Meng Models 1/35 Mastiff 2 6×6 Wheeled Protected Patrol Vehicle Kit

The British Mastiff 6×6 wheeled protected patrol vehicle is developed on the basis of the famous Couger mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle. In 2006, the British military ordered the first batch of Mastiff Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles based on the Couger in response to the growing threat of roadside bombs and portable anti-tank weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan. Compared to the Couger, the Mastiff has improved hull protection and self-defence capability. Its hull is fully protected by slat armour. Windows have double-layer bulletproof glass which offers good visisbility. While there have been comments that the slat armour may block the crews vision and shooting range, it turns out that the upgraded armour provides better protection against High-Explosive Anti-Tank warheads. The roof-mounted weapon station can be fitted with a 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and ensure that enemy fires can be quickly suppressed in the event of an ambush. According to the British calculation, the armour of Mastiff can withstand 12.7mm armour-piercing projectiles from any direction, or explosion of 15kg of explosives under the vehicle.

The Mastiff is fitted with two air-conditioning units to help keep heavily dressed troops from over-heating in the hot temperatures of Iraq. A standard Mastiff can carry two crew and six troops. In October 2006, the UK Ministry of Defence announced as additional order for the Mastiff and started to develop an improved version of the Mastiff after studying the problems exposed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The British militarys main concern was that the Mastiff could not meet the need to patrol the countryside of Iraq and Afghanistan with poor road conditions due to the Mastiffs insufficient mobility and passability. Whats more, when the vehicle is hit by a mine, the seats and hatches may deform and even hurt the crew.

The improved Mastiff is designated Mastiff 2 by the British military. According to statistics, the Mastiff 2 has received more than 50 improvements on the basis of Couger. The initial batch of Mastiff 2s was delivered in 2009. The Mastiff 2 is equipped with improved axles and suspension for poor road conditions. The ground clearance has been increased to 410mm. The improved run-flat tires and explosion-proof fuel tank ensure that the vehicle can still move on after being attacked. At the same time, the maximum range of the vehicle has been increased from 900km to more than 1120 km. Other major improvements are inside the vehicle. There were cases that the crew and troops bumped against the vehicle walls and suffered injuries when the Mastiffs were struck by mines. To better protect them from the impact, spall liners made of Dyneema Unidirectional elastic fibres on the inner walls. Blast attenuating seats can minimise the impact of blast shock waves. Thanks to the increased space inside the vehicle, the Mastiff 2 can carry up tp 10 people. In addition, a new situational awareness system incorporating a thermal imager enables the crew to track enemy fire or analyse craters on the route relatively safely inside the vehicle.

With the gradual withdrawal of Western troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, the UK military thinks that the Mastiff 2 PPVs are no longer needed. In early July 2020, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that 2,831 armoured vehicles, including the Mastiff 2, would be retired from active duty. In April 2022, the UK government announced that it would provide Ukraine with about 80 armoured vehicles, including the Mastiff 2. The first batch of Mastiff 2 vehicles have been delivered to Ukraine.

Additional items are required to complete kit as illustrated