flexibility than Jackal. This all-terrain vehicle has various cab configurations and is mainly intended for long-distance patrolling. It is equipped with seats for a driver and three fighters. The car is capable of towing light artillery installations.
The seats of the two crew members are equipped with weapons such as 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. It is also possible to install a remotely controlled turret, including ATGM Javelin.
In the basic version, ballistic protection is not installed on the Extenda, although a similar kit has been developed. It provides protection against mines, small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. As conceived by the developers, for its protection, the car will use high mobility to avoid contact with the enemy. Particular attention was paid to firepower and excellent visibility. The car is also equipped with smoke grenade launchers.
The Supacat Extenda SUV is powered by a 5.9-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel engine developing 185 hp. Later, these vehicles were also offered with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel used on the Coyote. The car has an unusual central location of the transmission. Quick release mounts are used for brakes, electrical systems and suspension. The 4x4 vehicle variant can be airlifted by CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
In April 2012, under Phase 1B of the Australian Defense Procurement Organization (DMO) REDFIN (JP2097) program, Supacat was selected as the main bidder for a prototype vehicle for the Special Forces. The program involves replacing outdated Land Rover armored SUVs with new vehicles. It is planned to purchase from 50 to one hundred new armored vehicles of increased maneuverability and maneuverability. The vehicle supplier will also provide after-sales services, including repairs, upgrades and technical support throughout the life of the vehicles. Currently, the Australian special forces are in service with about 30 Supacat HMT 400 armored vehicles delivered in 2009. 14 Australian companies also take part in the Supacat Extenda delivery program.
“The selection of our company as the main supplier of the Australian program is a huge success for Supacat. We look forward to continuing to work with the main supplier of control and monitoring systems Elbit Systems Australia and our subsidiary Supacat Team Australia partners to successfully implement the first phase of REDFIN 1B. This is the starting point for Supacat Pty in the Australian arms market, said Mick Halloran, managing director of Supacat Pty Ltd.
Supacat Ltd Director Nick Ames said: “Winning the REDFIN 1B competition is critical to the expansion of the Supacat and confirms the superiority of our HMT series as the natural choice of this vehicle for special forces. Development of our level of design and construction gives Supacat access to new opportunities in Australia's growing arms market; and in the diverse industries of the Asia-Pacific region."
Tactical technical characteristics
