Meet the Panther Command Vehicle. It’s the Army’s tough nut currently tearing up the terrain in Afghanistan.

Built to withstand mine blasts, it’s a fortress on four fat wheels. But the Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle needs to be tough. Its job is to move commanders quickly and safely around the battlefield.

“It’s literally bulletproof”, says Sergeant Tam Anderson , a soldier in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment. “It can drive off-road and, if you get into trouble, has the power to get you out of there super-quick. I’d buy one tomorrow if I had a couple of million quid.”

"The boost button
gives the Panther
a surge of power"

The Panther is fitted with a choice of remote-controlled weapons, from a machine gun to a grenade launcher . Each weapon gives 360° protection and is fired from the inside using a joystick and camera. Fitted with a thermal sight, it can be used any time of day or night. Inside the Panther, there’s one extra button that is truly unique. “The Panther normally operates on three quarters of its power”, explains Sgt Anderson. “But there’s a boost button that takes it to the max for a surge of power when you need it.”