Firms partner on launch of Wildcat 4x4

The military version of the Devon-made motorsport off-roader Wildcat, roared into action at its official debut in Taunton, yesterday.

The 4x4 was developed for the consumer market by Plymouth-based QT Services. It has been adapted into a military vehicle by Dunkeswell-based Supacat for the worldwide defence market.

Supacat developed the military variant to offer a high performance, off road vehicle for use by special forces, border patrols, reconnaissance, rapid intervention or strike roles.

A variety of lightweight armour solutions, weapons and communications systems can be fitted to meet each customer's requirements.

Supacat said the vehicle will fill the 'significant gap' which currently exists in the market between quad bikes and its own heavier, more specialist, Jackal all-terrain military vehicle.

"The transfer and modification of an entire UK vehicle from motorsport into a military role is an industry first," said Supacat sales and marketing director, Jamie Clarke.

Supacat, which employs 100 people, will oversee the modification of the vehicle, with both companies working upon its manufacture.

QT Services managing director Dave Marsh said: "The Wildcat fits in well with Supacat's existing product range of high performance vehicles and we're very much looking forward to tackling new markets with a well-proven product."

It will officially launch into the defence market at the defence and security expo DSEi at London's ExCeL in September.

Mr Clarke said Supacat, which is also behind the Jackal, Coyote and the SPV400 all-terrain vehicles, is also currently exploring new avenues in which to exploit its engineering expertise within the 'medium to long term' – including within the renewables and oil and gas sectors – to counter the downturn in the defence industry.