Sharing a long history with the British Armed Forces, Land Rover models have been in service since the 1940s
As part of its mega procurement program, the UK Ministry of Defence is looking to replace as many as 9,500 legacy vehicles across several fleets. The government is essentially looking for a modular Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) that can spawn multiple body styles to serve various distinct roles. For this contract running into millions, Land Rover is one of the main contenders. To increase its chances of winning the contract, Land Rover has presented the new Defender Wolf Series II.
Defender Wolf Series II – Key details
Land Rover has positioned the new Defender Wolf Series II as its next-generation light mobility vehicle, especially designed for military applications. Land Rover could actually be the frontrunner for the contract since its original Defender Wolf has been in service with the British Armed Forces since the mid-1990s. The original Defender Wolf is a heavily modified version of the classic body-on-frame Land Rover Defender (90 and 110 models).
As of now, the original Defender Wolf continues to support UK operations worldwide. The British Armed Forces also use the Pinzgauer. However, defence requirements have undergone a major shift over the years and modernization is the need of the hour. That’s where the contract for new LMVs comes into the picture.
To ensure the best outcomes, JLR created a new Defender Defense Division for the development of Defender Wolf Series II. The vehicle has already undergone a staggering 62,000 tests, based on various parameters. Explaining its potential, Land Rover said that the chassis and body of Defender Wolf Series II have been designed to withstand JLR’s Extreme Event Test procedure.
Land Rover Defender Wolf Series II already seems ahead in the race to get the government contract. During a demonstration held at the Ministry of Defence’s independent testing ground, it is reported that Wolf Series II was the only vehicle that successfully cleared all obstacles. Moreover, the Land Rover Defender has also proven its supreme off-road capabilities in events such as the Dakar Rally.
Specs, features
Land Rover Defender Wolf Series II is built on the modern Defender’s D7x monocoque architecture. This is different from the strengthened ladder frame chassis used with the original Defender Wolf. The monocoque chassis has undergone heavy modifications to make it suitable for military duties.
Defender Wolf Series II utilizes a heavy-duty steel bumper at the front, integrated with a skid plate. The vehicle has a high ground clearance and uses protection grilles for the headlights. Heavy duty steel wheels have been used, wrapped in high-aspect-ratio all-terrain tires. Wolf Series II has a roof-mounted cargo rack, spare tire carrier and a raised air intake for deep water wading.
Land Rover Defender Wolf Series II is also engineered to be highly modular, as required by the British Armed Forces. The contract note mentions at least nine different variants. These include a general purpose vehicle, a tactical mobility vehicle, a utility vehicle, an enhanced protection vehicle and a battlefield ambulance.
The Armed Forces will also need troop carrying vehicles, equipment support vehicles, command and control vehicles and mission systems vehicles. As per reports, Land Rover will be showcasing four variants of the Defender Wolf Series II later this month at the British Army DVD event. These include a utility vehicle, an ambulance, a tactical mobility vehicle and a general mobility vehicle.
Performance
Land Rover has not revealed the powertrain details of Defender Wolf Series II. However, it is common knowledge that military contracts usually prefer diesel powertrains. There are likely to be requirements for shielded electrical systems such as EMP resistance and reduced thermal/electromagnetic signatures. These interface with tactical radios and battlefield management computers, which are part of modern warfare systems.
As per the contract, support services for the vehicle are also covered. That means the contract winner will also have to provide for the repair and maintenance of these vehicles. These services will need to be provided throughout the lifecycle of these vehicles.
