Take it off road – that's when it comes into its own: Crew's verdict on Jackal 3
Deliveries of the Jackal 3 are now complete, and one of the regiments operating Supacat's new recce vehicle is The Light Dragoons.
Sergeant Craig Batty, a Troop Sergeant in the light cavalry regiment, explained to BFBS Forces News what improvements the new variant offered over its predecessor.
The most obvious features – and ones affecting crew comfort on long road marches – are the addition of separate windscreens for the driver and commander, and the addition of an MTP roof.
When carrying out its intended role, the windscreens can be adjusted so the commander can use the weapon mount fixed at the front of the vehicle to fire the 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun.
The roof-mounted weapon station can also take a Gimpy, but the crew is most lethal when opting for .50 cal in this position.
A 40mm Grenade Machine Gun can also be fitted depending on operational needs.
Crew protection has been enhanced with better seats with head protection in case the vehicle rolls over.
And for a reconnaissance vehicle that's been designed to be driven over open ground and rough terrain, the Jackal 3 has a differential lock.
This could prove vital, allowing the crew to drive out of tricky situations, whereas before the Jackal might have got stuck.
The Jackal 3 also has mounting points on the side to carry NLAW and Javelin anti-armour missiles.
The Light Dragoons converted to Jackal-based platforms after the Army retired the Scimitar variant Crew Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) – CVR(T) – from service.
As a recce-based capability in the Royal Armoured Corps, the regiment, based in Catterick, today completes the work it has carried out for decades in these more nimble, fit-for-purpose vehicles.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
