The project is the vision of Stephen Ball, former CEO of Lockheed Martin UK and a Plymouth University alumnus, who recommended SC Group CEO, Nick Ames, be invited to become one of the project’s mentors. Devon headquartered SC Group is one of the world’s leading engineering companies specialising in the design and development of high mobility vehicles and bespoke equipment for harsh environments.

The pilot year has four of the highest achieving disadvantaged students across 29 engineering courses at the University taking part in the project. Nick is now mentoring a second year Mechanical Engineering student, Benjamin Bush, and as an employer with extensive industry experience, Nick is available to advise Ben on professional practice, improving his CV and interview techniques and crucially, providing him with a network to tap into, which can widen his horizons and raise his aspirations regarding the opportunities available to him.

Nick Ames, CEO of SC Group said: “The Tamar Engineering Project benefits both sides and I’ve found mentoring a very rewarding and refreshing experience.   Encouraging and helping the next generation of engineers has to be a good thing. The country needs them.  Working with Plymouth University also builds on our existing activity with local schools which includes hosting an annual open day for schools at our off-road Test Track”.

Professor Kevin Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: “The Tamar Engineering Project very much responds to the latest recommendations from HEFCE about underprivileged groups accessing higher education. But more than that, our hope is that it will help with retention of students, and through the mentoring side, provide a springboard to personal and career development. It is very rare that students have an opportunity to gain such advice and guidance from senior figures in industry.”

More information about the project can be found at www.plymouth.ac.uk/campaign/tamar

HMT 400 Desert has been adapted to enhance performance in the desert’s harsh environment and climatic conditions. It has no armour and the lighter gross vehicle mass improves the power-to-weight ratio and increases mobility over deep desert sand.  Further desert features include cooling, a central tyre inflation system and lightweight bead locks to enable the vehicle to be operated at the lowest tyre pressures.

The vehicle has been configured to fully comply with the UAE Presidential Guard’s requirements for a new special operations vehicle, including tactical CH-47 internal loading, and has undergone successful tactical trials and testing by UAE forces over the summer. The HMT series, widely known as `Jackal`, has been battle proven in service with numerous elite special forces worldwide.

“Supacat is committed to supporting the region and in the event that HMT 400 Desert is selected by the UAE Presidential Guard a large element of the production and subsequent support programmes will be conducted in UAE”, said Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat.

The flexibility of the HMT series has been recently demonstrated by Supacat in developing additional variants and conversions to meet wider and emerging requirements. These include HMT in the Recovery, Logistic Support and Gun Towing roles as well as a unique 4×4 to 6×6 convertible feature, which were announced in September at DVD in the UK.

The M33.2 has been designed specifically for the marine environment and extends Baudouin’s portfolio into the 650HP -1500HP range, offering the flexibility of two specifications, the 12M33.2 V12 39.2 litres and 6M33.2 straight 6 19.6 litres.  Its high engine capacity, relative to the horsepower, is designed to conserve engine life in high strain, load bearing applications such as fishing trawlers, offshore support, workboats and ferries.

Operational and through life costs are low in accordance with Baudouin’s reputation for designing low fuel consumption engines. A proven and simple design eases maintenance to minimise downtime.

Customers benefit from the world-wide technical expertise and service support from authorised Baudouin distributors, such as Proteum, the marine products specialist, which is part of the SC Group engineering business.  It operates from Hamble, UK, offering complete powertrain solutions, providing sales, commissioning, technical support, spares and servicing as well as service maintenance agreements and training.

Jeremy Paul, General Manager of Proteum, said, “The M33.2 is an exciting new engine delivering significant operational savings to commercial and fishing operators and Proteum is looking forward to talking to customers and supporting them through its introduction and service life ”.

Moteurs Baudouin has built a reputation for an unparalleled range of marine diesel engines, marine generators and auxiliary engines for the demanding commercial marine, fishing and shipping sectors.  The company is now part of the Weichai Power Company and continues to develop new products that offer exceptional reliability and low through life costs.

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