British Mastiff armored vehicles for the Ukrainian army
British Mastiff somewhere in Ukraine
In recent weeks, the UK has donated several types of armored vehicles to the Ukrainian army. This technique was previously in service with the British army and was in operation, but then it was transferred to storage. The vehicles being transferred include Mastiff MRAP class armored vehicles. They are considered as a replacement for the lost armored personnel carriers and other equipment.
Regular deliveries
Back in February, Great Britain indicated its readiness to provide military-technical assistance to Ukraine and even began deliveries. Appeared almost immediately news about the speedy transfer of not only weapons, but also armored vehicles. However, over the next few weeks, things did not go beyond statements, and deliveries did not begin.
The situation began to change only in the first half of April. The British media then reported that the country's leadership plans to transfer armored vehicles from storage to Ukraine, as well as organize training for Ukrainian crews. This delivery was supposed to include cars like Mastiff, Wolfhound and others. At the same time, they were going to transfer the equipment without weapons and means of communication - they had to be installed by the recipient.
New details soon emerged. In particular, it became known that a total of 120 armored cars will be transferred. At the same time, the exact number of cars of each of the four transferred types was not reported.
At the end of May, the Ukrainian side boasted of the new products they had received. The delivery of several dozen protected Wolfhound trucks was reported. The use of such equipment during the exercises was also demonstrated. The Mastiffs were also expected to arrive soon.
Indeed, in mid-June, photos of new armored cars appeared on Ukrainian resources. Judging by these materials, the equipment is used in the rear to train units, and some vehicles have already reached the front line. In addition, some connections-operators of armored cars are known. At the same time, the number of vehicles received and transferred to the unit remains unknown.
Apparently, the British MRAP appeared in the war zone just a few days ago. For this reason, they have not yet suffered losses. The destruction of such equipment or taking it as trophies has not yet been reported. However, practice shows that such news will not have to wait long.
British order
Armored cars Mastiff, Wolfhound and some other samples transferred to Ukraine are of American origin. So, in the early XNUMXs, Force Protection, Inc. from the USA introduced the Cougar MRAP armored car in different versions and modifications. This technique interested the Pentagon, and after it the military departments of other countries.
One of the first buyers of Cougars was Great Britain. She ordered equipment of several modifications with different equipment. The most massive was a three-axle armored car with a closed body-van for transporting soldiers. In the British army, such a vehicle was called the Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle). A total of 450 Mastiffs were made in the original and modified versions. Production continued until the early tenth years.
Already in 2006, the first infantry units on the Mastiff PPV were deployed in Afghanistan. A few years later, the first modernized Mastiff 2 armored cars went to overseas bases. Both vehicles were actively used to solve all the main tasks and showed themselves well. First of all, they confirmed the calculated level of protection and the ability to save the crew and troops from perceived threats.
In the 420s, Britain began withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and the need for MRAPs dwindled. A significant part of the "Mastiffs", "Wolfhounds" and other armored cars were decommissioned and put into storage. A few years ago it was reported that the army had approx. 180 Mastiff armored vehicles, of which only 240 are included in the "active" fleet of vehicles. The remaining XNUMX were in reserve or in storage.
Earlier it was reported about the possibility of selling armored vehicles from storage to interested countries. However, applications were not received, and the equipment was idle. Now they have found a use for it - with the help of used cars they support an ally.
Technical features
Like other examples of the Cougar family, the British Mastiff is an MRAP-class armored car. This is a three-axle wheeled vehicle with high driving characteristics and armor designed to protect against infantry weapons and explosive devices.
The armored car is made on a three-axle all-wheel drive chassis. It is equipped with a 7 hp Caterpillar C-330 Diesel engine. and automatic transmission Allison 3500SP. Three axles with leaf spring suspension are used. Such a chassis allows a car with a gross weight of 22-23 tons to reach speeds of more than 100 km / h, move along highways and dirt roads. Sufficient cross-country ability on rough terrain is provided.
"Mastiff" has a bonneted armored hull, divided into an engine compartment and a habitable compartment. The composition and exact characteristics of the reservation are unknown. At the same time, it is known that its elements and armored glass protect the crew from bullets and fragments, and the V-shaped bottom makes it possible to reduce the negative impact of a mine explosion. In addition, armored vehicles received lattice screens for all-round protection against anti-tank weapons.
The armored car is intended for low-intensity conflicts, which determined the composition of the weapons. Mounted on the roof of the hull is a turret with mounts for weapons. It is possible to install a machine gun of normal or large caliber or an automatic grenade launcher. There are no automation tools and separate sighting devices.
There are ten seats inside the armored hull. Two front seats are designed for the driver and commander; they have their own doors in the sides. There are eight people in the troop compartment with their backs to the sides. For their landing and disembarkation there is a swing door in the stern. Roof hatches are also provided.
mixed sample
In general, the British Mastiff is a typical representative of its MRAP class. This is a fairly successful vehicle with high driving characteristics, good protection and the ability to respond to shelling. However, in the context of the current conflict, it will not be able to realize its potential. As a result, the receipt of such equipment will practically not affect the state and capabilities of the Ukrainian army.
Foreign "Mastiffs" and other armored vehicles are transferred to make up for losses in armored personnel carriers. In general, they are able to become a replacement for old armored personnel carriers and show sufficient characteristics for this. However, 120 armored vehicles of various types will not be enough to restore the entire fleet of vehicles. Deliveries of other armored vehicles from third countries will also not affect the situation. At the same time, it should be taken into account that new imported equipment can also be destroyed, and this will worsen the position of Ukrainian formations.
Mastiff and other similar armored vehicles have specific combat qualities and characteristics. The requirements for the MRAP class were formed on the basis of the experience and specifics of local wars against an underdeveloped enemy using only infantry weapons and guerrilla tactics.
If the enemy is a modern, developed army and has armored vehicles, aviation, reconnaissance equipment, etc., then all the advantages of MRAP become virtually useless. The vehicle is protected from infantry automatic fire, but any BMP is guaranteed to destroy it; shrapnel protection is unlikely to help against massive artillery fire, etc.
In general, the prospects for Mastiff armored cars in the current situation are predictable and sad. Some of this equipment will simply be destroyed, and even before it enters the combat zone, and the most successful vehicles will become trophies and go into service with the LPR or DPR.
It is noteworthy that after the change of owner, British armored vehicles of all types delivered will really be able to realize their technical potential. In the current situation, it is the Ukrainian formations that turn out to be the very underdeveloped enemy, to combat which MRAP armored cars were created. In addition, their operation may continue after the completion of the Special Operation - as a transport for the military or law enforcement officers.
useless help
Thus, the next act of foreign military-technical assistance will have a natural ending. "Mastiffs", "Wolfhounds" and other equipment will not help the Ukrainian army to restore the lost potential and influence the situation. The prospects for these machines are generally clear, and only the exact timing of the loss of the entire fleet received is in question.
However, the Kyiv regime has dubious reasons for joy. He finally began to supply modern armored vehicles with high tabular characteristics. And besides, Ukraine was able to demonstrate loyalty to the main ally in the person of Great Britain. She helped him get rid of unnecessary used cars that had been idle for a long time and without prospects.
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