Background
A
lready widely known, Operation NEWCOMBE is the United Kingdom’s contribution to the United Nation’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, or MINUSMA for short. In December 2020, a 250-strong United Kingdom peacekeeping force was deployed to support the Peace and Reconciliation process by creating a secure environment for state authority to flourish and humanitarian assistance to reach those most in need. It has now been agreed that there will be 6 rotations of Op NEWCOMBE. This is far from a simple series of deployments, for 2 main reasons. Firstly, the human terrain is incredibly complex. Violent extremist organisations have benefited from weakened political reach, crossing porous borders and projecting their influence to threaten European security. Secondly and arguably more importantly from a REME perspective, is the arduous physical terrain. Mali is situated in the Western African Sahel, covering a vast area of 2,000 by 1,500 kms. The Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) is required to operate across challenging terrain and at significant reach from their logistical hub in Gao, in North East Mali. The extreme heat, copious amounts of dust and cross-country routes, combined with a lot of the vehicles not being designed for use off road, has led to a significant number of equipment failures and capability gaps identified. In order to support the deployment and reduce the number of equipment failures, members of the Vehicle Support Team (VST) in DE&S have swiftly set to work to fulfil the complex and urgent requirements of the operation. VST is the New independent suspension centre for in-service support system on a Cougar vehicle to our vehicle fleet,
Modified Ridgback
managing all aspects of support for our 36,000 vehicles, ranging from Challenger 2 to Quad Bikes! VST is tasked with ensuring all these platforms are safe and suitable to use on whatever mission or task the Army undertakes. Due to the variety in these missions, a crucial part of VST’s job is to incorporate modifications to the vehicle platforms, ensuring they can be operated successfully in the new environment.
Cougar Mobility Upgrades The Mastiff and Ridgback platforms were never designed to operate in the conditions required in Mali. Their beam axles and leaf springs significantly limit the amount of time the tyres can stay in contact with the ground when off road, greatly reducing the ability of the platform. To address this the vehicle was modified to have fully independent suspension. This included driver-controlled height adjustable hydro struts, a central tyre inflation system (CTIS) and larger run flat tyres. The newly upgraded vehicles can now keep up with the Jackal, allowing EOD and ambulances to stay alongside the vehicles they are supporting; significantly increasing vital support to our front-line soldiers. In addition, the Mastiff has been reported to be the only platform capable of recovering to the MAN SVR once bogged in; a testament to the improved mobility. WO2 (AQMS) Adamson is the SME for the Cougar platforms. He acts as the conduit between the Field Army, DE&S and industry. He has worked extremely hard on the delivery of these modification, due to his desire to provide the best service he can to our soldiers. He said, “My tenure as the MRW SME has seen me use my Artificer course training to its fullest. Using old skills in project management and building on them with further education. The MRW XC project was a real challenge, adapting the standard platforms with state of the art technology is the highlight of my career. It is a privilege to put the “S” into DE&S”.
A sample of the new recovery equipment
Hand over parade for the final Cougar platforms at MIRA Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 23
