In February 2024, a video appeared online showing this vehicle, a British Supacat manufactured 6x6 HMT 600 (High Mobility Transporter) which is fitted with a launch system for the British ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile; AIM-132 in U.S. service) short range missile. It was originally believed this was the British Gravehawk SAM system but more recent reports state the pictured “FrankenSAM” is not Gravehawk. The final Gravehawk system is fitted within a standard shipping container which is transported by a Leyland DAF 8x8 DROPS (Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System) truck. It uses Soviet-era Vympel R-73 missiles that are utilized by Ukrainian Air Force fighters as short range AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles). As there is a surplus of R-73 missiles (NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) due to the fact air-to-air combat between Ukrainian and Russian jets is rare, the R-73 is seeing use as a SAM.
However, the launcher on the Supacat HMT 600 is very similar to the one used on the Gravehawk, down to the shiny bolts that hold it together. In addition, the mast mounted sight is nearly identical to the one used on the Gravehawk. So, it is very possible that some of the equipment and apparatus seen here on the Supacat HMT 600 was incorporated into the final Gravehawk system.
Returning to the ASRAAM, it entered service in 1998 and it uses a dual-burn, high-impulse solid fuel rocket motor that can accelerate the ASRAAM to speeds exceeding Mach 3 (2,300 miles per hour). The maximum range around 30 miles. For a warhead, the ASRAAM has a 22 pound HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) payload and it can be triggered by one of two means: proximity fuze or impact. The ASRAAM uses LOAL (Lock-On After Launch) which means it can be launched and the onboard inertial guidance system will guide the missile towards the target, making adjustments as necessary to ensure a hit. There looks to be a Chess Dynamics Hawkeye optical suite which provides targeting, tracking, and target identification for the operator. The suite can be used with the ASRAAM to bring it to bear on a target. Speaking of targets, the ASRAAM is primarily deployed against Russian drones, loitering munitions, and cruise missiles.
As for the HMT 600, it is powered by a Cummins 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 180 horsepower and this provides for a top road speed of 75 miles per hour. The engine is paired to a Allison 5-speed automatic transmission. 53 gallons of fuel provide for a maximum cruise range of 435 miles. The cab is armored though to what level isn't stated in Supacat literature. It is also mine-resistant, in part due to the high wheelbase. Other features include ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), power steering, adjustable ride height, and four-wheel drive. As optional items, the HMT 600 can be fitted with runflat tires, self recovery winch, smoke grenade launchers, a RWS (Remote Weapons Station) mount, and IR lights.
