#jackal 2

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Jackal 2

Primary Role - Reconnaissance Secondary Roles - Raids, Fire Support, Convoy Protection, Fast Response Unit

Acquired in 2008 after a brief testing period of service with the UK Special Forces, the Jackal is one of the British Army's newest vehicles that has fast become an iconic sight primarily due to its unique look. Very few countries possess a vehicle of this precise type and after its introduction became a fast favourite of those wanting a little more speed in their patrols! Since 2008, the British Army has acquired 425 of these vehicles and they will see service for many years to come. The technology based in them has also boosted the British economy as our allies have also bought into the UK built vehicles.

In Afghanistan they were a regular sight, zipping around convoys, chasing away insurgents and performing daring runs into enemy territory to both reassure the civilian populace, bring aid to them and to recon enemy positions. They were an instant success (albeit with a few teething problems, mentioned below) and are now one of the most beloved vehicles for British soldiers now.

Capable of a confirmed 81mph (130km/h) across almost all terrain, the Jackal is a very nimble and speedy vehicle (Wait for the test drive!). It can even do this up extremely steep hills, leading to the Jackal's "party trick" of rushing up a mountain and taking a commanding position over an area before the enemy knows what's happening. Designed to cover large distances without losing speed (With a maintainable 49mph rate off road), protect its crew on the way and also carry both a good array of weapons and the crew's personnel weaponry the requirements to make it work were somewhat difficult. (The crew are not just vehicle crew but also a ground team, so it must carry even large launchers like the Javelin with ease) On its initial deployment as the Jackal 1, various issues were identified. A lack of ballistic armour, not enough storage space and a main gun that couldn't fire directly in front were all problems initially located. They didn't lack long however, The Jackal 2 was adapted extremely quickly by manufacturer Supacat. They added extra cargo area, vastly improved armour and mounted the main gun further forward to enable it to fire without risking hitting the driver. Lastly, the engine was upgraded to take this extra weight without losing any speed.

Additional handy tricks this vehicle has is a rather unique suspension. With fully independent double wishbone, air operated springs and external bypass shock absorbers (2 per wheel station) combined with variable ride height the Jackal can take any terrain in ways that may not even be believed. In addition, it has a self sealing fuel tank. If it gets shot, then it will simply seal up its own hole! Throwing in night vision compatibility, smoke grenade launchers and GPS too gives the Jackal a real high tech edge over a simple jeep. It also has the classic British boiling vessel to make hot food and drink within the vehicle itself. This might seem a little comfort, but on long deep recon missions the ability to get hot food without needing to risk a fire is a very important ability! furthermore, being open topped it is not only safer against IEDs (you are thrown clear rather than mushed inside) it also helps the crew see and crucially...engage with the local civilian populace face to face in a much more friendly way.

One might ask, 'But it's open topped! Surely the crew as exposed to all sorts of harm!' The answer is that this vehicle is deceptive. The 5 crew members sit very low in it, (The turret gunner has a seat he can drop to) with the armour plate raising to just below eye level. As a result, it functions as cover they can drop below any time. It also has a significantly armoured belly with a V-shaped hull to resist IED and mine blasts alongside blast-protected seats. However its main protection is the aforementioned speed. The Jackal engages on its terms. Should it be at a disadvantage, 81mph will get them out of there in the blink of an eye. Lastly, its main weapons are quite long ranged for its form of combat. The Jackal is not an urban warfare vehicle. It sticks to its hills, mountains and plains. Jackals are well known to evade IEDs because they can go anywhere without being restricted to predictable routes.

Officially known also as a MWMIK (Mobility Weapon Mounted Installation Kit...no we don't know either), the Jackal carries two primary weapons. A 7.62mm machine gun on the front (GPMG) and usually either an M2 Browning heavy machine gun or Heckler and Koch Grenade Machine Gun in the main turret. The other crew can also use their own personnel weapons from within such as assault rifles, sharpshooter rifles and grenade launchers. Heavier machine guns can also be braced on multiple sides as well.

Light, agile, speedy, heavily armed and well protected, the Jackal is an excellently balanced vehicle. The sight of them bounding across the terrain is a sight to behold. Moreso when they can cover an entire infantry advance from strategic locations or chase an enemy down. They truly are a vehicle in the vein of the classic SAS Long Range Desert Patrol Group from WW2's desert raiding missions.

However it is not only of use for warfighting by seeking out and engaging the enemy. Within campaigns for hearts and minds, the Jackal is a much more approachable vehicle for those nervous of a foreign military force. Furthermore, it is also fast enough to check up on the civilian populace in outlying areas that may be off the beaten track for heavier vehicles. In a humanitarian operations, a Jackal is by far the fastest way to get a medic or an engineer somewhere if air transport isn't an option.

To give an idea of how fast this vehicle really is, during Armed Forces Day 2013 in Glasgow, an Audi driver challenged a Jackal to a little drag race up St. Vincent Street away from George Square.

The 6-ton Jackal left the Audi in its dust.

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