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Husky TSV
The Husky Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) is a medium-armored tactical support vehicle designed for the British Armed Forces as a modern replacement for outdated army vehicles. It is based on Navistar Defense's International MXT platform and combines high mobility, reliability, and flexible protection levels.
Its main purpose is to transport personnel, patrol, escort convoys, and perform tasks in areas threatened by explosions and small arms fire.
History of the creation and production of the MRAP Husky
Development of the Husky began in 2006 at the request of the UK Ministry of Defense as part of the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) program. The goal was to provide the army with an intermediate class of armored vehicles between light off-road vehicles (Land Rover, Pinzgauer) and heavy MRAP vehicles.
In 2009, a contract was signed for 262 Husky vehicles, which were deployed in Afghanistan for patrol and logistics tasks. Subsequently, an additional 89 units were ordered. In keeping with British Army tradition, the name “Husky” corresponds to the theme of combat vehicles named after dog breeds (along with Wolfhound and Coyote).
Since 2022, these vehicles have been transferred to Ukraine as part of British military aid. On the front lines, the Husky armored vehicle has proven itself to be a reliable means of transport with a high level of survivability and ease of operation for Ukrainian units.
Husky armored vehicle design
The MRAP Husky does not belong to the heavy MRAP category, but its design incorporates a number of solutions typical of mine-resistant vehicles. The bottom has a V-shape that disperses the energy of an explosion, reducing the risk of crew fatalities when detonating landmines or mines.
The armor protection was developed by the Israeli company Plasan Sasa. It includes two sets of add-on armor – A and B – which can be installed depending on the task. This allows the Husky to quickly adapt from rear patrol missions to operations in high-threat areas.
The protection provides resistance to 7.62 mm small arms fire and artillery shell fragments.
The Husky armored vehicle is equipped with a universal 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on a turret. There is the possibility of integrating a remotely controlled combat module. There are special embrasures in the doors and windows for firing personal weapons. This allows the crew and troops to repel attacks even while moving.
The Husky TSV is powered by a MaxxForce D6.0L V8 diesel engine with 340 hp (254 kW). It provides the vehicle with a good power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 112-113 km/h on the highway. The range is up to 700 km, allowing for long raids without refueling.
Features include:
Hutchinson wheels with Run-Flat technology (allows the vehicle to continue moving even after a tire puncture),
Michelin 395/85R20 tires,
a Dana central tire inflation system that allows the pressure to be adjusted while driving, depending on road conditions.
Thanks to these solutions, the Husky vehicle maintains its cross-country ability in inaccessible terrain where heavy equipment cannot operate.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Husky TSV
Length: 6.4 m
Width: 2.4 m
Height: 2.5 m
Weight: ~7 t (depending on armor)
Crew: 4 people (driver, commander, 2 paratroopers)
Ground clearance: 293 mm
Engine: MaxxForce D6.0L V8, 340 hp
Maximum speed: 112–113 km/h
Range: up to 700 km
Armament: 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun; remote control capability
Armor: Plasan Sasa (A and B) add-on kits, mine protection for the underbody
Transport: compatible with military transport aircraft
Versions
Patrol – base model with open body.
Medical – equipped for evacuation and treatment of the wounded, with enhanced protection.
Command and control – fully enclosed cabin, equipped with equipment for commanding units.
Use of the Husky vehicle in Ukraine
After the start of the large-scale war in 2022, the United Kingdom transferred a batch of Husky TSV armored vehicles to Ukraine. Today, they are actively used on the front lines, in particular by airborne assault troops.
Ukrainian military personnel note in their reviews:
convenient design;
high protection level;
ease of maintenance,
versatility in application.
The effective use of equipment directly depends on the quality of maintenance and the availability of spare parts. BMS, a company specializing in the supply of military components and services, plays an important role here.
