The Supacat Coyote

The Supacat Coyote is based on the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) platform developed by the Supacat company based in Honiton, Devon, UK, which it produces under licence with US advanced technology and defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The HMT’s unique air suspension system enables the 6×6 drive Coyote to be a highly mobile battlefield vehicle across all manner of terrain. Its main role is to support long-range operations for its sister HMT 400 Jackal vehicles and to transport troops, equipment and supplies.

By any standards the Coyote is big, at seven metres (23 feet) long, two metres (6.7 feet) wide and with an adjustable height of 1.9-2.4 metres (6.2-8 feet). It has a kerb weight including fuel and armour of 6,600 kilograms (14,550 pounds) and can carry a 3,900-kilogram (8,600-pound) payload.

A Cummins 6.7-litre turbocharged diesel engine gives it a top speed of 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour and a range of 700 kilometres (435 miles), so that it can easily carry and tow supplies and equipment where necessary throughout a sizable battlezone. Further, it can deal with one-metre (3.3-foot)-deep water obstacles and 60 per cent gradients.

Since the HMT 600 is an open-top vehicle, even the best armoured protection makes it vulnerable to mines or sustained attacks. For this reason, it relies mostly on firepower and mobility to deal with enemy forces.

To cope with different battle areas and situations the Coyote can be installed with a range of cutting-edge features from blast and ballistic protection kits, run-flat tyres, a self-recovery winch, weapon mounts for machine guns, smoke grenade launchers and infrared lights.

Surprisingly, it is a relatively easy vehicle to drive as it has very light power steering, sensitive hydraulic brakes and the HMT air suspension system that ensures it’s a smooth ride.

When there is a need to quickly deploy the Coyote, it can be transported by large military aircraft, such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.