The British Army took the American 6×6 Cougar vehicle to make the Mastiff 1 PPV vehicle in 2005. They were deployed in Iraq in 2006, significantly increasing the protection of the troops. The Mastiff 1 has the same engine as the Cougar and has similar features and a Bowman radio and ECMs systems.The Mastiff 2 can carry up to 8 troops, 2 more than the previous model and is heavier, reaching 23 tons in combat. The engine is the same as that of Mastiff 1, although the passive and active protection system has been improved. There are two variants of the Mastiff PPV, to perform patrol and ambulance missions. The vehicle was developed by Force Protection Inc. and NP Aerospace and assembles a special slat protection kit against RPGs. Since 2006, three Mastiff models have come into service, practically indistinguishable in their appearance, on the image a Mastiff 2.Mastiff 3 appeared in 2012 to improve some performance and apply the teachings of several years of patrols in a really dangerous environment. Dyneema Unidirectional armour was applied and the protection against mines was improved, being able to withstand more damage.Currently, the British Army has about 400 Mastiff in service, which have rendered excellent services in Iraq and Afghanistan. They can mount 7.62mm light machine guns, heavy 12.7mm and even 40mm automatic grenade launchers, weaponry suitable for the protection of convoys from insurgency attacks.The Ridgeback is the British version of the Cougar H. The basis vehicle is the same, but additional armour has been installed on the sides of the vehicle as well as improved counter-mines protection. The engine is the same as the Cougar H, with similar performances.The vehicle has a 4,500 kg capacity winch, NBC protection, automatic fire extinguishing system, and could keep moving with punctured tires. The armament aboard could be from 7.62mm machine guns to remote weapons stations handled from inside the vehicle. The Ridgeback entered service in 2009, and Afghanistan was its first destination. Although they normally carry 4 troops, they can carry a maximum of 10. There are 4 variants for different missions such as command post, protected weapons station, troop carrier and ambulance. Currently there are about 170 in service with the British Army.The Wolfhound is another British modification made on the basis of a Cougar HE 6×6. On this occasion, the rear part of the vehicle has been completely rebuilt to open up a cargo area, converting the vehicle into a highly protected truck.Wolfhound entered service in 2010 and was immediately sent to Afghanistan. The Wolfhound and the other vehicles modified by the British, were the result of an Urgent Operational Requirement, to provide adequate material to their forces deployed both on Iraq and Afghanistan.Main missions of the Wolfhound are logistic type, can be used as artillery tractors or as simple cargo trucks. This vehicle was also reinforced both active and passive protection systems. Currently there are about 125 in service in the British Army.
