NEW armour to better protect against landmines in Afghanistan is to be fitted to military vehicles following the death of a Westcountry Royal Marine, an inquest heard.

Six modified Viking armoured vehicles were flown out to the war-torn country today along with armour to adapt the 50 currently being used.

The announcement was made after an unlawful killing verdict was recorded at the inquest into the death of a Royal Marine from Taunton- based 40 Commando.

Corporal Damian "Dee" Mulvihill died in an explosion while travelling in the front seat of a Viking on February 20 last year in Helmand Province.

Coroner Ian Arrow is also to write a report to the Defence Secretary, outlining the importance of staying ahead of technological advances to prevent "leapfrogging".

The inquest, in Plymouth's City Council House, heard 32-year-old Cpl Mulvihill was killed instantly.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Teare, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), told the hearing that numerous "mine strikes" prompted urgent requests for Viking's undercarriages to be reinforced.

He told the hearing yesterday: "A new armour set has been designed and hopefully will be flown out tomorrow. We currently have 50 vehicles in theatre, we are flying six completed vehicles and the additional kits.

"They should be fitted by April and improve the mine blast protection."

Lt Col Teare said that the Viking was initially designed to defend small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades and therefore most of the armour was on the top of the vehicle.

Cpl Mulvihill, from Plymouth, was travelling in a Viking and carrying out search and clearance patrols of compounds in the Sangin valley when the vehicle triggered a mine.

Delivering his verdict of unlawful killing, Coroner Ian Arrow said he was "humbled" by the work of the armed forces and that conflict causes each adversary to keep coming up with new technology to gain an advantage.

Cpl Mulvihill joined the Royal Marines in 1998 and completed deployments around the world, including operations in Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland.

An MoD spokesman said: "We have noted the Coroner's comments on vehicle protection and can confirm that work to increase mine blast protection levels for Viking is already under way and will be completed by mid-2009."

Royal Marine Lieutenant Colonel Woody Page said: "Cpl Mulvihill was killed in the service of his country, leading his men, as he always had, with unquestionable courage and good humour.

"His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. The Royal Marines have lost a truly exceptional man, and he will never be forgotten."