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SC Group is a British manufacturer of military vehicles and related equipment. It was known as Supacat Ltd until 2015. Supacat was established in 1981 and based at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in England. SC Group now comprises four companies: Supacat, SC Innovation, Proteum and Blackhill Engineering.

SC Group initially specialised in the design and development of military and civil high mobility vehicles. Throughout the last decade the company expanded its portfolio considerably to encompass developing equipment for operation in harsh environments in sectors including marine, renewables, mineral exploration, oil & gas and nuclear power. During 2014, the then Supacat made a series of acquisitions in the commercial marine sector leading to the creation of the now Proteum based in Hamble, UK. At the end of 2014 Exeter-based heavy fabrication specialist, Blackhill Engineering, was acquired.[1]

The current CEO is Nick Ames who joined the company in 2003. Nick Jones, original co-founder of Supacat, remains a Director of SC Group.[2]

Supacat

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The Supacat brand is retained by SC Group for the group's core defence business. Supacat develops and supports high mobility military vehicles and provides specialist engineering services for defence customers. It is a member of Rheinmetall's Challenger 2 Life Extension Project (C2 LEP) team.[3]

All Terrain Mobility Platform

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The All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) is a 6x6 marginal terrain vehicle now in its fourth generation. Around 200 ATMPs have been supplied to mainly military users since 1982, including the armed forces of Canada, Malaysia, Mexico and the UK.[4]

High Mobility Transporter

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The High Mobility Transporter (HMT) vehicle platform is produced in three variants the HMT 400 (4x4), the HMT 600 (6x6) and the HMT Extenda (configurable between 4x4 and 6x6).[5] A HMT 800 (8x8) variant is also available. The HMT was designed in mid-1999 by HMT Supacat Limited later renamed to HMT Vehicles Limited. In 2004, Lockheed Martin entered into a licence agreement with HMT Vehicles Ltd to manufacture and sell the HMT in North America.[6] In 2006, Lockheed Martin (UK) acquired HMT Vehicles Ltd who licensed the design back to Supacat.[7]

The HMT 400, the first of the platform to enter service, was developed for the United Kingdom Special Forces procured under Project Minacity to replace the Land Rover 110 Desert Patrol Vehicle.[8][9] A contract was awarded in 2001 for 65 vehicles that entered service in 2003–2004 in Afghanistan following tenders in the late 1990s.[8][9][10] In 2004, the U.S. Army Delta Force purchased 47 similarly configured vehicles designated Marauders which were delivered in 2004–2005.[9][11][12]

In 2006, Danish Army Hunter Corps ordered 15 HMT Extenda vehicles.[9] In 2007, the Australian Army Special Air Service Regiment ordered 31 HMT Extenda vehicles known as Nary designated as the Special Operations Vehicle-Special Reconnaissance (SOV-SR) which due to technical problems did not enter service until 2011.[9][13]

In 2014, the Australian Army 2nd Commando Regiment ordered 89 HMT Extenda MK2 vehicles known as the Special Operations Vehicle-Commando (SOV-Cdo) that will be reconfigurable in four configurations.[14] In 2015, the Norwegian Army Forsvarets Spesialkommando ordered an undisclosed number of HMT Extenda vehicles to be delivered from 2017 to 2019.[15] In 2016, the New Zealand Special Air Service ordered an undisclosed number of HMT Extenda vehicles designated as the Special Operations Vehicles – Mobility Heavy (SOV-MH) to be delivered from late 2017.[16][17]

The British Army is the biggest user of the HMT with purchases between June 2007 and late 2010 of the HMT 400 designated as the Jackal and HMT 600 designated as the Coyote totalling 575 vehicles.[11]

The British Army has also developed specialist variants of the HMT. Two projects, named Project Soothsayer and the Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapon System Gun (LIMAWS(G)) were cancelled in 2007.[11] Supacat's HMT 600 is the chosen ground station platform for the UK MoD's Watchkeeper unmanned air vehicle (UAV) project.

HMT operators

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Failed bids

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Supacat Protected Vehicle 400

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The Supacat Protected Vehicle 400 (SPV 400) is a protected light 4x4 vehicle featuring a V-shaped steel chassis hull onto which is fitted a Composite armour crew pod shown at Eurosatory 2012.[31][32]

Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle

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The Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle (LAMV) was developed with technical input from Supacat and was shown in February 2014 by the Indian company of Tata.[33]

Light Reconnaissance Vehicle 400

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The Light Reconnaissance Vehicle 400 (LRV 400) MK2 is an open lightweight 4x4 vehicle based on the Land Rover Discovery platform which can be transported internally in a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter shown at DSEi 2015.[34][35][36] A 6x6 variant has also been designed similar to the HMT Extenda.[36] Supacat is offering the LRV 400 for the Dutch Army Defence-wide Wheeled Vehicle Replacement Programme (DVOW).[37]

Bombardier Lynx Snowmobile

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The Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade's Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) Oversnow Reconnaissance Vehicle (ORV) is Bombardier Lynx snowmobile which has been modified for military use by Supacat.

Wolfram Armoured Vehicle

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The Brimstone HMT Overwatch was created in 2022 to provide a launch system for the anti tank Brimstone (missile) system specifically for use by Ukraine. Using an extended 6x6 HMT 600 chassis, it was later given the code name Brimstone.[38][39]

[edit]
  • Supacat products
  • Prototype example of the Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) Mk4.
    Prototype example of the Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) Mk4.
  • Supacat Jackal 2 at a media demonstration at Long Valley.
    Supacat Jackal 2 at a media demonstration at Long Valley.
  • Supacat HMT Extenda at a media demonstration at Long Valley.
    Supacat HMT Extenda at a media demonstration at Long Valley.
  • Supacat HMT 600 with four-seat cab and communications rear body.
    Supacat HMT 600 with four-seat cab and communications rear body.
  • Supacat's HMT logistic variant concept as shown at DVD 2016
    Supacat's HMT logistic variant concept as shown at DVD 2016
  • Prototype example of the SPV 400 at a media demonstration in the UK at Long Valley.
    Prototype example of the SPV 400 at a media demonstration in the UK at Long Valley.
  • Light Reconnaissance Vehicle 400 (LRV 400) Mk2
    Light Reconnaissance Vehicle 400 (LRV 400) Mk2
  • Supacat's LRV 600 concept as shown at DVD 2016
    Supacat's LRV 600 concept as shown at DVD 2016
  • Supacat modifies and supplies Bombardier Lynx snowmobiles to the UK's Royal Marines.
    Supacat modifies and supplies Bombardier Lynx snowmobiles to the UK's Royal Marines.

SC Innovation

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SC Innovation provides engineering solutions[buzzword] to support all SC Group non-defence business. SC Innovation[40] incorporates specialist vehicle work with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the emergency services together with products and services for sectors such as oil & gas, marine, renewable energy and nuclear. Products include:

  • The lifeboat Launch and Recovery System (L&RS) was developed specifically for the RNLI and in response to a requirement for an up-to-date and highly mobile transport system for a new class of lifeboat. The L&RS design incorporates several unique features that include a permanent, software controlled, Four-Track-Drive system to provide mobility in all beach conditions. In addition, the cradle that carries the boat rotates through 360 degrees to enable ‘Bow First’ launch and recovery.[41]
  • The Specialist Utility Vehicle 600 (SUV 600) is a production standard Land Rover Discovery 4x4 that is converted to 6x6 configuration for use in the emergency services and wider utility sectors.[42]
  • The Protected Transit Vehicle (PTV) was developed specifically for use in the oil & gas sector. It provides a fully ATEX Zone 2 compliant passenger and cargo transport capability tailored for use in potentially hazardous explosive and toxic environments.[43]
  • The Specialist Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV 24) has been designed to provide a flexible, multi-role, high performance solution[buzzword] for conducting operations in support of the offshore and other maritime engineering sectors.[44]
[edit]
  • SC Innovation products
  • SC Innovation's lifeboat Launch and Recovery System (L&RS)
    SC Innovation's lifeboat Launch and Recovery System (L&RS)
  • SC Innovation's Protected Transit Vehicle (PTV)
    SC Innovation's Protected Transit Vehicle (PTV)
  • An early SUV600 as displayed at Eurosatory 2014 by Supacat
    An early SUV600 as displayed at Eurosatory 2014 by Supacat

Proteum

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Proteum is the marine brand within SC Group and was formed following the acquisition of MDS Marine and Bukh Diesel UK.

Proteum[45] represents and distributes a portfolio of marine products and services across the UK and Ireland, these including Bukh, Marine Diesel Sweden, OXE Diesel and Konrad propulsion systems.[46][47] The company has two UK offices, these in Poole and Hamble.

At the DSEI 2015 defence and security exhibition held in London, 15–18 September, OXE Diesel launched what the company claims to be the first viable high power NATO single fuel policy compliant diesel outboard engine for military users. According to the company, the 200 hp outboard has the highest power density of any marine diesel and incorporates a self-contained belt propulsor unit (S-BPU) to eliminate bevel gears and transfer shafts. In addition, the unit uses a conventional automotive engine block adapted for marine use, and unlike most outboards is mounted horizontally to improve reliability and reduce maintenance.[47]

Blackhill Engineering Services

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Blackhill Engineering product

Blackhill Engineering Services is a heavy fabrication and machining specialist. Supacat Limited acquired Blackhill in late 2014.

Blackhill Engineering Services Ltd.[48] has existed in various forms since the 1950s; originally its main role was to provide an engineering centre for English China Clays (Quarries Division), which looked after capital and revenue repairs, modifications, projects and servicing, for sites all over the United Kingdom and Channel Islands. Early in 1995 the company became privately owned.

Production of SC Group's SC Innovation's Lifeboat Launch and Recovery System (L&RS) is now undertaken by Blackhill Engineering.[49]

In October 2015 Blackhill Engineering issued a press release informing it had been contracted by Supacat, also part of SC Group, to manufacture replacement chassis frames for the Supacat Jackal vehicle.[48]

Television and film appearances

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SC Group

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SC Group is a British engineering and innovation holding company specializing in the design, development, and manufacture of vehicles and equipment for harsh environments across defense, civil, and maritime sectors. Originally founded in 1981 as Supacat Ltd by entrepreneurs Nick Appleyard and Paul Adams, the company initially focused on high-mobility off-road vehicles for military applications. In 2015, it restructured under the SC Group umbrella to encompass Supacat for defense vehicles, SC Innovation for broader engineering solutions including marine and nuclear applications, Proteum for specialist engineering, and Blackhill Engineering for advanced manufacturing capabilities. The group has grown into a global provider with subsidiaries such as Supacat Australia, serving customers in multiple countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, and various NATO allies through products like the Jackal high-mobility weapon platform and HMT series tactical vehicles, which emphasize speed, payload capacity, and survivability in extreme terrains. Notable achievements include pioneering all-terrain mobility platforms adopted by British and allied forces for reconnaissance, logistics, and combat roles, alongside diversification into non-defense innovations such as lifeboat launch systems and protected transit vehicles.

History

Founding and Early Development

Supacat Ltd, the core entity that evolved into SC Group, was founded in 1981 by engineers Nick Jones and David Clayton in , , to design and produce high-mobility all-terrain vehicles for defense and civil applications. The venture began modestly in a small shed before relocating to a garage, reflecting the founders' focus on innovative solutions for challenging environments. The company's breakthrough came in 1982 amid the , when the UK Ministry of Defence issued an urgent requirement for lightweight, versatile transport platforms to support rapid deployment and logistics in rugged terrain. Jones and Clayton responded by developing the inaugural Supacat 6×6 (ATMP), initially designated the Jura variant after the Isle of Jura, which offered superior cross-country performance compared to existing options like helicopters burdened by ammunition transport needs. The MoD placed an initial order for six units, marking Supacat's entry into military contracting. By 1987, operational feedback led to refinements, prompting another MoD order for an enhanced iteration that addressed durability and issues in harsh conditions. This solidified Supacat's reputation for purpose-built , with production scaling at its Dunkeswell Aerodrome base and early exports emerging to allied forces. The platform's success in trials and initial deployments underscored its causal advantages in mobility—low ground pressure, high payload-to-weight ratio, and air-transportability—driving incremental design evolutions through the .

Key Product Launches and Military Adoption

Supacat launched its first major military vehicle, the All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP), in 1982 after a successful demonstration on the Isle of Jura, prompting the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to place an initial order for six units. Further development led to additional ATMP orders in 1987, with the platform entering service with the British Army's airborne and air-mobile forces in 1988 for lightweight, high-mobility operations. The ATMP saw combat deployment during the 1991 Gulf War, where British Army units utilized it for tasks including towing Rapier missile systems and supporting RAF airfield damage repair. Between 1997 and 2001, Supacat designed and developed the High Mobility Transporter Vehicle (HMTV), a 6x6 platform optimized for special operations. The HMTV was commissioned by British Special Forces in 2003, marking early adoption for reconnaissance and patrol roles. In 2007, under an Urgent Operational Requirement for operations in Afghanistan, the British Army adopted HMTV variants as the Jackal (armed reconnaissance) and Coyote (tactical support), with the first Jackal entering service that year and Coyote following in 2009; over 700 such vehicles have since been delivered across iterations. These platforms provided enhanced protection and firepower, with Jackal 2 upgrades entering service in 2009 to address lessons from theater deployments. Military adoption extended beyond the , with Australian Special Air Service (SAS) forces integrating HMT variants for similar high-mobility missions. The platforms' versatility supported exports and ongoing contracts, including production of 70 Jackal 3 vehicles launched in 2024 for continued service.

Rebranding and Strategic Expansion

In September , Supacat Limited rebranded to SC Group to facilitate expansion beyond its core defense into diversified sectors, while retaining the Supacat for products. This restructuring established SC Group as the , enabling a clearer focus on customer segments and supporting growth in non-defense markets such as marine and . The rebranding coincided with the launch of SC Innovation, a division dedicated to engineering solutions for harsh environments outside defense, including civilian platforms like lifeboat systems for the . This move diversified revenue streams, with SC Innovation targeting sectors like offshore energy and maritime operations, building on Supacat's expertise in high-mobility platforms. Strategic expansion included international growth, notably through Supacat Australia, which by 2022 marked its tenth anniversary serving the defense market with vehicle supply and support services from offices in and . SC Group further broadened its portfolio by incorporating Proteum for global diesel and hybrid marine engine distribution and Blackhill Engineering for specialized fabrication and assembly, enhancing capabilities in maritime and industrial applications. These developments supported exports to markets including the , where in September 2025, Supacat secured an order for 18 High Mobility Transporters for .

Supacat Division

All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP)

The (ATMP) is a lightweight 6×6 wheeled vehicle designed and manufactured by Supacat for military applications, emphasizing high mobility across diverse terrains including , , and littoral environments. Originally developed in the 1980s, the ATMP has been in active service worldwide for nearly four decades, serving in roles such as troop and cargo transport, weapons mounting, resupply, , and radio rebroadcast. The platform's design prioritizes mechanical simplicity and versatility, with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg, a capacity of up to 1,600 kg (reducible to 750-1,000 kg for optimal ), and a maximum speed of 60 km/h. Dimensions include a length of 3.44 m, width of 2.03 m, and height ranging from 1.85 m (open configuration) to 2.01 m, enabling airportability and transport via standard pallets. Its amphibious capability, low ground pressure, and features like four-wheel Ackermann and skid enhance cross-country , allowing it to carry heavy loads over extreme while accommodating up to eight troops plus two . Now in its third generation, the has undergone recent modifications to integrate advanced technologies, including diesel, hybrid, and fully electric drivetrains, with the eATMP representing a fourth-generation electric hybrid variant aimed at reducing emissions. A Mk4 concept was unveiled by Supacat at Landforces 2014, featuring enhanced mobility through a with 6×6 . Configurations support optional manning for autonomous operations, demonstrated in projects converting the platform to optionally crewed vehicles with high payload retention. The vehicle's adaptability has led to its use as a base for demonstrators, such as hybrid systems for mobile fires and reconnaissance.

High Mobility Transporter (HMT) and Variants

The High Mobility Transporter (HMT) is a modular tactical platform designed by Supacat for high-mobility roles in , , command, and support, featuring a Common Base Platform (CBP) that supports interchangeable mission modules and rapid reconfiguration. Developed between 1997 and 2001 with initial production scaling in 2004, the HMT emphasizes off-road capability through , low ground pressure, and compatibility with air transport such as the CH-47 Chinook . The platform's allows integration of weapons, ISTAR systems, , and specialist equipment, with optional ballistic and mine-resistant armor. Over 1,000 HMT variants operate globally, primarily with and conventional militaries, including the (as the series), forces, and operators in Denmark, Norway, , , , and the . In 2023, the ordered 70 HMT 400-series vehicles for the , with the 3e variant entering service by late 2025. The HMT 600 serves as the for the UK's Watchkeeper UAV program. In September 2025, the Czech received 18 HMT Extenda vehicles for enhanced mobility in elite operations. Key variants include the HMT 400 (4×4 configuration), optimized for lighter and patrol duties with a gross of 7,600 kg, kerb weight of 5,500 kg (including fuel and armor), and of 2,100 kg; it achieves speeds up to 130 km/h on roads and features for variable . The HMT 600 (6×6) extends capacity for heavier logistics, supporting roles like troop transport or UAV control with enhanced stability and towing. The HMT Extenda allows modular extension from 4×4 to 6×6 via an insertable module, more than doubling load capacity for adaptable missions in contested environments. Specialized derivatives include the HMT Light Weight Recovery (LWR) variant, in service with the for extracting damaged vehicles from extreme terrain using integrated winches and tools. The Armoured Closed Cab HMT (ACC HMT), unveiled in September 2024, accommodates a of four (, driver, and two operators) with integrated blast and ballistic protection, a payload of approximately 4,000 kg, and Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) compatibility for systems like air defense or anti-armor. It supports roles such as , recovery, or troop carrier, prioritizing safety and mission flexibility in high-threat scenarios. The HMT Mk3, introduced in 2024, incorporates upgraded suspension and modularity for the 3e, maintaining the platform's reputation for reliability in operations like those in .

Protected and Reconnaissance Vehicles

Supacat's protected and vehicles emphasize high mobility, blast resistance, and adaptability for and frontline . These platforms build on the company's HMT series , incorporating designs and modular armor to enhance crew survivability against improvised explosive devices and fire. Models in this category include the for heavy reconnaissance roles and lighter variants like the SPV 400 and LRV 400 for patrol and rapid intervention. The , designated HMT 400 by Supacat and MWMIK by the , is a 4x4 high-mobility with independent air suspension enabling speeds up to 130 km/h on roads and effective cross-country performance. Deployed since 2008 in , it has logged over 1.3 million operational kilometers, supporting fire support and scouting missions with a capacity of approximately 1,000 kg. The Jackal 2 variant, introduced in 2012, features an extended wheelbase for improved stability and weapon integration, such as .50 caliber machine guns or launchers. In 2024, the Jackal 3 upgrade was announced, incorporating enhanced ballistic and underbelly protection while retaining a combat weight under 7,500 kg to preserve agility as a light reconnaissance asset. By August 2025, the inducted the first 70 Jackal 3 vehicles, produced in collaboration with . The SPV 400, or Supacat Protected Vehicle 400, is a 4x4 armored patrol vehicle developed in 2009 with a V-shaped steel hull for mine and IED deflection, accommodating a of six and a 1,500 kg payload. Powered by a 4.5-liter engine producing 215 hp, it achieves a top speed of 120 km/h and a range exceeding 600 km. With a gross vehicle weight of 7,500 kg, the SPV 400 competed in the UK's Protected Vehicle program but was not selected in favor of the in 2010, limiting it to and evaluations. Its prioritizes air portability and rapid deployment, comparable to the in off-road capability. The LRV 400 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle, introduced in 2013, serves with a lightweight 4x4 platform offering a maximum speed of 170 km/h and a 1,000 km range on a full . The Mk2 variant, unveiled in 2015, uses a reinforced 4 chassis with a 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 256 , permanent 4WD, and an 8-speed automatic transmission for payloads up to 1,400 kg. Optimized for air transport via CH-47 Chinook helicopters, it supports rapid insertion for and light strike roles, with modular mounts for weapons and sensors. The LRV 400 has been marketed to Special Forces and international operators seeking agile, low-signature vehicles.

Additional Specialized Vehicles

The Supacat Protected (SPV) 400 is a 4x4 protected designed for high mobility and , featuring a gross of 7,500 kg and a usable of 1,500 kg for a 2+4 configuration. It achieves a top speed of 120 km/h and was developed as a contender for the UK's Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program, with demonstrations conducted around 2009-2010. A 6x6 SPV 600 variant was also conceptualized to extend payload and operational flexibility. The Light (LRV) 400 Mk2, unveiled on September 11, 2015, at , serves roles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 4,200 kg, of 1,500 kg, crew capacity of 3-4, speeds up to 160 km/h, and an operational range of 800 km from insertion points; it is air-transportable within a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Its 6x6 counterpart, the LRV 600, debuted on September 7, 2017, at , extending length to 5.65 m (shortenable to under 5.5 m) via a modular third-axle conversion kit for enhanced capability while retaining 4x4 compatibility and high-speed performance. These vehicles leverage a Land Rover-based platform for reliability in and rapid intervention tasks. The 600, a 6x6 based on the with an added third axle, was first displayed in 2013 and shown at in 2014, offering a 2.5-ton for rapid response and emergency applications such as or support. Supacat has also modified Bombardier snowmobiles into Oversnow Vehicles (ORVs) for the UK's , enhancing them for military use in arctic conditions with center-track drive and ski-steer capabilities for and raiding operations.

SC Innovation

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Developments

SC Innovation has developed the Electric All-Terrain Mobile Platform (eATMP), a fully electric variant of the (), featuring six independent electric motors—one per wheel—for enhanced off-road mobility and silent operation. This sixth-generation 6x6 vehicle, designed in collaboration with the through a Partnership initiated in 2018, supports payloads up to 1,600 kg across challenging terrains while prioritizing low emissions and reduced acoustic signatures for military and civilian applications. The project earned the KTP 2022 Award for Business Impact and Transformation, recognizing its advancements in electrifying high-mobility off-road platforms. Parallel efforts include the Hybrid All-Terrain Mobile Platform (H-ATMP), which integrates a hybrid-electric to replace traditional diesel engines, enabling configurable electric-only modes for stealthy operations and extended range via hybrid supplementation. Unveiled in June 2020, the H-ATMP supports optional manned or autonomous configurations, with applications extending to defense and scenarios, as demonstrated in a presented to National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for potential maritime support roles. These hybrid systems emphasize , allowing customization based on mission requirements such as payload, range, and environmental constraints. SC Innovation has also applied electric drivetrain expertise to the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) series, notably integrating hybrid solutions into the HMT 400 to achieve silent watch capabilities and improved without compromising rugged performance. Announced in April 2021, this development targets operational benefits like reduced thermal signatures and lower logistical footprints in forward-deployed environments. Broader innovations include transferable electric technologies for other SC Group projects, such as lightweight recovery vehicles, underscoring a strategic pivot toward sustainable in extreme-duty vehicles amid global demands for greener defense and off-highway .

Broader Innovation Initiatives

SC Innovation developed the Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SL&RS) in partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), marking a significant advancement in maritime rescue operations. Operational since approximately 2002, the SL&RS comprises a high-mobility and tracked that serves as a portable , enabling the beach launch and recovery of the 18-tonne in challenging terrains. The system facilitates 360-degree pivoting of the lifeboat for bow-first deployment and recovery, and it can function submerged in up to 9 meters of water, enhancing operational flexibility in harsh coastal environments. By 2022, the SL&RS had supported over 20 years of reliable service, demonstrating durability in rugged conditions. Beyond maritime applications, SC Innovation engineered the Protected Transit Vehicle (PTV) specifically for the oil and gas sector, addressing safety needs in explosive atmospheres. The PTV provides ATEX Zone 2 compliance for secure passenger and cargo transport, incorporating blast-resistant features derived from expertise to mitigate risks in hazardous industrial sites. This initiative reflects SC Innovation's expansion into non-defense solutions, leveraging core competencies in protected mobility for civilian high-risk industries. SC Innovation also engages in and custom services, exemplified by delivering urgent operational requirements ahead of schedule for defense clients. These efforts underscore a commitment to agile innovation, transforming conceptual designs into validated prototypes through integrated mechanical, electrical, and materials . Such capabilities extend to life-altering mobility solutions, like the Victor project, where client visions were realized into functional products enhancing user independence in specialized environments.

Other Divisions

Proteum

Proteum serves as the marine division of SC Group, specializing in the distribution and support of diesel marine engines and associated products. Formed in 2015 through the consolidation of MDS Marine and Bukh Diesel UK under SC Group, it operates as a UK-based entity with primary offices in Southampton, England. The division targets commercial shipping, military vessels, and leisure craft markets, primarily in the UK and Ireland, while providing worldwide supply and maintenance services through a network of dealers. Key products distributed by Proteum include diesel outboard engines from OXE, inboard diesel engines from FNM Marine (incorporating hybrid technology options), and Bukh engines, alongside propulsion systems such as Masson Marine gearboxes, Alamarin-Jet waterjets, and Konrad units. Additional offerings encompass engine controls from Glendinning and engines from brands like Baudouin and Marine Diesel Sweden. These products emphasize reliability, fuel efficiency, and adaptability for demanding marine environments, with examples including high-torque OXE Diesel outboards used in applications like or commercial operations. Proteum provides comprehensive aftermarket services, including parts supply, maintenance packages, and , leveraging SC Group's expertise to ensure rapid response times via local dealers. The division positions itself as a trusted partner in the marine sector, drawing on extensive industry knowledge to facilitate installations, repairs, and custom solutions for clients ranging from naval operators to owners. No major controversies or operational challenges specific to Proteum have been publicly documented in available sources, reflecting its focus on established distribution rather than primary .

Blackhill Engineering Services

Blackhill Engineering Services, based in , , specializes in heavy engineering fabrication and , providing capabilities such as fabrication, large [metal fabrication](/page/metal fabrication), and complex machine assembly. Acquired by Supacat (now part of SC Group) in December 2014, the company enhanced the group's engineering portfolio by adding heavy fabrication expertise, including a 60-ton lifting capacity rare in the South West region. Established over 50 years prior to the acquisition, Blackhill has served industrial clients with in-house services encompassing design, , , fabrication, and installation. As the engineering arm of SC Group, Blackhill supports vehicle development and for sister divisions like Supacat and SC Innovation, handling specialized projects in wheel and tracked vehicles. It also acts as a for marine diesel engines, maintaining offices in to facilitate regional operations. The acquisition followed Blackhill's voluntary filing in June 2014, allowing Supacat to modernize facilities and expand service offerings to existing and new customers. Post-acquisition, Blackhill retained its brand while integrating into SC Group's broader ecosystem, focusing on for defense and civilian applications. Blackhill's operations emphasize flexibility and local expertise, with a team capable of managing large-scale projects from concept to completion. This includes complementary light to medium engineering from Supacat, enabling comprehensive solutions in metalwork and assembly. The company's role underscores SC Group's strategy to internalize critical processes, reducing reliance on external suppliers for complex components.

Operational Impact and Reception

Military Operators and Combat Effectiveness

The primary military operator of SC Group's High Mobility Transporter (HMT) series, including the and variants, is the , which procured over 600 vehicles as urgent operational requirements for operations in between 2008 and 2014. These platforms are also utilized by the Royal Air Force for tactical and patrol duties. Export customers include the armed forces of the , , , , and , where the HMT serves and light roles due to its cross-country mobility. In September 2025, the Czech placed the first confirmed export order for 18 HMT Mk3 Extenda vehicles, akin to the British 3, enhancing their high-mobility capabilities. In combat, the HMT demonstrated exceptional mobility and speed, reaching up to 130 km/h on roads and maintaining effective cross-country performance in Afghanistan's rugged terrain, enabling deep , rapid assault, and missions. The vehicle's modular design allowed integration of heavy weapons like .50 caliber machine guns and launchers, with effective ranges exceeding 1,500 meters, contributing to its selection for urgent deployments and subsequent fleet expansions in 2009 and 2010. However, its light armor and open-top configuration proved vulnerable to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines, resulting in significant ; at least 13 British personnel were killed in Jackal vehicles by such blasts between September 2008 and August 2009 alone, with critics describing the design as "fundamentally flawed" for exposing crews to blast overpressure and fragmentation. Specific incidents include the deaths of three members in August 2009 from a roadside in and two corporals in March 2009 from an explosive device strike. Subsequent variants like the Jackal 2 and Jackal 3 addressed some deficiencies through added blast mitigation, improved , and optional ballistic protection, extending operational viability into non-IED-heavy environments while retaining the core high-mobility advantages. Overall assessments note mixed results: praised for in but limited in sustained conventional combat against asymmetric threats due to survivability trade-offs inherent in prioritizing speed over heavy protection.

Civilian Applications and Exports

SC Group's civilian applications center on adaptations of its high-mobility platforms for emergency response and industrial needs. Through SC Innovation, the company has developed launch and recovery systems for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), including specialized tractors for the Shannon-class lifeboats. In March 2017, RNLI awarded SC Innovation a contract to build seven such vehicles at its Dunkeswell facility, with production scheduled at one to two units per year to meet operational timelines. These systems enable 360-degree pivoting of the lifeboat for bow-first launches and recoveries, and can operate submerged in up to 9 meters of water, enhancing shore-based rescue capabilities in challenging coastal environments. Further innovations include electric and hybrid variants tailored for non-military sectors. In , SC Innovation demonstrated an electric All-Terrain Mobility Platform (e-ATMP) to the RNLI, capable of hauling payloads up to 1,600 kg over rough terrain, supporting potential of response fleets. The base ATMP platform has also underpinned civilian uses such as response operations and off-highway transport in sectors like and rail, with collaborative research at the exploring hybrid powertrains for broader off-road applications beyond defense. The Protected Transit Vehicle (PTV), a protected variant, targets the oil and gas sector, providing ATEX Zone 2-compliant passenger and cargo transport in hazardous explosive environments. Supacat's early platforms, like the 6x6 , have seen global civilian deployment for tasks including and heavy-load towing in non-military contexts, such as land speed record projects. Civilian exports remain secondary to military sales, with limited public details on non-defense international placements. However, Supacat vehicles have been utilized in civil roles worldwide, including engineering services exports that support off-highway adaptations. SC Group's focus on modular designs facilitates potential dual-use exports, though verifiable civilian foreign sales data is sparse compared to defense contracts.

Contract Challenges and Criticisms

SC Group, through its Supacat , has encountered financing obstacles that hinder its capacity to secure and execute defense contracts in the . In April 2025, SC Group CEO Nicholas Ames reported that major banks refused to provide accounts or commercial loans to the firm due to ethical policies against defense-related activities, describing it as "almost impossible" to fund investments in British manufacturing facilities. These restrictions, applied by institutions such as and , have limited the company's ability to scale production for ongoing and prospective military vehicle programs, exacerbating vulnerabilities in the for Armed Forces equipment. Contract sustainment issues have also arisen with the Ministry of Defence's High Mobility Transporter program. As of August 2025, the existing support contract for vehicles was projected to conclude in early 2026 without renewal, threatening up to 150 jobs at Supacat's facility, including roles in engineering, manufacturing, and logistics. This uncertainty stems from delays in MoD procurement decisions amid broader defense budget constraints, despite recent orders for Jackal 3 variants and the program's operational deployment in conflict zones. Earlier operational challenges with vehicles, such as reported vulnerabilities in blast protection during Afghanistan deployments, have indirectly influenced contract scrutiny and upgrade requirements, though no formal terminations or penalties were imposed on Supacat. Industry analyses from 2015 described Supacat's broader defense market position as "challenging" due to fluctuating orders, yet the firm secured subsequent wins without documented disputes over delivery or . No verified instances of contract breaches, cost overruns, or legal disputes specific to SC Group's Australian or international deals were identified in recent reporting.

Media and Cultural References

Television and Film Appearances

The Jackal vehicle, manufactured by SC Group's Supacat division, was featured on the BBC motoring program Top Gear in an episode aired on July 12, 2009, during filming supported by the UK Ministry of Defence using Supacat demonstrator vehicles. A Supacat ATMP all-terrain vehicle appeared in the British children's medical drama series Children's Ward (1989–2000), specifically in episode 11.04 from the 1998 series. No major film appearances of SC Group vehicles have been documented in publicly available records.

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