April 17, 2009: Britain has ordered 75 Springer cross-country vehicles for moving supplies from helicopter landing zones to troops nearby in remote areas of Afghanistan. The $130,000 vehicles seat two and carry up to a ton of cargo. The vehicles are similar to dune buggies, which are also designed to move over nasty terrain. Because the vehicles will move cross country, using unpredictable routes, they are much less likely to encounter roadside bombs (which are rarely used off road).

Vehicles of this type are increasingly popular in combat zones, as they can quickly move supplies cross country with a minimum of fuss and using less fuel than combat vehicles. The first Springer vehicles will reach British troops in Afghanistan this Summer.