Complex Sheet Metal Fabrication for Mastiff & Ridgback Off-Road Suspension Upgrade
Universal Fabrications worked with NP Aerospace on the XC Off-Road Suspension System upgrade for the British Army’s Mastiff and Ridgback heavy armoured vehicles. Alongside programme partners HORIBA-MIRA, Horstman, Texelis and Tyron, we manufactured complex sheet metal fabrications for the new suspension system. With over 45 years’ experience manufacturing complex metal fabrications for security, policing and defence, we were well placed to deliver to the programme’s demanding timescales.
The Challenge
Mastiff and Ridgback had already proven themselves in Afghanistan and Iraq, but new operational demands called for a major step up in off-road performance. The upgrade covered high-mobility suspension, ride height control, an upgraded driveline, steering and braking systems, and central tyre inflation. Because the work supported an Urgent Capability Requirement, the timeframe was extremely tight: first prototypes had to be delivered in just 89 working days, with components needing to meet the strength and quality standards expected on frontline armoured vehicles.
Universal Fabrications’ Role
We manufactured the complex sheet metal fabrications for the suspension system, working to NP Aerospace’s designs and the programme’s compressed schedule. Parts were cut, formed and welded at our 40,000 sq ft Nuneaton facility by coded welders experienced in welding heavy gauge high strength steels, under our ISO 9001 and BS EN ISO 3834-2 welding quality systems. Working closely with NP Aerospace and the wider partner group, we helped deliver first prototypes within the 89-working-day window, before supporting the move through to full vehicle deployment.
Why It Mattered
Hitting the prototype deadline kept an urgent defence programme on track. Within 18 months, upgraded vehicles were deployed by the UK MOD on operations in Mali. For NP Aerospace, it meant a fabrication partner who could deliver complex, defence-grade parts at pace without compromising quality. It’s the same approach we bring to all our defence work: responsive engineering support, certified welding and a team experienced in hitting mission critical deadlines.
Have a defence vehicle or complex fabrication project? Call 02476 370272 or email email@universalfabrications.com.
Speak to a Manufacturing Specialist today. Call 02476 370 272 or send us an email.
