About Me

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I saw active service in conventional, clandestine and covert units of the South African Defence Force. I was the founder of the Private Military Company (PMC) Executive Outcomes in 1989 and its chairman until I left in 1997. Until its closure in 1998, EO operated primarily in Africa helping African governments that had been abandoned by the West and were facing threats from insurgencies, terrorism and organised crime. EO also operated in South America and the Far East. I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems. I was appointed Chairman of STTEP International in 2009 and also lecture at military colleges and universities in Africa on defence, intelligence and security issues. Prior to the STTEP International appointment, I served as an independent politico-military advisor to several African governments. Until recently, I was a contributing editor to The Counter Terrorist magazine. All comments in line with the topics on this blog are welcome. As I consider this to be a serious look at military and security matters, foul language and political or religious debates will not be entertained on this blog.

Monday, February 14, 2011

PHOTOS OF THE HUNTER LSV

Since posting a piece about the Hunter Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) and its role as a mobile gun platform (MGP), I have had numerous requests to post some more photos of this unique vehicle.

Conceptualised, designed and manufactured by OTT (www.ott.co.za) this MGP is capable of delivering a mass of firepower onto a target.

The Hunter LSV can be equipped with a 20mm QFC, 14,5mm or 12,7mm main gun. Added to its firepower can be a total of four additional 7,62/12,7mm machineguns and 30mm or 40mm grenade launchers such as the AGS-17 or the M-19.


Hunter LSV with 12.7mm – view over driver’s cab. Can also be fitted with 14,5mm or 20mm


12,7mm main gun plus 3 PKMs. It can also have a PKM added for the co-driver


12,7mm and three PKMs mounted


With 6-shot 40mm MGL added. Can also mount M-19 or AGS-17

16 comments:

Lukeisaduke said...

Hey Eeben,

Nice rig. Looks as though it could send plenty of lead down range. How is this any better than something like a defender wolf? What situation could this find its niche? What situation would it be less helpful for? Just wondering.

Thanks,

James

Controlsaurus said...

The return of the Pink Panther and/or LRDG vehicles? Still, an immensely useful vehicle to have around.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

It is a very nice vehicle James and correctly armed and deployed, can cause havoc on the enemy.

It is very different from the Defender Wolf, not only in looks, but also in capabilities. I don’t believe the Wolf has the same cross-country ability as the Hunter nor the ability to mount the weaponry the Hunter can. That makes the Hunter more versatile and adds a lot more flexibility to operations. Personally, I would choose the Hunter any day but then that is a personal choice.

The Hunter was designed and built to operate primarily in African conditions – and years of experience have been exploited to build the vehicle. It really has a phenomenal cross-country ability and can be used in deserts, savannah and other types of terrain. As you may see if you visit the OTT website and download the brochure, it has a very good climbing ability in hilly/mountainous terrain as well. The design parameters were of such a nature that the vehicle will be perfectly suited to not only Africa but also the Middle East.

Like all such types of vehicles, doctrine and deployment remain critical to success. All IFVs/APCs/AFVs have their strong and weak points (advantages and disadvantages). It is not an APC and therefore one would not try to use it as such. It is also not the type of vehicle one would use for convoy escort. Jungle will definitely be a no-no due to the bush density.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I agree Controlsaurus. It almost looks as though it could be a relative of an LRDG vehicle with some elements of the Pink Panther thrown in. That said, it is also very unique in many other ways.

I wouldn’t mind owning one when I grow up.

Rgds,

Eeben

Controlsaurus said...

@Eeben: this is a vehicle probably best owned before one grows up... ;-) Crikey, I could do with one just to handle Johannesburg traffic. Seriously, I love the fact that this is built on the SAMIL 20 platform - people sometimes forget how well those have performed in the past.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many have forgotten just how tough and reliable the SAMIL 20 was, Controlsaurus. It was a heck of a vehicle – and still is.

You are right – one should own one sooner rather than later, especially to negotiate our traffic. But, given the new toll fees, one would not be concerned as there are very few places this vehicle cannot go.

Rgds,

Eeben

Controlsaurus said...

I reckon if I mount an automatic paintball gun the toll sensors will have a hard time spotting me. ;-)

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

With the 12,7 or 30/40mm, there won't be any toll sensors, Controlsaurus!

Rgds,

Eeben

Controlsaurus said...

I have a suspicion the Metro cops might have an issue with "skerppunt" ammo...

On another note: given the Samil 20 base, I am sure it could cope with the extra weight of add-on side armour if needed?

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I am sure it would cope adequately, Controlsaurus, but part of the problem is that one loses a certain amount of flexibility with the vehicle as add-on armour is heavy. This will have an effect on its performance envelope.

Re your personal note: Thanks on both accounts. It is much appreciated.

Rgds,

Eeben

Sophie Ribstein said...

Dear Eeben,

I'm a French journalist, based in Johannesburg. I would like to meet you to talk about your work as a consultant in military matters and other subjects. Here is my email adress : sophie.ribstein@gmail.com
Thank you very much for your help.
Best regards,

Sophie

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Given my recent experiences with journalists, I have no desire to meet any more of them Sophia. I wrote a book and exposed much of the media’s agendas.

Whereas I appreciate that you wish to do your job, I have no desire to read more lies about myself, my clients or the work I do.

Rgds,

Eeben

Sophie Ribstein said...

Dear Eeben,

Thank you very much for your rapid answer. I understand very well your position.
I'm working on a documentary about the Dulcie September case. I'm trying to organize interviews focused on the role of France in that case. If you would like to give your point of view, please contact me on my email. It will be a filmed interview and you will be able to see the shootage.
Thanks again.
Best regards,

Sophie

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I have said everything I felt needed saying on Dulcie September in my book, Sophie.

You are very welcome to quote from it.

Rgds,

Eeben

John said...

Good Evening Eeben,

Is this a clue to your whereabouts lately?

Looks like the beast is coming along nicely. I did notice someone beat me to the LRDG ancestry. The one item I do think may be useful to think on is soft armor - it would not add the weight of plate etc. and gives increased survivability to the occupants. Just enough that they can escape the situation they may have wandered into - not stand and punch it out. Not a "Honey" yet but certainly looks to be very capable.

Can we import to the US so we can tackle our own city traffic?

Regards,
John

P.S. Nice win by the 7's Boks in LV. They looked impressive. 15's WC will be awesome this year.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

This is one of those vehicles that evolves according to operational requirements, John.

The reason the vehicle was designed this way and without armour is that there are vast opinions about what armour to add and where on the system. OTT listens to the client’s requests/requirements and will then add armour as they want it for their specific mission requirements.

I am sure it will be a definite advantage to have is heavy traffic.

Yes, finally the Boks 7s won...we had almost given up hope. Now they just have to stay there.

Rgds,

Eeben