In mid-2007 specialist vehicle contractor MacNeillie completed the first prototype of the Military Armoured Carrier System (MACS) that has been developed by the company as a private venture.

Development of MACS commenced in 2006 with the first prototype being designed and built in under 12 months.

The first prototype is based on proven commercial off the shelf (COTS) sub-systems used in the well known German Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (4 x 4) cross-country chassis.

Key sub-systems such powerpack and suspension are integrated into a new all welded steel monocoque hull. The prototype uses the UNIMOG engine and drive train with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 10 tonnes and is powered by a EURO III compliant diesel engine developing 156 hp coupled to an automatic transmission.

The first MACS was followed by a pre-production MACS using components from the larger UNIMOG S5000 (4 x 4) chassis with a wheelbase of 3.85 m, GVW weight of up to 14 tonnes and fitted with a EURO IV compliant diesel developing 218 bhp.

A further pre-production unit, configured as a bonneted, normal control vehicle will be completed in mid-2008. In addition, MacNeillie has designed a significant level of flexibility into the latest MACS concept, including the capability to accommodate alternative powertrains and systems.

MACS is of modular design which enables it to be supplied with different levels of armour protection to meet different user requirements.

Baseline MACS has a monocoque welded steel hull 6.5 mm thick with a spall liner that meets STANAG Level I providing protection against 7.62 mm ball small arms fire but much higher levels are available.

To allow stand off protection to be carried without excessive overhang the basic width of MACS has been contained within the track.

Bullet proof windows and a double skinned floor is standard. Appliqué armour, including V-shaped belly plates and wheel arch protection can also be fitted to MACS.

The driver and commander are seated at the front of the vehicle with each provided with a forward opening door with a large bullet proof window in the upper part. To their immediate front is a large two piece bullet proof windscreen.

First prototype MACS is configured for the troop carrier role has a crew of two, commander and driver with the seven troops being seated on individual seats in the rear down either side facing inwards. The seats provided with a full seat harness that is attached to the sides of the vehicle, not the floor.

The troops can rapidly enter and leave the MACS via twin doors in the rear of the vehicle that open outwards that are each provided with a bullet proof window in its upper part.

In addition there is a door in the left side of the hull that opens forwards with a bullet proof window in the upper part and there is also a bullet proof observation window in the right side of the hull.

Additional stowage and racking is provided to the rear of the driver for radios, ancillary equipment and electronic countermeasures equipment.

Roof of the MACS has been designed to take a variety of light weapon stations typically armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun.

Standard equipment includes a central tyre pressure system, run flat tyres and an air conditioning system.

Optional equipment includes a trailer connection, hydraulic power take off, different transmission and 24 V high capacity alternator.

In addition to being used as a troop carrier it is envisioned that MACS could also be used for a wide range of other specialist roles such as command post, explosive ordnance disposal vehicle and internal security vehicle.