The Jackal’s Evolution:
The Jackal’s Evolution: Supacat, Babcock,
and the Future of High-Mobility Recovery
The London ExCeL was a hive of activity at this year’s DSEI, but few displays commanded as much respect as the Supacat HMT (High Mobility Transporter). For years, the HMT has been the flagship of British high-mobility engineering, a vehicle born in Honiton, just a stone's throw from our own HQ in Chard, Somerset and now a cornerstone of the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.
The collaboration between Supacat and Babcock International is more than just a manufacturing agreement; it’s a powerhouse of South-West engineering that supports local skilled jobs, including ours here at RED Winches, while delivering world-class capability to the frontline.
A Growing Family: The HMT Platform
The HMT family has evolved from a specialist tool into a comprehensive range of tactical platforms, each designed to meet the grueling demands of modern warfare:
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HMT (Standard): The flagship platform, engineered for seamless integration into Special Forces and Armed Forces fleets worldwide.
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HMT Armoured Closed Cab: A modular masterclass, offering high-level crew protection without sacrificing the sub-system commonality that makes the HMT so versatile.
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HMT LWR (Light Weight Recovery): A specialist 6x6 variant engineered to recover casualty vehicles from the most challenging environments, urban or rural, while ensuring the recovery crew remains protected.
The Next Generation: Jackal 3 and the "Extenda"
Excitement is currently peaking around the Jackal 3 programme. With the first tranche of 4x4 vehicles already making an impact, the "Tranche Two" programme is now in full swing.
This latest phase focuses on the Jackal 3 (E), the "Extenda" variant. This 6-wheeled beast features an additional axle for significantly increased payload capacity, all while maintaining the legendary off-road agility and 120km/h top speeds the Jackal is known for. The first of these 53 units are already rolling off the production line at Babcock's Devonport facility, marking a major milestone for UK Defence.
RED Winches & Supacat: A Partnership Since 2008
Since 2008, RED Winches has been the "winch of choice" for the HMT platform. Our relationship began when an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) in Afghanistan demanded a recovery system that could actually keep up with the Supacat’s extreme performance.
After 12 months of intense development, we delivered a system that matched the HMT’s DNA: durable, high-performing, and reliable. Today, we continue to provide:
1. Hydraulic Winching Systems: Tailored for the high-power demands of heavy recovery.
2. Specialised Recovery Kits: Ensuring that when a Jackal or Coyote goes into the rough, it always has a way out.
"Working alongside Supacat and Babcock isn't just about business; it's about showcasing British manufacturing excellence and supporting our troops with the very best kit available."
Final Thoughts:
Looking Ahead
With the Jackal 3 (E) now entering service, the future of the HMT platform looks stronger than ever. RED Winches is proud to remain a key part of this supply chain, ensuring that as the HMT family grows, its recovery capabilities remain second to none.
Contact RED Winches today to speak with one of our specialists.
Published bycharlottec@red-winches.com