What do you get if you cross a Goliath Sd.Kfz. 302 with the rear of a Kettenkrad and the business end of a Sherman Crab? Not sure? Neither were we, but HDT Global's Protector comes close and all in a package no bigger than Postman Pat's van. Spotted at London's recent arms fair the Protector is designed to clear paths and carry heavy equipment for foot patrols. Currently under development with the US military as part of an ongoing programme to combat lEDs, HDT claim the Protector has been tested successfully in the harshest of environments. While justifiably cagey about how many dark-suited Lords of War had opened their cheque books during the show, MMI is assured the Protector is coming to a conflict near you soon. The only thing likely to keep it out of Afghanistan is the planned American downscale. The Protector can be dropped off by truck or helicopter with the troops it's supporting and trundle beside them at a walking or running pace. The Protector has no combat role other than mobile cover and can be used to transport two battle casualties for helicopter evacuation when fitted with stretchers.
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