Just
a short time after receiving their modified Warrior infantry
fighting vehicles, troops from 3rd Battalion The Mercian
Regiment (3 MERCIAN), on patrol in the Durai East region
of Afghanistan's Helmand province, survived a serious improvised
explosive device (IED) blast, thanks to the vehicle's improved
protection.
Over 70 vehicles have been modified for the British Army
by BAE Systems as part of an Urgent Operational Requirement.
The tracked vehicles have been given around 30 new improvements
under the Warrior Theatre Entry Standard (HERRICK) [TES
(H)] programme worth around £40m, including:
- a flexible modular armour system that can be adapted to
meet changing threats and reduce vehicle weight
- enhanced seating design and cushioning to further improve
mine protection and comfort
- an improved driver vision system with an increase from
one to three periscopes, providing a wider field of vision
and a night-vision capability
- increased low-speed mobility and climbing performance,
enabling the vehicle to tackle tough terrain and get closer
to a target or destination
- motorsport-derived carbon fibre brakes, providing significantly
reduced stopping distance
- improved air conditioning for troop comfort in hot and
harsh environments
- wire cutters to protect the driver, commander and equipment
on the vehicle from obstacles.
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