Force Protection Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FORCE PROTECTION, INC., announced May 31, 2011, the formation of Team Timberwolf on the eve of CANSEC, Canada’s foremost defence and security technology showcase. Team Timberwolf is comprised of Force Protection Survivability Solutions Canada, CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to compete for the Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) project. Force Protection Industries, Inc. previously announced that it has been selected by the Canadian Government as one of the competitor companies qualified to provide up to 600 wheeled combat vehicles and related long term support services. The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) expects to award a contract to the final selected bidder by early 2012. Force Protection also previously announced that it has entered into teaming agreements with CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada for the TAPV project. The Timberwolf is a Force Protection Cougar tailored for TAPV. The blast-protected lower hull is essentially similar to the wheeled armoured vehicle Cougar 6x6 bought for EROC (Expedient Route-Opening Capability) duties.

The Timberwolf is equipped with an remote weapons system in place of the M1114-style manual rooftop gun position, which equips the standard version of Cougar 6x6 vehicle. TAPV doesn't require that a remote-weapon system actually be mounted but does stipulate the integration for an RWS. For Timberwolf, Elbit Systems (through Canterra) offers its Dual Remote Weapon System. Derived from the earlier Elbit RCMS-M (used on Austrian patrol vehicles) DRWS mounts two weapons at once. For TAPV, a 7.62 mm C6 machinegun would be matched with the 40mm C16 automatic grenade launcher or the AGL would be swapped for a 12.7mm M2HB machinegun, giving the Timberwolf firepower and flexibility.

In body form, the Timberwolf is related to another recent Cougar derivative, Force Protection's Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle uses by the British army. In the one released photo of the Timberwolf demonstrator, the lower hull sides appear to have spaced-armour panels attached parallel to the v-shaped hull. This may be an attempt to add crew protection from blasts by roadside IEDs without sacrificing landmine protection.

The Timberwolf uses a 6x6 wheeled chassis. The Timberwolf will be equipped with an independent suspension as the TAK-4 independent suspension system from the American Company Oshkosh Defense. It increases vehicle mobility, ride quality, off-road speeds and load-carrying capacity as well as lowers life-cycle costs.

• Engine: Caterpillar C9 ACERT Horsepow er/Torque 450 Hp @ 2100 RPM/1364 ft-lbs @1600 RPM

• Transmission: Caterpillar CX 28 6 speed, automatic with PTO options

• Differentials: Locking

• _Axles: Full Independent w/CTIS

• Tires/Wheels: Michelin XZL 16R20 M Rated/Hutchinson VFI w/Run Flats and CTIS

The Timberwolf will be equipped with the last generation of C4ISR system.