Mastiff 2 is a heavily armoured, 6 x 6 wheel-drive patrol vehicle which carries eight people, plus two crew. It joined operations in June 2009, succeeding the Mastiff armoured patrol vehicle.

It is suitable for road patrols and convoys and is the newest in a range of protected patrol vehicles being used for operations.

With a maximum speed of 90 kph Mastiff 2 is armed with the latest weapon systems, including a 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun, 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

These wheeled patrol vehicles have a less intimidating profile than tracked vehicles and give commanders on the ground in Afghanistan more options to deal with the threats they are facing.

They have Bowman radios and electronic countermeasures and are fitted with additional armour beyond the standard level to ensure they have the best possible protection.

Mastiff 2 is just one of a whole range of protected vehicles being used on operations, including Challenger 2, Viking, Bulldog, Warrior, Vector and Snatch.

Improvements on the Mastiff 2 include:

• Bigger axles
• Up-rated suspension
• Increased electrical power from the alternator 400A vs 200A
• Increased crew capacity 2 + 8 as opposed to 2 + 6 (plus an occasional 7th)
• Increased CES/stowage locations
• Blast attenuating seats
• Fold up seats allowing easier stowage if the vehicle is not full of crew
• New Situational Awareness system incorporating a Thermal Imager for the driver
• Redesigned gunners step
• Electronic Turret Traverse Mechanism
• Engine and fuel tank fire suppression systems.

The vehicles are based on the US Cougar made by Force Protection with the UK integration work carried out by NP Aerospace, based in Coventry.

Dimensions	7.94 m (L) x 3.2 m (H) x 3.2 m (W)
Payload	5,200 kg
Armament	7.62 GPMG, 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun or 40mm Grenade Machine Gun
Maximum speed	90 kph