British Armoured Vehicles.
A. Main Battle Tanks
B. Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers
C. Reconnaissance and Light Armoured Vehicles
D. Self-Propelled Artillery & Anti-Aircraft vehicles
E. Engineering, armoured recovery and miscellaneous
F. Future Vehicles
British Armoured Vehicles.
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Bernard Woolley
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Bernard Woolley
- Posts: 707
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
- Location: Earth
A. Main Battle Tanks.
A. Main Battle Tanks.
FV4201 Chieftain
Britain’s first true Main Battle Tank, the Chieftain served as the backbone of the Royal Armoured Corps from the 1966 until the early 1990s. By the beginning of the Nineties the British Army still had 646 Chieftain gun tanks in service, the majority being the Mark 10 and Mark 11, both marks had STILLBREW armour, but only the latter had the TOGS system installed. The army intended to retain 324 Mark 11 in War Maintenance Reserve. That plan was derailed by the expansion of the Territorial Army post 1997. There would not be enough Challenger 1 and 2 to equip all of the newly raised Yeomanry armoured regiments. Several of these regiments would be equipped with the upgraded Mark 12 and Mark 13 Chieftain, which were upgraded Mark 10 and 11 tanks respectively. These tanks were fitted with the Improved Computerised Sighting System (ICSS), as used by the Challenger 1, hydraulic track adjusters, and, in a very popular move, an electric heater and were later fitted with the Bowman radio. Consideration was also given to re-arming these marks with the L30 120mm gun, but that was not carried out, as issuing Chieftain to Yeomanry regiments was considered to be an interim measure.
The final gun variant issued to the British Army was the Mark 14, which was a war-built variant. That variant was a major upgrade of the tank, based on a lot of the features of the prototype Chieftain 800, 900 and 2000. Most notably the Mark 14 gained additional armour on the turret and hull front, giving it a more angular appearance. The armour on the turret was actually quite thin, the STILLBREW armour being considered more than adequate. However, it would allow for the mounting of the same applique armour panels fitted to the Challenger 2’s turret. [NOTE 1]. The Mark 14 would also be fitted with the same ROMOR armoured side-skirts and reactive armour panels on the nose as fitted to Challenger 1 and 2. The tank was also fitted with similar Armoured Charge Bins as those developed for the Challenger 1 Mk.2 (ACB). To improve gunnery the Mark 14 would be fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2. The addition of extra armour increased the weight of the Chieftain, which impacted on its mobility. To counter this the flawed L60 engine was replaced by a 900-horsepower variant of the Perkins CV8 diesel engine. Moreover, the old Horstman suspension units were replaced with bolt-on hydrostat suspension units. These together greatly improved both the cross-country speed and gave a better ride, although the Chieftain would never be a fast tank. [NOTE 2]
Mark 11, 12 and 13 tanks were issued to some Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties. Two war-raised regiments of the RAC and one of the RNZAC would be equipped with the Mark 14.
FV4030/4 Challenger 1
The Challenger 1 was not a tank that the British Army had intended to procure, having originated as a tank for the Imperial Iranian Army – the FV4030/3 Shir 2. The Iranian Revolution led to the cancellation of the project, which happened to coincide with the collapse of the over ambitious MBT-80 project. With the Royal Ordnance Factory at Leeds facing the prospect of closure, due to no work and the army the prospect of no tank to replace the Chieftain, the Shir 2, after modification became the Challenger (no ‘1’ was attached to the name at that tank). With the more powerful and reliable Perkins CV12 diesel engine and Chobham armour, the Challenger was considered a significant improvement over Chieftain. However, the Mark 1 lacked TOGS and was considered an interim vehicle, used to train troops. The Mark 2 added TOGS while the Mark 3 had revised internal arrangements, including Armoured Charge Bins for the two-piece ammunition. An additional variant was created during the 1990-91 Gulf War, when there were not enough Mark 3 tanks available. This was the Mark 2 (Armoured Charge Bins), which, as the name suggested, had been fitted with armoured charge bins for its ammunition. That variant was arguably better protected than the Mark 3, as its ACBs held ‘doublets’, rather than ‘triplets’ of the latter mark. Like the Chieftain, the Challenger 1 would equip some newly raised Yeomanry regiments, pending delivery of Challenger 2.
By 2005 around 150 of the 420 Challenger 1 built remained in War Maintenance Reserve, a number that had been steadily reducing as the hulls were used for new Challenger 2s, or for conversion to specialist vehicles, like the CARRV. Some of the tanks in WMR were issued Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties, around sixty would be converted into Challenger 2s, or donate their hulls to allow damaged tanks to be replaced, while others would be converted to Challenger Marksman AA vehicles. The remaining tanks were upgraded to Mark 4 standard, being fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2 and the 1,500 bhp variant of the CV12 engine, as well as the same applique armour as the newer tank. Those tanks were issued to a single war-raised regiment.
FV4034 Challenger 2
The disappointing performance of the Challenger at the Canadian Arms Trophy in 1987 led to the army again seeking a new-generation tank; Challenger in many ways being an evolution of the Chieftain. [NOTE 3] Thankfully, the then Vickers Defence Systems had already begun to develop a successor to both Chieftain and Challenger as a private venture, using their Mark 7 tank as the basis. While the Challenger 2 would share a hull with the Challenger 1 (albeit upgraded), it had an all new, better protected turret, armed with the L30A1 High Pressure 120mm rifled gun, a digital fire-control system, and the improved TOGS II. The new gun would allow Challenger 2 to fire more powerful CHARM 3 APFSDS rounds, as well as HESH. The Challenger 2 would go on to equip all of the regular and Territorial Army Yeomanry rank regiments. Production of the tank began in 1993 and was ongoing in 2005, Challenger 2s being built at both BAES Leeds and Newcastle. During the war an upgraded variant, the Mark 2 (the existing tanks being retrospectively designated the Mark 1) was produced. It had improved armour protection, called Dorchester Level 2H, which included a new slab of passive armour on the nose of the tank, replacing the reactive armour. Additional armour was added to the side of the turret, while Israeli designed reactive armour was fitted over the existing ROMOR Dorchester side skirts. The additional armour brought the tank’s weight up to over 70 tons and to mitigate this the CV12 engine was upgraded to produce 1,500 bhp. The Gunner’s Primary Sight was also upgraded, as was TOGS. The Fire Control Computer, Fire Control Panel and Gun Processing Unit were also upgraded, and the Commander gained a new panoramic sight, something soldiers had wanted for a while. All new Challenger 2s would be built to the Mark 2 standard, while Mark 1s would be upgraded over time, often as tanks came in to be repaired. Most of the work was carried out at base workshops by REME personnel, with assistance of BAES civilian technicians. Some Challenger 2s used ‘up-cycled’ hulls from Challenger 1s, however these tanks were virtually indistinguishable from tanks with new-build hulls.
FV4036 Conquest
With Challenger 1 hulls being ‘up-cycled’ for use with Challenger 2s and specialist variants like the CRARRV, a surplus of perfectly serviceable Challenger 1 turrets built up. Most of these turrets were sold to Jordan, who used them to upgrade their Chieftain based Khalid tanks; these new vehicles being designated the Al-Hussein. However, that still left a significant number of turrets in storage in the UK. It was not surprising, then, that it was decided to fit some of these turrets to Chieftain Mark 14 hulls. Between four and six of these hybrid tanks, named the Conquest, were built and testing demonstrated that the tank would have been a good vehicle. However, there were not enough spare Challenger 1 turrets available to build enough Conquests to equip an armoured regiment, so the project did not progress beyond the testing phase. Some consideration was given to fit Challenger 2 turrets to the same hulls, indeed there was evidence that at least one prototype was tested, but since there was no shortage of Challenger hulls, it was not worth pursuing the idea any further.
*
1) As noted by Richard Kent in Chieftain – Britain’s Flawed Masterpiece, p.27, in @ the British Army used a T-80, apparently purchased from Ukraine, to test the effectiveness of the STILLBREW armour. The tests showed that STILLBREW panels could be expected to take two to three hits from Soviet APFDS rounds before failing, even at (for a tank) point-blank range. Therefore, as the existing armour gave the Chieftain excellent protection, it was not considered worthwhile adding anything other than thin sheet steel armour to give the applique armour panels designed for the Challenger 2 to be fitted.
2) Consideration was given to fitting the CV12 engine as used by the Challenger 1 and 2. However, this would have needed significant modification of the rear hull, as with the Khalid tank. Therefore, the smaller CV8, which had been used in the Chieftain 800, 900 and 2000 and in a derated form in the Warrior IFV.
3) Ironically, given its failure at CAT ’87, the Challenger 1 proved to be a very effective tank during the Gulf War.
FV4201 Chieftain
Britain’s first true Main Battle Tank, the Chieftain served as the backbone of the Royal Armoured Corps from the 1966 until the early 1990s. By the beginning of the Nineties the British Army still had 646 Chieftain gun tanks in service, the majority being the Mark 10 and Mark 11, both marks had STILLBREW armour, but only the latter had the TOGS system installed. The army intended to retain 324 Mark 11 in War Maintenance Reserve. That plan was derailed by the expansion of the Territorial Army post 1997. There would not be enough Challenger 1 and 2 to equip all of the newly raised Yeomanry armoured regiments. Several of these regiments would be equipped with the upgraded Mark 12 and Mark 13 Chieftain, which were upgraded Mark 10 and 11 tanks respectively. These tanks were fitted with the Improved Computerised Sighting System (ICSS), as used by the Challenger 1, hydraulic track adjusters, and, in a very popular move, an electric heater and were later fitted with the Bowman radio. Consideration was also given to re-arming these marks with the L30 120mm gun, but that was not carried out, as issuing Chieftain to Yeomanry regiments was considered to be an interim measure.
The final gun variant issued to the British Army was the Mark 14, which was a war-built variant. That variant was a major upgrade of the tank, based on a lot of the features of the prototype Chieftain 800, 900 and 2000. Most notably the Mark 14 gained additional armour on the turret and hull front, giving it a more angular appearance. The armour on the turret was actually quite thin, the STILLBREW armour being considered more than adequate. However, it would allow for the mounting of the same applique armour panels fitted to the Challenger 2’s turret. [NOTE 1]. The Mark 14 would also be fitted with the same ROMOR armoured side-skirts and reactive armour panels on the nose as fitted to Challenger 1 and 2. The tank was also fitted with similar Armoured Charge Bins as those developed for the Challenger 1 Mk.2 (ACB). To improve gunnery the Mark 14 would be fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2. The addition of extra armour increased the weight of the Chieftain, which impacted on its mobility. To counter this the flawed L60 engine was replaced by a 900-horsepower variant of the Perkins CV8 diesel engine. Moreover, the old Horstman suspension units were replaced with bolt-on hydrostat suspension units. These together greatly improved both the cross-country speed and gave a better ride, although the Chieftain would never be a fast tank. [NOTE 2]
Mark 11, 12 and 13 tanks were issued to some Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties. Two war-raised regiments of the RAC and one of the RNZAC would be equipped with the Mark 14.
FV4030/4 Challenger 1
The Challenger 1 was not a tank that the British Army had intended to procure, having originated as a tank for the Imperial Iranian Army – the FV4030/3 Shir 2. The Iranian Revolution led to the cancellation of the project, which happened to coincide with the collapse of the over ambitious MBT-80 project. With the Royal Ordnance Factory at Leeds facing the prospect of closure, due to no work and the army the prospect of no tank to replace the Chieftain, the Shir 2, after modification became the Challenger (no ‘1’ was attached to the name at that tank). With the more powerful and reliable Perkins CV12 diesel engine and Chobham armour, the Challenger was considered a significant improvement over Chieftain. However, the Mark 1 lacked TOGS and was considered an interim vehicle, used to train troops. The Mark 2 added TOGS while the Mark 3 had revised internal arrangements, including Armoured Charge Bins for the two-piece ammunition. An additional variant was created during the 1990-91 Gulf War, when there were not enough Mark 3 tanks available. This was the Mark 2 (Armoured Charge Bins), which, as the name suggested, had been fitted with armoured charge bins for its ammunition. That variant was arguably better protected than the Mark 3, as its ACBs held ‘doublets’, rather than ‘triplets’ of the latter mark. Like the Chieftain, the Challenger 1 would equip some newly raised Yeomanry regiments, pending delivery of Challenger 2.
By 2005 around 150 of the 420 Challenger 1 built remained in War Maintenance Reserve, a number that had been steadily reducing as the hulls were used for new Challenger 2s, or for conversion to specialist vehicles, like the CARRV. Some of the tanks in WMR were issued Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties, around sixty would be converted into Challenger 2s, or donate their hulls to allow damaged tanks to be replaced, while others would be converted to Challenger Marksman AA vehicles. The remaining tanks were upgraded to Mark 4 standard, being fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2 and the 1,500 bhp variant of the CV12 engine, as well as the same applique armour as the newer tank. Those tanks were issued to a single war-raised regiment.
FV4034 Challenger 2
The disappointing performance of the Challenger at the Canadian Arms Trophy in 1987 led to the army again seeking a new-generation tank; Challenger in many ways being an evolution of the Chieftain. [NOTE 3] Thankfully, the then Vickers Defence Systems had already begun to develop a successor to both Chieftain and Challenger as a private venture, using their Mark 7 tank as the basis. While the Challenger 2 would share a hull with the Challenger 1 (albeit upgraded), it had an all new, better protected turret, armed with the L30A1 High Pressure 120mm rifled gun, a digital fire-control system, and the improved TOGS II. The new gun would allow Challenger 2 to fire more powerful CHARM 3 APFSDS rounds, as well as HESH. The Challenger 2 would go on to equip all of the regular and Territorial Army Yeomanry rank regiments. Production of the tank began in 1993 and was ongoing in 2005, Challenger 2s being built at both BAES Leeds and Newcastle. During the war an upgraded variant, the Mark 2 (the existing tanks being retrospectively designated the Mark 1) was produced. It had improved armour protection, called Dorchester Level 2H, which included a new slab of passive armour on the nose of the tank, replacing the reactive armour. Additional armour was added to the side of the turret, while Israeli designed reactive armour was fitted over the existing ROMOR Dorchester side skirts. The additional armour brought the tank’s weight up to over 70 tons and to mitigate this the CV12 engine was upgraded to produce 1,500 bhp. The Gunner’s Primary Sight was also upgraded, as was TOGS. The Fire Control Computer, Fire Control Panel and Gun Processing Unit were also upgraded, and the Commander gained a new panoramic sight, something soldiers had wanted for a while. All new Challenger 2s would be built to the Mark 2 standard, while Mark 1s would be upgraded over time, often as tanks came in to be repaired. Most of the work was carried out at base workshops by REME personnel, with assistance of BAES civilian technicians. Some Challenger 2s used ‘up-cycled’ hulls from Challenger 1s, however these tanks were virtually indistinguishable from tanks with new-build hulls.
FV4036 Conquest
With Challenger 1 hulls being ‘up-cycled’ for use with Challenger 2s and specialist variants like the CRARRV, a surplus of perfectly serviceable Challenger 1 turrets built up. Most of these turrets were sold to Jordan, who used them to upgrade their Chieftain based Khalid tanks; these new vehicles being designated the Al-Hussein. However, that still left a significant number of turrets in storage in the UK. It was not surprising, then, that it was decided to fit some of these turrets to Chieftain Mark 14 hulls. Between four and six of these hybrid tanks, named the Conquest, were built and testing demonstrated that the tank would have been a good vehicle. However, there were not enough spare Challenger 1 turrets available to build enough Conquests to equip an armoured regiment, so the project did not progress beyond the testing phase. Some consideration was given to fit Challenger 2 turrets to the same hulls, indeed there was evidence that at least one prototype was tested, but since there was no shortage of Challenger hulls, it was not worth pursuing the idea any further.
*
1) As noted by Richard Kent in Chieftain – Britain’s Flawed Masterpiece, p.27, in @ the British Army used a T-80, apparently purchased from Ukraine, to test the effectiveness of the STILLBREW armour. The tests showed that STILLBREW panels could be expected to take two to three hits from Soviet APFDS rounds before failing, even at (for a tank) point-blank range. Therefore, as the existing armour gave the Chieftain excellent protection, it was not considered worthwhile adding anything other than thin sheet steel armour to give the applique armour panels designed for the Challenger 2 to be fitted.
2) Consideration was given to fitting the CV12 engine as used by the Challenger 1 and 2. However, this would have needed significant modification of the rear hull, as with the Khalid tank. Therefore, the smaller CV8, which had been used in the Chieftain 800, 900 and 2000 and in a derated form in the Warrior IFV.
3) Ironically, given its failure at CAT ’87, the Challenger 1 proved to be a very effective tank during the Gulf War.
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Bernard Woolley
- Posts: 707
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
- Location: Earth
B. Infantry Fighting Vehicles & Armoured Personnel Carriers.
B. Infantry Fighting Vehicles & Armoured Personnel Carriers.
FV510 Warrior
With a new Main Battle Tank under development, the British Army knew that it needed a vehicle capable of keeping up with the new MBT, something that the FV432 would not be able to. The initial IFV design was heavier than what eventually emerged and would have had Chobham Armour. That well-protected design would prove to be too expensive, and the army started from scratch. The design that would emerge, initially designated the MCV-80 would have aluminium armour, rather than composite armour, making it both lighter and less expensive than the initial design. The MCV-80 was soon named Warrior and was accepted for troop trials in 1984.
The Warrior was slowly delivered throughout the 1980s, enough of them being in service to equip the armoured infantry battalions deployed to the Gulf in 1990-91. As part of this deployment, Warriors were fitted with Chobham applique armour, giving it protection comparable to the Challenger MBT. Post-Gulf War Warriors were upgraded Battle Group Thermal Imaging (BGTI) sights, replacing the passive image intensifier night vision sights initially fitted. The IFVs would also have their Clansman radios replaced by Bowman once the latter was available. Despite the war demonstrating the Warrior’s armament as having limitations – the 30mm RARDEN was regarded as a good, accurate and powerful weapon, but it was un-stabilised which made firing on the move accurately almost impossible. It was also manually loaded and limited to bursts of 6 rounds when fired fully automatic. It was believed by soldiers that a degree of precognition was required when deciding on what ammunition type is needed for future engagements. Despite those limitations, soldiers appreciated the Warrior’s level of protection.
Other than the FV510 Infantry Section Vehicle, the British Army also used the FV511 Infantry Command Vehicle, which was externally similar to the ISV, but had additional radios in the troop compartment, the FV512 Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle and FV513 Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair), both used by used by REME detachments, the FV514 Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle and FV515 Battery Command Vehicle, both used by the Royal Artillery, and the FV516 81mm mortar carrier and FV517 120mm breach loading turreted mortar carrier. During the Gulf War some FV501s were modified as MILAN carriers, replacing the FV432 vehicles previously assigned to this role. The modifications consisted of a simple pintle mount welded to the roof of the turret, where a MILAN firing post could be fitted, while the troop compartment was modified to carry missiles. Those vehicles were later modified to use the Javelin missile. That modification was more extensive, a Javelin canister mounted on either side of the turret and the missiles could be fired from under armour.
FV520 Warrior 2
The British Army had recognised that the Warrior would need a major mid-life upgrade to see it through to its planned out of service date around 2040. As part of what would become the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme, the IFV would be fitted with a new turret designed by BAES, which was armed with a fully stabilised 40mm cannon firing Cased telescopic ammunition. A weapon that would also be used to upgrade the French VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The turret was also designed to be armed with two Javelin ATGW, although in practice, only Warriors assigned to anti-tank platoons would be so armed. The Warrior 2 would also be fitted with new digital electronic architecture that would incorporate the upgrades already carried out. To mitigate the weight increases that went along with the new turret and upgrades to the applique armour the Perkins CV8 diesel was upgraded to 700 bhp from 550 bhp. The WCSP would also upgrade the specialist variants of the vehicle, with them being redesignated as follows – FV521 (Infantry Command Variant), FV522 (Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle), FV523 (Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)), FV524 (Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle), FV525 (Battery Command Vehicle), FV526 (81mm mortar carrier), FV527 (120mm breach loading turreted mortar carrier) FV528 (Warrior AA). A small number of production standard Warrior 2s were in service in early 2005 and these were combat tested by British Army units in West Germany. Additional section and command vehicles were subsequently upgraded to Warrior 2 standard. The specialist vehicles were not upgraded until after the war but were fitted with the more powerful variant of the CV8 engine. A small number of Warrior based scout vehicles, which had been used for developmental purposes as part of the Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER) programme, were also deployed to West Germany for combat testing. These vehicles had a shortened hull with five road wheels on each side, rather than the usual six, and had a modified version of the turret fitted to the Warrior 2.
FV432
A basic metal box on tracks Armoured Personnel Carrier which initially entered service in the early 1960s. The FV432 was the basis for a family of vehicles and unlike a lot of other APCs was made of steel, rather than aluminium, which made it heavier, but, arguably, more survivable than vehicles like the M113. The Mark 1 used a petrol engine, the Mark 2 used the multi-fuel variant of the Rolls-Royce K60 engine, and the Mark 3 had the diesel only variant of the K60. Most FV432 were upgraded to Mark 3 standard, those that were not, were disposed of; some becoming range targets, or being donated to museums. Armament wise the APC was initially armed with an L4 LMG, or L7 GPMG mounted by the commander’s hatch. Some were latter fitted with the Peak Engineering turret armed with the L37A1 variant of the 7.62mm GPMG, which replaced the roof hatch. Thirteen FV432 were fitted with the 30mm RARDEN armed turret of the CVR (W) Fox. The FV432/30 was not able to carry any dismounts, the intention being to use it as a fire-support vehicle. The army eventually decided that existing vehicles, like the Fox and Scimitar, filled the role and the vehicle was considered to be a bit top-heavy and no more FV432 were converted. Although, twelve of the conversions were assigned to the Berlin Infantry Brigade.
With the entry of the Warrior into service, the FV432 was increasingly assigned to support roles within armoured battle groups, such as mortar and MILAN carriers, ambulances, command posts and cargo carriers. The Gulf War demonstrated the limitations of the APC in these roles, the FV432 struggling to keep up with Challengers and Warriors, plus its ageing K60 engine was becoming increasingly unreliable. By 2005 most surviving Mark 3s had been withdrawn to War Maintenance Reserve, although many could still be found being used by supporting units.
FV430 Mark 3 ‘Bulldog’
While in an ideal world the British Army would have replaced the FV430 family with a new vehicle, probably based on the Warrior, real world budget limitations would not allow for all FV432 to be replaced. The existing FV432 and other variants represented sunk costs and would be less expensive to upgrade than it would to buy a whole new vehicle. It was also easier to convince HM Treasury to allocate funds to what the army represented as an ‘upgrade’ of an existing platform. Gone in the rebuild was the old, unreliable K60 engine, replaced by a new Cummins diesel engine, a new steering and breaking system, and air conditioning were also installed. An enhanced armour package, based on the one that the IDF used on its M113 fleet, was also produced for the ‘Bulldog’, which gave it comparable protection to the Warrior, although this was not generally fitted in peacetime. A noticeable exception was in West Berlin, where it was found that the weight of the new armour went a long way to curing the top-heavy nature of what was now designated the FV430/30. The rebuild programme initially concentrated on the FV432 and FV434s, but soon moved onto other remaining members of the FV430 family, the name ‘Bulldog’ being generally applied to all upgraded vehicles. Armament wise, the ‘Bulldog’ was usually armed with the L7 GPMG, fitted by the commander’ hatch, but now with a shield. Some vehicles retained the Peak one-man turret, while others had a Remote Weapons Station armed with either a GPMG or Browning HMG. The ambulance variant was fitted with the new armour package but remained unarmed. During the war, additional APC variants held in War Maintenance Reserve were upgraded to ‘Bulldog’ standard. FV430 would be issued to some mechanised infantry battalions, replacing the AT105 Saxon. To provide these battalions with more firepower, additional FV430/30 were built. Initially the new vehicles were assigned to a four vehicle ‘fire support’ platoon in Support Company, but as more became available, each rifle company would also gain a similar platoon.
AT-105 Saxon
In the early 1980s the British Army of the Rhine when mobilised would have received a number of light infantry battalions who were expected to travel to their deployment areas in soft-skin lorries. As these lorries were not organic to these battalions there was a more than good chance that they would be assigned other tasks, either leaving the infantry stuck in the UK, or effectively immobile once they reached Germany. The unspoken strategy of these battalions would in any conflict be ‘dig, fight, die’. When the General Defence Plan for 1 (Br) Corps was modified in around 1983 from static to mobile defence, it was intended that these light infantry battalions would be used in a more active role, but the question remained of how the soldiers would be transported.
Enter the AT-105 Saxon, which was in effect an armoured lorry based on the mechanicals of the Bedford Mk family, already in widespread use by the army. The Saxon’s role would be as a ‘cheap but efficient’ battle-taxi that would transport the infantry battalions from the UK by ferry and road to Germany and then provide them with protected mobility when there. It was certainly never intended to be used as a combat or fighting vehicle, which must always be remembered when there is a temptation to criticise it for its apparent shortcomings. The Mechanised Infantry Battalion (Wheeled) used the basic APC variant, as well as then AT-105A ambulance, AT-105MR 81mm mortar carrier, AT-105C command variant, as well as APC variants modified to carry MILAN and latter Javelin ATGW teams, who would dismount to use their weapons. Armament wise the Saxon was fitted with an L7 GPMG on a pintle mount by the commander’s hatch, while some Saxons assigned to peacekeeping duties in Bosnia were fitted with the one-man Peak turret taken from FV432s. The other major variant used by the British Army was the Saxon Patrol, which had a different diesel engine and was designed to be used for Internal Security in Northern Ireland. The Patrol variant had extendible wings that could be used as protective shields during a riot, along with various minor modifications intended for internal security operations, such as searchlights and wire cutters. With the improving security situation in Northern Ireland, some Saxon Patrols were repatriated to the Mainland, where they were issued to Home Defence battalions. Some of the basic APC variants were modified to a similar standard to the Patrol and issued to units assigned to rear-area duties in BAOR in the event of war. During the war, many Saxon battalions, e.g., those assigned to 1 and 2 Infantry Brigades, were re-equipped with FV430 ‘Bulldog’, the Saxons being cascaded to the remaining light infantry battalions in 1 (Br) Corps and British Support Command.
FV603 Saracen
A six-wheeled APC designed in the early 1950s, which was used by the British Army in almost all of Britain’s Small Wars between that decade and the 1980s. Its last major use was in the Internal Security Role in Northern Ireland, where the up-armoured Mark 5 and Mark 6 were employed. The Saracen was replaced in the IS role by the Saxon Patrol, with most of the remaining vehicles being disposed of to scrap or museums. A handful of Saracens, probably less than thirty remained in storage, or as ‘gate guardians’ in various locations. These vehicles were issued to Home Defence units and as they were being used in the IS role, they remained unarmed, as they had been in Northern Ireland.
Humber Pig
A four-wheeled lightly armoured truck, used as an APC by both the British Army and the former Royal Ulster Constabulary. The Mk 2 FV1611 and FV1612 up-armoured variants were used for IS duties in Northern Ireland, being finally withdrawn in the early 1990s. As with the Saracen, most of the Pig fleet was disposed of, but a small number survived to be re-issued to Home Defence units in 2005. By that time the vehicles were very old and had not been very well preserved in storage, other than some vehicles requisitioned from museums and private owners and would keep REME detachments very busy.
Armoured Land Rovers
The British Army had two main types of armoured Land Rover in service in 2005, the Land Rover 110 Armoured Patrol Vehicle, which was similar in size and weight to the RUC/PSNI Tangi, and the lighter, smaller Snatch Land Rover, which was also based on the 110 chassis. Both were used for general patrolling duties, the latter vehicle gaining its name as it was the preferred mount for ‘snatch squads’ during riots. While designed for use in Northern Ireland, during the war, both vehicles were used on the Mainland and by some Line of Communications infantry units in West Germany and the Netherlands. Both vehicles offered their occupants protection against rifle calibre bullets and the sort of Improvised Explosive Devices employed by the PIRA. Larger calibre weapons and more powerful AT weapons, such the RPG family could over-match their GRP armour.
FV510 Warrior
With a new Main Battle Tank under development, the British Army knew that it needed a vehicle capable of keeping up with the new MBT, something that the FV432 would not be able to. The initial IFV design was heavier than what eventually emerged and would have had Chobham Armour. That well-protected design would prove to be too expensive, and the army started from scratch. The design that would emerge, initially designated the MCV-80 would have aluminium armour, rather than composite armour, making it both lighter and less expensive than the initial design. The MCV-80 was soon named Warrior and was accepted for troop trials in 1984.
The Warrior was slowly delivered throughout the 1980s, enough of them being in service to equip the armoured infantry battalions deployed to the Gulf in 1990-91. As part of this deployment, Warriors were fitted with Chobham applique armour, giving it protection comparable to the Challenger MBT. Post-Gulf War Warriors were upgraded Battle Group Thermal Imaging (BGTI) sights, replacing the passive image intensifier night vision sights initially fitted. The IFVs would also have their Clansman radios replaced by Bowman once the latter was available. Despite the war demonstrating the Warrior’s armament as having limitations – the 30mm RARDEN was regarded as a good, accurate and powerful weapon, but it was un-stabilised which made firing on the move accurately almost impossible. It was also manually loaded and limited to bursts of 6 rounds when fired fully automatic. It was believed by soldiers that a degree of precognition was required when deciding on what ammunition type is needed for future engagements. Despite those limitations, soldiers appreciated the Warrior’s level of protection.
Other than the FV510 Infantry Section Vehicle, the British Army also used the FV511 Infantry Command Vehicle, which was externally similar to the ISV, but had additional radios in the troop compartment, the FV512 Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle and FV513 Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair), both used by used by REME detachments, the FV514 Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle and FV515 Battery Command Vehicle, both used by the Royal Artillery, and the FV516 81mm mortar carrier and FV517 120mm breach loading turreted mortar carrier. During the Gulf War some FV501s were modified as MILAN carriers, replacing the FV432 vehicles previously assigned to this role. The modifications consisted of a simple pintle mount welded to the roof of the turret, where a MILAN firing post could be fitted, while the troop compartment was modified to carry missiles. Those vehicles were later modified to use the Javelin missile. That modification was more extensive, a Javelin canister mounted on either side of the turret and the missiles could be fired from under armour.
FV520 Warrior 2
The British Army had recognised that the Warrior would need a major mid-life upgrade to see it through to its planned out of service date around 2040. As part of what would become the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme, the IFV would be fitted with a new turret designed by BAES, which was armed with a fully stabilised 40mm cannon firing Cased telescopic ammunition. A weapon that would also be used to upgrade the French VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The turret was also designed to be armed with two Javelin ATGW, although in practice, only Warriors assigned to anti-tank platoons would be so armed. The Warrior 2 would also be fitted with new digital electronic architecture that would incorporate the upgrades already carried out. To mitigate the weight increases that went along with the new turret and upgrades to the applique armour the Perkins CV8 diesel was upgraded to 700 bhp from 550 bhp. The WCSP would also upgrade the specialist variants of the vehicle, with them being redesignated as follows – FV521 (Infantry Command Variant), FV522 (Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle), FV523 (Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)), FV524 (Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle), FV525 (Battery Command Vehicle), FV526 (81mm mortar carrier), FV527 (120mm breach loading turreted mortar carrier) FV528 (Warrior AA). A small number of production standard Warrior 2s were in service in early 2005 and these were combat tested by British Army units in West Germany. Additional section and command vehicles were subsequently upgraded to Warrior 2 standard. The specialist vehicles were not upgraded until after the war but were fitted with the more powerful variant of the CV8 engine. A small number of Warrior based scout vehicles, which had been used for developmental purposes as part of the Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER) programme, were also deployed to West Germany for combat testing. These vehicles had a shortened hull with five road wheels on each side, rather than the usual six, and had a modified version of the turret fitted to the Warrior 2.
FV432
A basic metal box on tracks Armoured Personnel Carrier which initially entered service in the early 1960s. The FV432 was the basis for a family of vehicles and unlike a lot of other APCs was made of steel, rather than aluminium, which made it heavier, but, arguably, more survivable than vehicles like the M113. The Mark 1 used a petrol engine, the Mark 2 used the multi-fuel variant of the Rolls-Royce K60 engine, and the Mark 3 had the diesel only variant of the K60. Most FV432 were upgraded to Mark 3 standard, those that were not, were disposed of; some becoming range targets, or being donated to museums. Armament wise the APC was initially armed with an L4 LMG, or L7 GPMG mounted by the commander’s hatch. Some were latter fitted with the Peak Engineering turret armed with the L37A1 variant of the 7.62mm GPMG, which replaced the roof hatch. Thirteen FV432 were fitted with the 30mm RARDEN armed turret of the CVR (W) Fox. The FV432/30 was not able to carry any dismounts, the intention being to use it as a fire-support vehicle. The army eventually decided that existing vehicles, like the Fox and Scimitar, filled the role and the vehicle was considered to be a bit top-heavy and no more FV432 were converted. Although, twelve of the conversions were assigned to the Berlin Infantry Brigade.
With the entry of the Warrior into service, the FV432 was increasingly assigned to support roles within armoured battle groups, such as mortar and MILAN carriers, ambulances, command posts and cargo carriers. The Gulf War demonstrated the limitations of the APC in these roles, the FV432 struggling to keep up with Challengers and Warriors, plus its ageing K60 engine was becoming increasingly unreliable. By 2005 most surviving Mark 3s had been withdrawn to War Maintenance Reserve, although many could still be found being used by supporting units.
FV430 Mark 3 ‘Bulldog’
While in an ideal world the British Army would have replaced the FV430 family with a new vehicle, probably based on the Warrior, real world budget limitations would not allow for all FV432 to be replaced. The existing FV432 and other variants represented sunk costs and would be less expensive to upgrade than it would to buy a whole new vehicle. It was also easier to convince HM Treasury to allocate funds to what the army represented as an ‘upgrade’ of an existing platform. Gone in the rebuild was the old, unreliable K60 engine, replaced by a new Cummins diesel engine, a new steering and breaking system, and air conditioning were also installed. An enhanced armour package, based on the one that the IDF used on its M113 fleet, was also produced for the ‘Bulldog’, which gave it comparable protection to the Warrior, although this was not generally fitted in peacetime. A noticeable exception was in West Berlin, where it was found that the weight of the new armour went a long way to curing the top-heavy nature of what was now designated the FV430/30. The rebuild programme initially concentrated on the FV432 and FV434s, but soon moved onto other remaining members of the FV430 family, the name ‘Bulldog’ being generally applied to all upgraded vehicles. Armament wise, the ‘Bulldog’ was usually armed with the L7 GPMG, fitted by the commander’ hatch, but now with a shield. Some vehicles retained the Peak one-man turret, while others had a Remote Weapons Station armed with either a GPMG or Browning HMG. The ambulance variant was fitted with the new armour package but remained unarmed. During the war, additional APC variants held in War Maintenance Reserve were upgraded to ‘Bulldog’ standard. FV430 would be issued to some mechanised infantry battalions, replacing the AT105 Saxon. To provide these battalions with more firepower, additional FV430/30 were built. Initially the new vehicles were assigned to a four vehicle ‘fire support’ platoon in Support Company, but as more became available, each rifle company would also gain a similar platoon.
AT-105 Saxon
In the early 1980s the British Army of the Rhine when mobilised would have received a number of light infantry battalions who were expected to travel to their deployment areas in soft-skin lorries. As these lorries were not organic to these battalions there was a more than good chance that they would be assigned other tasks, either leaving the infantry stuck in the UK, or effectively immobile once they reached Germany. The unspoken strategy of these battalions would in any conflict be ‘dig, fight, die’. When the General Defence Plan for 1 (Br) Corps was modified in around 1983 from static to mobile defence, it was intended that these light infantry battalions would be used in a more active role, but the question remained of how the soldiers would be transported.
Enter the AT-105 Saxon, which was in effect an armoured lorry based on the mechanicals of the Bedford Mk family, already in widespread use by the army. The Saxon’s role would be as a ‘cheap but efficient’ battle-taxi that would transport the infantry battalions from the UK by ferry and road to Germany and then provide them with protected mobility when there. It was certainly never intended to be used as a combat or fighting vehicle, which must always be remembered when there is a temptation to criticise it for its apparent shortcomings. The Mechanised Infantry Battalion (Wheeled) used the basic APC variant, as well as then AT-105A ambulance, AT-105MR 81mm mortar carrier, AT-105C command variant, as well as APC variants modified to carry MILAN and latter Javelin ATGW teams, who would dismount to use their weapons. Armament wise the Saxon was fitted with an L7 GPMG on a pintle mount by the commander’s hatch, while some Saxons assigned to peacekeeping duties in Bosnia were fitted with the one-man Peak turret taken from FV432s. The other major variant used by the British Army was the Saxon Patrol, which had a different diesel engine and was designed to be used for Internal Security in Northern Ireland. The Patrol variant had extendible wings that could be used as protective shields during a riot, along with various minor modifications intended for internal security operations, such as searchlights and wire cutters. With the improving security situation in Northern Ireland, some Saxon Patrols were repatriated to the Mainland, where they were issued to Home Defence battalions. Some of the basic APC variants were modified to a similar standard to the Patrol and issued to units assigned to rear-area duties in BAOR in the event of war. During the war, many Saxon battalions, e.g., those assigned to 1 and 2 Infantry Brigades, were re-equipped with FV430 ‘Bulldog’, the Saxons being cascaded to the remaining light infantry battalions in 1 (Br) Corps and British Support Command.
FV603 Saracen
A six-wheeled APC designed in the early 1950s, which was used by the British Army in almost all of Britain’s Small Wars between that decade and the 1980s. Its last major use was in the Internal Security Role in Northern Ireland, where the up-armoured Mark 5 and Mark 6 were employed. The Saracen was replaced in the IS role by the Saxon Patrol, with most of the remaining vehicles being disposed of to scrap or museums. A handful of Saracens, probably less than thirty remained in storage, or as ‘gate guardians’ in various locations. These vehicles were issued to Home Defence units and as they were being used in the IS role, they remained unarmed, as they had been in Northern Ireland.
Humber Pig
A four-wheeled lightly armoured truck, used as an APC by both the British Army and the former Royal Ulster Constabulary. The Mk 2 FV1611 and FV1612 up-armoured variants were used for IS duties in Northern Ireland, being finally withdrawn in the early 1990s. As with the Saracen, most of the Pig fleet was disposed of, but a small number survived to be re-issued to Home Defence units in 2005. By that time the vehicles were very old and had not been very well preserved in storage, other than some vehicles requisitioned from museums and private owners and would keep REME detachments very busy.
Armoured Land Rovers
The British Army had two main types of armoured Land Rover in service in 2005, the Land Rover 110 Armoured Patrol Vehicle, which was similar in size and weight to the RUC/PSNI Tangi, and the lighter, smaller Snatch Land Rover, which was also based on the 110 chassis. Both were used for general patrolling duties, the latter vehicle gaining its name as it was the preferred mount for ‘snatch squads’ during riots. While designed for use in Northern Ireland, during the war, both vehicles were used on the Mainland and by some Line of Communications infantry units in West Germany and the Netherlands. Both vehicles offered their occupants protection against rifle calibre bullets and the sort of Improvised Explosive Devices employed by the PIRA. Larger calibre weapons and more powerful AT weapons, such the RPG family could over-match their GRP armour.
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Bernard Woolley
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C. Reconnaissance and Light Armoured Vehicles
C. Reconnaissance and Light Armoured Vehicles
FV101 Scorpion
Tracked reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 76mm gun. Withdrawn from British Army service but was still in service with the RAF Regiment in 2005, the ‘Rock Apes’ being fond of the canister round the gun fired. Along with all remaining members of the CVR(T) family, the Scorpions had had their Jaguar petrol engines replaced with a Cummins diesel. Some army Scorpions were converted to Scimitar standard, while others were passed on to the RAF Regiment. Other Scorpions were converted into the Salamander OPFOR vehicle at BATUS, representing Soviet tanks like the T-72 and T-80.
FV102 Striker
CVR(T) based anti-tank missile carrier armed with Swingfire missiles and a single L7 GPMG. It served in Armoured Reconnaissance Regiments; operated by Guided Weapon Troops at squadron level in most regiments, although the FR Regiment attached to 3rd (Br) Armoured Division had them concentrated into a Guided Weapons Squadron. The missiles can be fired by remote control from outside the vehicle. The Striker was due to be replaced by a new anti-tank vehicle in the family of vehicles which will replace CVR(T), whatever that may be. Spike-NLOS, MGM-157 EFOGM and a land-based version of Brimstone are all contenders to arm the new vehicle, although in the short term it is likely that Striker will be replaced by Spartan, or Stormers carrying Javelin.
FV103 Spartan
The APC variant of the CVR(T) family; used by Formation Reconnaissance regiments to carry small recce teams and by the RAF Regiment as a small APC. It was operated by the Support Group in each squadron of these regiments. MBT and FR regiments also had a number of Spartans used as general ‘runabouts’, a role previously filled by elderly Ferret armoured cars. The Spartan was subject to the same automotive upgrade as the Scimitar. Armament wise, the Spartan had a single L7 GPMG mounted by the commander’s hatch, although some latterly gained an ‘Odin’ one-man turret armed with the L7. Some Spartans were converted into the Sturgeon OPFOR vehicle, used at BATUS, representing Soviet BMP.
FV104 Samaritan
The ambulance variant of the CVR(T) family, it had a similar body to the Sultan ACV, but was unarmed, other than smoke grenades. It had a capacity for six patients in addition to its three-man crew.
FV105 Sultan
The Armoured Command Variant of the CVR(T), it had a higher roof to provide more space in the rear and was designed to be extended by an attached tent to form a briefing area. The Sultan was armed with a single GPMG by the commander’s hatch and was employed by RAC MBT and Formation Reconnaissance regiments. It was given the same engine and automotive upgrades as the rest of the CVR(T) family.
FV106 Samson
The armoured recovery variant of the CVR(T) family; based on the Spartan’s hull, which was adapted to contain a winch, which was operated to the rear of the vehicle. A hinged spade anchor was designed in two-halves to preserve access to the rear door. The Samson’s winch could recover a vehicle up to around twelve tonnes in weight, generally limiting it to other members of its vehicle family and the FV430 series.
FV107 Scimitar
Tracked reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 30mm RARDEN cannon. Both the Scimitar and the similar Sabre were due to be replaced in the near future. In the interim the Scimitar was upgraded with a new Cummins BTA 5.9 litre diesel engine and new transmission, and the same Battle Group Thermal Imaging sights as the Warrior. The last upgrade solved a rather embarrassing problem with the CVR(T), the tanks it supported, which had TOGS and TOGS II, could see further than it could. The upgraded Scimitar also received improved armour protection and soon after the outbreak of war in 2005, vehicles were noted as being fitted with anti-RPG bar armour. The Scimitar and CVR(T) family had been due for replacement for some time, the upgrade very much being an interim measure. An Anglo-American programme, named TRACER in the UK, was used to explore possible replacements.
FV108 Sabre
When the army was expanded after 1997 there was a need for a vehicle with similar capabilities to the Scimitar, however, that vehicle was out of production. Instead, a new vehicle which used the running gear of the Stormer, fitted with a modified version of the upper hull as the Scimitar was developed which became the Sabre. The Sabre was built from scratch with the automotive, electronics and armour improvements that the upgraded Scimitar received and was armed with the same 30mm RARDEN cannon. The Sabre remained in production in 2005 and while it was initially only used by Formation Reconnaissance Regiments and the Reconnaissance Troops of MBT Regiments in the Yeomanry, it began to be issued to regular regiments as losses of Scimitars mounted.
FV120 Spartan MCT
A variant of the APC equipped with a twin MILAN ATGW launcher in an unmanned turret. Served with mechanised and armoured infantry battalions, it was withdrawn when Warrior AT entered service. Many were re-converted to APC standard. A new version of the vehicle, the FV120/1 Javelin MCT appeared during the war, being assigned to Mechanised Infantry (Tracked) battalions and to replace some Strikers lost in action. [NOTE 1]
FV433 Stormer
An enlarged development of the Spartan APC. In British service it was initially procured to carry the Starstreak HVM and the Shielder minelaying system in its flat-bed variant. However, it was latterly procured to serve alongside the Sabre in TA Yeomanry Formation Reconnaissance regiments, fulfilling the same role as the Spartan did. The running gear of the Stormer has served as the basis for the Sabre and was planned to be used in a further upgrade of the Scimitar. The basic Stormer had a similar armament to the Spartan, although some assigned to Yeomanry Regiments were observed with Browning HMGs, Territorial soldiers seemingly having quite the talent in acquiring ‘Buckshee’ kit. During the war some Stormers were fitted with the Javelin MCT, becoming the FV433/1, replacing Strikers lost in action. Some mechanised infantry battalions received the FV433/1 instead of the FV120/1. [NOTE 1]
FV721 Fox
A 4-wheeled scout car mounting the same 30mm RARDEN cannon as the Scimitar and Sabre. The Fox was upgraded with the same Cummins diesel now used by the CVR(T), those vehicles becoming the FV721/1. It was used by Yeomanry Regiments assigned to 2nd Infantry Division, Mobile Home Defence and in small numbers by the Household Cavalry. Two hundred Foxes were initially built, with an additional one hundred and fifty being ordered in the 1990s, which were built to /1 standard.
FV722/1 Vixen
A version of the Fox with a two-man turret armed with a 7.62mm GPMG; based on a project cancelled in the 1970s and revived in the ‘90s. Sixty-five of these vehicles were built in the late 1990s when Fox production was restarted. Vixens were used to replace surviving Ferret armoured cars. Some Vixens had their GPMGs replaced with a Browning HMG.
*
1) The Javelin MCT was a relatively simple modification of the MILAN MCT, with Javelin missile canisters replacing the older missile. As the Striker variant of the CVR(T) was out of production by 2005, as losses of these vehicles mounted, they were concentrated in an ever-smaller number of units. Their place in Formation Reconnaissance Regiments was taken by the FV120/1 and FV433/1. Both vehicles were also assigned to the anti-tank platoons belonging to the Support Company of Mechanised Infantry (Tracked) battalions.
FV101 Scorpion
Tracked reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 76mm gun. Withdrawn from British Army service but was still in service with the RAF Regiment in 2005, the ‘Rock Apes’ being fond of the canister round the gun fired. Along with all remaining members of the CVR(T) family, the Scorpions had had their Jaguar petrol engines replaced with a Cummins diesel. Some army Scorpions were converted to Scimitar standard, while others were passed on to the RAF Regiment. Other Scorpions were converted into the Salamander OPFOR vehicle at BATUS, representing Soviet tanks like the T-72 and T-80.
FV102 Striker
CVR(T) based anti-tank missile carrier armed with Swingfire missiles and a single L7 GPMG. It served in Armoured Reconnaissance Regiments; operated by Guided Weapon Troops at squadron level in most regiments, although the FR Regiment attached to 3rd (Br) Armoured Division had them concentrated into a Guided Weapons Squadron. The missiles can be fired by remote control from outside the vehicle. The Striker was due to be replaced by a new anti-tank vehicle in the family of vehicles which will replace CVR(T), whatever that may be. Spike-NLOS, MGM-157 EFOGM and a land-based version of Brimstone are all contenders to arm the new vehicle, although in the short term it is likely that Striker will be replaced by Spartan, or Stormers carrying Javelin.
FV103 Spartan
The APC variant of the CVR(T) family; used by Formation Reconnaissance regiments to carry small recce teams and by the RAF Regiment as a small APC. It was operated by the Support Group in each squadron of these regiments. MBT and FR regiments also had a number of Spartans used as general ‘runabouts’, a role previously filled by elderly Ferret armoured cars. The Spartan was subject to the same automotive upgrade as the Scimitar. Armament wise, the Spartan had a single L7 GPMG mounted by the commander’s hatch, although some latterly gained an ‘Odin’ one-man turret armed with the L7. Some Spartans were converted into the Sturgeon OPFOR vehicle, used at BATUS, representing Soviet BMP.
FV104 Samaritan
The ambulance variant of the CVR(T) family, it had a similar body to the Sultan ACV, but was unarmed, other than smoke grenades. It had a capacity for six patients in addition to its three-man crew.
FV105 Sultan
The Armoured Command Variant of the CVR(T), it had a higher roof to provide more space in the rear and was designed to be extended by an attached tent to form a briefing area. The Sultan was armed with a single GPMG by the commander’s hatch and was employed by RAC MBT and Formation Reconnaissance regiments. It was given the same engine and automotive upgrades as the rest of the CVR(T) family.
FV106 Samson
The armoured recovery variant of the CVR(T) family; based on the Spartan’s hull, which was adapted to contain a winch, which was operated to the rear of the vehicle. A hinged spade anchor was designed in two-halves to preserve access to the rear door. The Samson’s winch could recover a vehicle up to around twelve tonnes in weight, generally limiting it to other members of its vehicle family and the FV430 series.
FV107 Scimitar
Tracked reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 30mm RARDEN cannon. Both the Scimitar and the similar Sabre were due to be replaced in the near future. In the interim the Scimitar was upgraded with a new Cummins BTA 5.9 litre diesel engine and new transmission, and the same Battle Group Thermal Imaging sights as the Warrior. The last upgrade solved a rather embarrassing problem with the CVR(T), the tanks it supported, which had TOGS and TOGS II, could see further than it could. The upgraded Scimitar also received improved armour protection and soon after the outbreak of war in 2005, vehicles were noted as being fitted with anti-RPG bar armour. The Scimitar and CVR(T) family had been due for replacement for some time, the upgrade very much being an interim measure. An Anglo-American programme, named TRACER in the UK, was used to explore possible replacements.
FV108 Sabre
When the army was expanded after 1997 there was a need for a vehicle with similar capabilities to the Scimitar, however, that vehicle was out of production. Instead, a new vehicle which used the running gear of the Stormer, fitted with a modified version of the upper hull as the Scimitar was developed which became the Sabre. The Sabre was built from scratch with the automotive, electronics and armour improvements that the upgraded Scimitar received and was armed with the same 30mm RARDEN cannon. The Sabre remained in production in 2005 and while it was initially only used by Formation Reconnaissance Regiments and the Reconnaissance Troops of MBT Regiments in the Yeomanry, it began to be issued to regular regiments as losses of Scimitars mounted.
FV120 Spartan MCT
A variant of the APC equipped with a twin MILAN ATGW launcher in an unmanned turret. Served with mechanised and armoured infantry battalions, it was withdrawn when Warrior AT entered service. Many were re-converted to APC standard. A new version of the vehicle, the FV120/1 Javelin MCT appeared during the war, being assigned to Mechanised Infantry (Tracked) battalions and to replace some Strikers lost in action. [NOTE 1]
FV433 Stormer
An enlarged development of the Spartan APC. In British service it was initially procured to carry the Starstreak HVM and the Shielder minelaying system in its flat-bed variant. However, it was latterly procured to serve alongside the Sabre in TA Yeomanry Formation Reconnaissance regiments, fulfilling the same role as the Spartan did. The running gear of the Stormer has served as the basis for the Sabre and was planned to be used in a further upgrade of the Scimitar. The basic Stormer had a similar armament to the Spartan, although some assigned to Yeomanry Regiments were observed with Browning HMGs, Territorial soldiers seemingly having quite the talent in acquiring ‘Buckshee’ kit. During the war some Stormers were fitted with the Javelin MCT, becoming the FV433/1, replacing Strikers lost in action. Some mechanised infantry battalions received the FV433/1 instead of the FV120/1. [NOTE 1]
FV721 Fox
A 4-wheeled scout car mounting the same 30mm RARDEN cannon as the Scimitar and Sabre. The Fox was upgraded with the same Cummins diesel now used by the CVR(T), those vehicles becoming the FV721/1. It was used by Yeomanry Regiments assigned to 2nd Infantry Division, Mobile Home Defence and in small numbers by the Household Cavalry. Two hundred Foxes were initially built, with an additional one hundred and fifty being ordered in the 1990s, which were built to /1 standard.
FV722/1 Vixen
A version of the Fox with a two-man turret armed with a 7.62mm GPMG; based on a project cancelled in the 1970s and revived in the ‘90s. Sixty-five of these vehicles were built in the late 1990s when Fox production was restarted. Vixens were used to replace surviving Ferret armoured cars. Some Vixens had their GPMGs replaced with a Browning HMG.
*
1) The Javelin MCT was a relatively simple modification of the MILAN MCT, with Javelin missile canisters replacing the older missile. As the Striker variant of the CVR(T) was out of production by 2005, as losses of these vehicles mounted, they were concentrated in an ever-smaller number of units. Their place in Formation Reconnaissance Regiments was taken by the FV120/1 and FV433/1. Both vehicles were also assigned to the anti-tank platoons belonging to the Support Company of Mechanised Infantry (Tracked) battalions.
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Bernard Woolley
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D. Self-Propelled Artillery, Anti-Aircraft and supporting vehicles
D. Self-Propelled Artillery, Anti-Aircraft and supporting vehicles
FV433 Abbot
A 105mm Self-Propelled Gun once used at divisional level. It was replaced by the AS90 in the 1990s. Some were retained for training purposes, but most of the approximately 200 strong fleet, bar some donated to museums, were sold to Australia. Where it became the Yeramba. A small number of the simplified Value Engineered Abbot were procured for service at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada. Some of these were converted into ‘OPFOR’ vehicles, simulating Soviet vehicles like the 2S1 Gvozdika, while the remainder became range targets.
M109A2
Was used at divisional level by the British Army. While many of them were sold to Austria in 1994, a small fleet of around fifty were retained for a few years in War Maintenance Reserve. These were issued to newly raised Territorial Army artillery regiment in 1997-1998, before being replaced by new AS90s and sold to Austria. The British Army did consider upgrading its remaining M109, but the costs involved were not worth it given the small number remaining in service by the late 1990s.
AS90
Was developed in the 1980s as a private venture by the then Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited, on the basis that the SP70 might fail. That proved to be a wise bet, as the SP70 turned out to be inferior to the system it was intended to replace. The AS90 became the standard Self-Propelled Howitzer of the British Army, both regular and Territorial regiments used the 52-calibre ‘Braveheart’ variant, although the older 39-calibre variant could still be encountered in training units and in War Maintenance Reserve. Low-rate production of the AS90 continues both for the British Army and for export. Many of the redundant 39-calibre barrels were used in production of the Royal Navy’s Mark 9 155mm gun.
M270B1
Known in British service as the GMLRS, a designation reflective of the fact that the British Army only issued guided rockets in peacetime. The B1 upgrade is similar to the A1 of the US Army. The British Army intended to upgrade its GMLRS to the under development D1 standard. While the British Army had not yet procured the MGM-140 ATACMS by 2005, its vehicles were compatible with it and the Royal Artillery had trained with the missile. That was something also true of unguided rounds.
M110A2
Around twenty of these howitzers remained in British service in 2005, being used by a single TA artillery regiment assigned to 2 (Br) Corps. A few others remained in War Maintenance Reserve, including some converted from M107s. While the M110 did have light armour, it did not give its crew much in the way of protection. The last M110 in British service will be replaced shortly by additional MLRS.
FV433 Stormer HVM
A variant of the Stormer with Startstreak HVM, which was the first variant of the Stormer to enter British Army service. It was armed with a roof-mounted eight-round launcher with internal storage for a further 8 missiles. The Stormer was also equipped with the Air Defence Alerting Device. The vehicle was used by both regular and TA regiments supporting both British corps. Production of the Stormer HVM was ongoing at a low rate in 2005.
FV514 Warrior Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle
The MAOV was operated as an Artillery Observation Post Vehicle, as a replacement for the elderly Centurion tanks used in that role as late as the 1980s. It was equipped with the with mast-mounted Man-packable Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar (MSTAR) and Position and Azimuth Determining System (PADS), with image intensifying and infra-red equipment. The observer’s position in the turret was equipped with an Osprey combined day/thermal/laser system, while the assistant’s position was fitted with the standard Raven day/night sight as fitted to standard Warriors. The vehicle was also fitted with BATES (Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System) and extensive communications equipment. The additional equipment in the turret left no room for the 30mm RARDEN, the gun barrel on the turret being a wooden decoy, the only armament being the co-ax 7.62mm chain gun.
FV515 Battery Command Vehicle
Similar in appearance to the MAOV, the BCV was issued on the scale of one vehicle per artillery battery to AS90 equipped regiments. Like the MAOV, the BCV was fitted with additional radios in the troop compartment and additional equipment in the turret. Also like its sister vehicle, the BCV only had a 7.62mm chain gun as its armament.
Saxon Battery Command Vehicle
Two variants of the Saxon BCV were used by the Royal Artillery. One was used to support Rapier equipped regiments, while the second was used by regiments equipped with Stormer/HVM. Both variants contained ADCIS defence control terminals.
FV4201/1 Chieftain Marksman
Procured through an Urgent Operational Requirement shortly after the outbreak of war, the Chieftain Marksman Mark 1 consisted of a Chieftain Mark 13 hull fitted with the Marksman anti-aircraft system turret. This was armed with two radar 35mm cannon. The initial vehicle was taken from the Tank Museum, while additional Chieftains were equipped with turrets that were part of an Australian Army order. As the need for them was urgent, the Chieftain Marksman were sent to West Germany without any upgrades. As the vehicles were slow and tired, they ended up being used in rear areas, rather than being used to equip forward battle groups. A Mark 2 was developed later during the war, the Chieftain hulls being upgraded to Mark 14 standard. These vehicles were used to equip the Anti-Aircraft Troops of Chieftain Mark 14 regiments, some also being supplied to the New Zealand Army.
FV4034/1 Challenger Marksman
The other Marksman turret held by the Tank Museum was fitted to a Challenger 2 hull, which joined three other vehicles that were fitted with Marksman turrets that had been held in storage for possible export to Finland. These vehicles were issued to The Life Guards for a combat trial, which proved highly successful. When series production of new Challenger Marksman began, their hulls would be to Challenger 2 Mark 2 standard, the initial four vehicles were designated Mark 1. This proved to be a short-lived designation, as they were upgraded to Mark 2 standard. The Mark 2 Challenger Marksman would equip the AA Troops of Challenger 1 and 2 regiments. Initially the troops had an authorised strength of four vehicles, although some regiments were lucky to have two vehicles. When production allowed, the strength was eventually increased to six, then eight Marksman per AA troop.
FV518 Warrior AA
Another vehicle procured through an Urgent Operational Requirement shortly after the outbreak of war, the Warrior AA was fitted with the turret of the Luftvärnskanonvagn 9040 (the AA version of the CV90 IFV). The 40mm Bofors gun was replaced with a 35mm cannon to give commonality with the Marksman (the Danish Army already used a small number of CV90 AA vehicles with the 35mm cannon). The Warrior AA was issued to newly created AA platoons of the Manoeuvre Support Company of armoured infantry battalions. Like the Marksman, the platoons initially only had a strength of two vehicles, which eventually rose to six.
FV433 Abbot
A 105mm Self-Propelled Gun once used at divisional level. It was replaced by the AS90 in the 1990s. Some were retained for training purposes, but most of the approximately 200 strong fleet, bar some donated to museums, were sold to Australia. Where it became the Yeramba. A small number of the simplified Value Engineered Abbot were procured for service at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada. Some of these were converted into ‘OPFOR’ vehicles, simulating Soviet vehicles like the 2S1 Gvozdika, while the remainder became range targets.
M109A2
Was used at divisional level by the British Army. While many of them were sold to Austria in 1994, a small fleet of around fifty were retained for a few years in War Maintenance Reserve. These were issued to newly raised Territorial Army artillery regiment in 1997-1998, before being replaced by new AS90s and sold to Austria. The British Army did consider upgrading its remaining M109, but the costs involved were not worth it given the small number remaining in service by the late 1990s.
AS90
Was developed in the 1980s as a private venture by the then Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited, on the basis that the SP70 might fail. That proved to be a wise bet, as the SP70 turned out to be inferior to the system it was intended to replace. The AS90 became the standard Self-Propelled Howitzer of the British Army, both regular and Territorial regiments used the 52-calibre ‘Braveheart’ variant, although the older 39-calibre variant could still be encountered in training units and in War Maintenance Reserve. Low-rate production of the AS90 continues both for the British Army and for export. Many of the redundant 39-calibre barrels were used in production of the Royal Navy’s Mark 9 155mm gun.
M270B1
Known in British service as the GMLRS, a designation reflective of the fact that the British Army only issued guided rockets in peacetime. The B1 upgrade is similar to the A1 of the US Army. The British Army intended to upgrade its GMLRS to the under development D1 standard. While the British Army had not yet procured the MGM-140 ATACMS by 2005, its vehicles were compatible with it and the Royal Artillery had trained with the missile. That was something also true of unguided rounds.
M110A2
Around twenty of these howitzers remained in British service in 2005, being used by a single TA artillery regiment assigned to 2 (Br) Corps. A few others remained in War Maintenance Reserve, including some converted from M107s. While the M110 did have light armour, it did not give its crew much in the way of protection. The last M110 in British service will be replaced shortly by additional MLRS.
FV433 Stormer HVM
A variant of the Stormer with Startstreak HVM, which was the first variant of the Stormer to enter British Army service. It was armed with a roof-mounted eight-round launcher with internal storage for a further 8 missiles. The Stormer was also equipped with the Air Defence Alerting Device. The vehicle was used by both regular and TA regiments supporting both British corps. Production of the Stormer HVM was ongoing at a low rate in 2005.
FV514 Warrior Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle
The MAOV was operated as an Artillery Observation Post Vehicle, as a replacement for the elderly Centurion tanks used in that role as late as the 1980s. It was equipped with the with mast-mounted Man-packable Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar (MSTAR) and Position and Azimuth Determining System (PADS), with image intensifying and infra-red equipment. The observer’s position in the turret was equipped with an Osprey combined day/thermal/laser system, while the assistant’s position was fitted with the standard Raven day/night sight as fitted to standard Warriors. The vehicle was also fitted with BATES (Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System) and extensive communications equipment. The additional equipment in the turret left no room for the 30mm RARDEN, the gun barrel on the turret being a wooden decoy, the only armament being the co-ax 7.62mm chain gun.
FV515 Battery Command Vehicle
Similar in appearance to the MAOV, the BCV was issued on the scale of one vehicle per artillery battery to AS90 equipped regiments. Like the MAOV, the BCV was fitted with additional radios in the troop compartment and additional equipment in the turret. Also like its sister vehicle, the BCV only had a 7.62mm chain gun as its armament.
Saxon Battery Command Vehicle
Two variants of the Saxon BCV were used by the Royal Artillery. One was used to support Rapier equipped regiments, while the second was used by regiments equipped with Stormer/HVM. Both variants contained ADCIS defence control terminals.
FV4201/1 Chieftain Marksman
Procured through an Urgent Operational Requirement shortly after the outbreak of war, the Chieftain Marksman Mark 1 consisted of a Chieftain Mark 13 hull fitted with the Marksman anti-aircraft system turret. This was armed with two radar 35mm cannon. The initial vehicle was taken from the Tank Museum, while additional Chieftains were equipped with turrets that were part of an Australian Army order. As the need for them was urgent, the Chieftain Marksman were sent to West Germany without any upgrades. As the vehicles were slow and tired, they ended up being used in rear areas, rather than being used to equip forward battle groups. A Mark 2 was developed later during the war, the Chieftain hulls being upgraded to Mark 14 standard. These vehicles were used to equip the Anti-Aircraft Troops of Chieftain Mark 14 regiments, some also being supplied to the New Zealand Army.
FV4034/1 Challenger Marksman
The other Marksman turret held by the Tank Museum was fitted to a Challenger 2 hull, which joined three other vehicles that were fitted with Marksman turrets that had been held in storage for possible export to Finland. These vehicles were issued to The Life Guards for a combat trial, which proved highly successful. When series production of new Challenger Marksman began, their hulls would be to Challenger 2 Mark 2 standard, the initial four vehicles were designated Mark 1. This proved to be a short-lived designation, as they were upgraded to Mark 2 standard. The Mark 2 Challenger Marksman would equip the AA Troops of Challenger 1 and 2 regiments. Initially the troops had an authorised strength of four vehicles, although some regiments were lucky to have two vehicles. When production allowed, the strength was eventually increased to six, then eight Marksman per AA troop.
FV518 Warrior AA
Another vehicle procured through an Urgent Operational Requirement shortly after the outbreak of war, the Warrior AA was fitted with the turret of the Luftvärnskanonvagn 9040 (the AA version of the CV90 IFV). The 40mm Bofors gun was replaced with a 35mm cannon to give commonality with the Marksman (the Danish Army already used a small number of CV90 AA vehicles with the 35mm cannon). The Warrior AA was issued to newly created AA platoons of the Manoeuvre Support Company of armoured infantry battalions. Like the Marksman, the platoons initially only had a strength of two vehicles, which eventually rose to six.
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Bernard Woolley
- Posts: 707
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
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E. Engineering, armoured recovery and miscellaneous.
E. Engineering, armoured recovery and miscellaneous.
Engineering
FV4003 Centurion Mk 5 AVRE ‘165’
The Centurion AVRE (‘Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) entered service in 1963, replacing Churchill VII AVRE which dated back to the immediate post-Second World War period. The Centurion AVRE was armed with a short barrelled L9A1 165 mm demolition gun, which fired a 29 kg HESH round. While that gun fired its shell at a relatively low velocity (“all the power of a hairdresser’s fart”, according to the soldiers who used it), the HESH round was powerful. Being more than capable of demolishing a building or bringing down a bridge (explosives wise it was equivalent to six 120mm HESH rounds). Fitted with a dozer blade, the AVRE was able to carry a variety of engineering stores, such as fascines, trackways etc. and could tow trailers with additional stores. It also regularly towed the Giant Viper (later Python) mine clearance system, although this was more usually towed by the FV4203 Centurion Mk 12 AVRE ‘105’, which was a modified Artillery Observation Post vehicle. That vehicle was armed with the standard 105mm gun and was usually fitted with a track width mine plough, hence why it was usually paired with the Giant Viper.
Attempts to replace the Centurion with the Chieftain AEV (Gun) failed due to budget cuts and the ageing vehicle had to remain in service alongside the gun-less Chieftain AVRE. During The Gulf War the ‘165’ (the 105s were not deployed) were up armoured, gaining both passive Chobham armour plates originally developed for the Warrior and reactive armour, and an appliqué armour panel and a Magnetic Influence Mine Induction Coil (MIMIC) on the glacis plate, giving each tank a rather angular and cluttered appearance. That war should have been the swansong of the AVRE ‘165’, the AVRE and their accompanying Centurion ARV being nicknamed ‘The Antiques Road Show’. However, the army was loath to lose the capability of the L9A1 demolition gun, so pending the acquisition of a suitable replacement, the Centurions were to be rebuilt mechanically. The rebuild consisted of replacing the old petrol-powered Meteor engine with a West German MTU V12, as fitted to South African Olifants (a rebuilt Centurion), and a new automatic transmission. The vehicle would also gain a GPS receiver and latterly a Bowman radio. The ‘105’ variant was not upgraded, being instead used as a source of spare parts for the ‘165’ before the bare hulls and turrets were sold to Australia. The surviving forty ‘165’ would be issued to a number of independent Territorial Army RE squadrons, whose job it was to reinforce regular regiments in wartime.
FV4203 Chieftain ‘CHAVRE’ AVRE
With the entry of the Challenger 1 into service it was found that the elderly Centurion AVRE was struggling to keep up and the army also needed a vehicle which could carry more engineering stores. With memories of the previous attempt to produce a Chieftain based AVRE in the army’s memory, twelve surplus Chieftains were rebuilt by 32 Armoured Engineer Regiment and 21 Engineer Base Workshop, Royal Engineers. The result being dubbed the ‘Willich Chieftain AVRE’, after the town in West Germany where they were built, entering service in 1987. With the weight of the turret removed, the ‘Willich Chieftain’ had a good power to weight ratio and could carry six Class 60 trackways or three fascines on top, as well as carrying the same engineering stores and trailers as the Centurion. Some of the twelve vehicles would see service during the Gulf War, carrying out roles that would once have been done by Centurion AVRE ‘105’. Being converted from old, tired tanks, the ‘Willich Chieftains’ tended to be unreliable, but were generally well regarded. In 1989 a more refined Chieftain AVRE was ordered from Vickers Defence Systems, the initial prototypes being delivered in 1991. These CHAVRE added a 10-tonne winch and Atlas crane for engineering operations, along with a trackway on top for multiple fascines or stores. Both variants could also be fitted with a dozer blade or mine plough. Initially forty-eight CHAVRE were ordered, with some of the ‘Willich Chieftain’ being upgraded (others became drive training vehicles). However, additional CHAVRE were built in the latter 1990s to equip newly raised TA engineer regiments. Some CHAVRE would later receive the same automotive upgrade as the Mark 14 gun tank. An up-armour scheme was developed for the vehicle during the Gulf War, again using Chobham applique armour plates developed for the Warrior. CHAVRE would again use these plates during the Third World War.
Trojan Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers
While the CHAVRE proved to be a good vehicle, it was still based on an ageing hull and would need replacing in the first decade of the 2000s. Perhaps surprisingly, rather than use surplus Challenger 1 hulls as the basis for a new AVRE, the army procured a brand-new vehicle based on the hull of the Challenger 2. In place of the turret, it had a large hydraulic excavator arm, which could be used to excavate areas, move obstacles, and deposit the fascine that the Trojan carried at its rear. The Trojan was usually equipped with a mine plough but could also be fitted with a dozer blade. It was common for the vehicle to tow the Python mine clearing system, but could also tow one, or several tracked trailers with additional stores, such as fascines, or trackway. In action the Trojan would be fitted with the same armoured side-skirts as the Challenger 2. However, by early 2005, only a relatively small number of Trojans were in service, with production ongoing. The Trojan would receive the same automotive upgrade as the Challenger 2, that version being designated Mark 2, the initial production vehicles being retrospectively designated Mark 1, although as vehicles were rapidly upgraded, the Mark 1 soon became extinct. Those that were in service were assigned to a UK based squadron. [NOTE 1]
Warrior AVRE
Based on the FV517 mortar vehicle, the Warrior AVRE was in 2005 at the prototype stage. A new 120mm HESH round for the breach-loading mortar had been developed and the Warrior had proven that it was more than capable of towing a standard engineer trailer. The RE intended that the Warrior AVRE would replace ageing Centurion AVRE, accepting that the 120mm mortar would not be quite as powerful as the 165mm demolition gun.
FV180 Combat Engineer Tractor
The CEV was the vehicle that was given priority when budget limitations resulted in the cancellation of the Chieftain AEV (Gun) and AEV (Winch). The amphibious CET was a very versatile vehicle, being used for a wide variety of engineering tasks, including ground preparation for bridge construction and towing activities in the front line of battle, such as digging vehicle fighting pits, constructing earthen barriers, repairing roads, recovery of disabled vehicles from water and other obstacles, preparing riverbanks for vehicle crossings and clearing obstacles. Amphibious propulsion for the CET was provided by a pair of water impellers, with water jets being used to steer it. The CET could tow the Giant Viper/Python trailer and could be carried aboard a C-130 Hercules.
Terrier Armoured Digger
The replacement for the CET, the Terrier was in the prototype stage in 2005. At 30 tonnes, the Terrier was heavier than its predecessor, but was still light enough to be transported by a Globemaster or Atlas. The Terrier had superior protection to the CET, including enhanced modular armour and mine protection. To allow Terrier to operate in the most dangerous of situations, the vehicle could be driven remotely. The Terrier also had superior day and night vision systems to CET, allowing it to operate more effectively.
FV4205 Chieftain AVLB Mk5
Rather than being converted from surplus tanks, the initial thirty-seven Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges were purpose built. Being included at the very end of Chieftain production. The army soon decided that it needed additional AVLB and, therefore, eleven surplus Mark 1/4 were upgraded to Mark 5 standard and converted, becoming the AVLB Mk.6. In 2005 the Chieftain AVLB could carry one of two bridges – the No.10 (24.5m) and No.11 (14.5m) or two of the No.12 (12m), which had been developed as part of the BR.90 programme. The AVLB was also frequently fitted with a dozer blade, or mine plough, allowing it to be used for a number of other engineering tasks as well as bridging. It was also often seen towing the standard engineering trailer when carrying out these tasks. During the Gulf War, the AVLB was up-armoured with Warrior Chobham side-skirts and anti-RPG chains. In 2005 some AVLB would receive the Mark 14 automotive upgrade.
Titan AVLB
A single squadron of the Challenger 2 based AVLB was in service in 2005, part of a regiment assigned to 2 (Br) Corps. As Titan was faster than the Chieftain AVLB, it was felt that as 2 (Br) Corps was a counter-attack force, it would be appropriate to assign the new vehicle to that corps first. The Titan could carry the same bridges as its Chieftain AVLB predecessor. It could also be fitted with a dozer blade, or mine plough. In action the Titan would be fitted with the same armoured side-skirts as the Challenger 2. The Titan would receive the same automotive upgrade as the Challenger 2, that version being designated Mark 2, the initial production vehicles being retrospectively designated Mark 1, although as vehicles were rapidly upgraded, the Mark 1 soon became extinct. Production of the Titan was ongoing in 2005. [NOTE 1]
Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicles
FV4006 Centurion ARV Mark II
A small number of these vehicles remained in service with the Royal Engineers, attached to regiments that employed the Centurion AVRE. The ARV Mark II also received the same automotive upgrade as its sister vehicle, but also had its petrol-powered winch engine replaced with a small diesel engine of similar performance.
FV4204 Chieftain ARRV Mk.7
Developed from the earlier Chieftain ARV when it was realised that the FV434 REME vehicle was not capable of lifting the Challenger’s CV12 engine. The CHARRV was fitted with a 6.5-ton Atlas crane and could carry either an L60, or CV12 powerpack. Once the Challenger based replacement vehicle began to enter service, the CHARRV was restricted to the remaining Chieftain equipped regiments; the last RAC unit to use the vehicle being a Yeomanry regiment. In 2005 the CHARRV was still to be found in Royal Engineer regiments, where it was used to support Chieftain AVLB and AVRE, while it was also used to support AS90 regiments in the Royal Artillery. It would also be issued to newly raised RAC regiments, with the same automotive upgrades as the Mark 14 gun tank.
Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CRARRV)
Exercises in the 1980s demonstrated that even CHARRV could not effectively support the Challenger, confirming that an ARRV based on that vehicle was needed. The CRARRV was similarly equipped to its predecessor, with the addition of a High Mobility Trailer capable of carrying a single CV12, or two CV8 engines. The CRARRV was rushed into service for the 1990-91 Gulf War, twelve vehicles supporting British forces. When in action, the CRARRV would be fitted with the same armoured side plates as the gun tank. Production of the vehicle would continue through the 1990s, switching to a Mark 2 variant based on the Challenger 2 hull in 1999, which was still in production in 2005. When upgraded with the 1,500 bhp variant of the CV12 engine, the CRARRV was designated the Mark 3.
FV512 Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle
As its name suggested, this was the repair variant of the Warrior IFV, which was employed by the REME detachments of armoured infantry battalions. It was equipped with a 6.5-tonne crane plus power tools and was able to tow a trailer carrying two Warrior power packs or one Challenger power pack. It was still in production in 2005. In action it would be fitted with the same side armour panels as the IFV variant.
FV513 Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)
Very similar to the FV512, although procured in smaller numbers, the FV513 added a 20-ton winch, allowing it to tow disabled vehicles. Other than that, it was equipped identically to its sister vehicle. Both variants would be upgraded with the more powerful variant of the CV8 engine.
FV434
This was the REME repair variant of the FV430 family. Originally procured to support Chieftain regiments, the FV434 could change an L60 powerpack, but was not capable of doing the same for a CV12. By 2005 the FV434 was mainly used by REME Light Aid Detachments supporting RE units, although some could be found in the few infantry units that still used the FV430 Bulldog (in the Berlin Infantry Brigade). The vehicle had received the same automotive and armour upgrades as the rest of the FV430 family, extending its service life. Additional FV434 would be issued to LAD supporting infantry battalions swapping Saxon APC for FV430.
Miscellaneous
FV439
A signals variant of the FV430 family, fitted with either the Ptarmigan trunk system, or the Wavell automatic data processing system. These vehicles could be identified by the extensive aerial arrays on the roof. The FV439 was also joined by some FV438 Swingfire, converted to the command role, some sources state that the conversions are designated the FV435. These vehicles were generally found at brigade and divisional headquarters. Like the rest of the FV430 family they had received the ‘Bulldog’ upgrade by 2005.
Challenger Training Tank
The CTT was introduced as a way of reducing the cost of training tank drivers and reducing wear and tear on the operational MBT fleet. The CTT replaced the turret of the tank with a fixed, unarmoured non-rotating turret superstructure, capable of carrying an instructor and four students. The instructor was provided with a duplicate set of controls and was able to stop the vehicle or inject common faults for the trainee driver to resolve. The first seventeen CTT were based on the Challenger 1, while a later order of thirteen were based on the Challenger 2. In 2005 an additional order for ten CTT was placed. As the superstructure was unarmoured, the CTT had no formal war role, although it could be fitted with a dozer blade. As well as the CTT, the British Army still retained some turretless Chieftains, many ex-AVLB, used for driver training.
Fuchs NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle
Eleven of these vehicles were procured from the West German Heer in 1990, when the British Army found itself lacking any mobile NBC detection capability for the Gulf War. The Fuchs was equipped with a variety of sensors, including the Chemical Agent Monitor, mounted on the front of the hull. In 2005 the Fuchs was operated by the Joint CBRN Defence Regiment, a regiment formed of both regular and Territorial personnel. As well as the eleven vehicles operated by the British Army, the Jersey and Guernsey Militias operate a single vehicle each, the pair having been privately purchased from the manufacturer by a group of millionaires and billionaires resident in the Channel Islands. The British Army plans to upgrade the Fuchs, pending the delivery of CBRN RV variant of the Saxon replacement and during the Transition to War procured six additional Fuchs. [NOTE 2]
*
1) As mentioned, it was felt that 2 (Br) Corps would, as a counter-attack force, best benefit from engineering vehicles that could keep up with Challenger 2 and Warrior. At least until enough entered service to completely replace the older Chieftain based vehicles. The two regular squadrons were part of two ‘mixed’, or ‘blended’ Engineer regiments, which were formed of both regular and Territorial Army troops. The regiments were made up of a single regular squadron and three TA squadrons.
2) The Joint CBRN Defence Regiment was organised as following:
H.Q Squadron
A (RTR) Squadron - 2x Fuchs Troops (10 vehicles), one Multi-Purpose Decontamination System (MPDS) Troop
B (RTR) Squadron – 2x Integrated Biological Detection System (IBDS) Troops
C (RAF Regiment) Squadron – Light, parachute trained
Y (Westminster Dragoons) Squadron – 2x MPDS Troop, 1x Fuch Troop (6 vehicles), 1x Light Troop
Engineering
FV4003 Centurion Mk 5 AVRE ‘165’
The Centurion AVRE (‘Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) entered service in 1963, replacing Churchill VII AVRE which dated back to the immediate post-Second World War period. The Centurion AVRE was armed with a short barrelled L9A1 165 mm demolition gun, which fired a 29 kg HESH round. While that gun fired its shell at a relatively low velocity (“all the power of a hairdresser’s fart”, according to the soldiers who used it), the HESH round was powerful. Being more than capable of demolishing a building or bringing down a bridge (explosives wise it was equivalent to six 120mm HESH rounds). Fitted with a dozer blade, the AVRE was able to carry a variety of engineering stores, such as fascines, trackways etc. and could tow trailers with additional stores. It also regularly towed the Giant Viper (later Python) mine clearance system, although this was more usually towed by the FV4203 Centurion Mk 12 AVRE ‘105’, which was a modified Artillery Observation Post vehicle. That vehicle was armed with the standard 105mm gun and was usually fitted with a track width mine plough, hence why it was usually paired with the Giant Viper.
Attempts to replace the Centurion with the Chieftain AEV (Gun) failed due to budget cuts and the ageing vehicle had to remain in service alongside the gun-less Chieftain AVRE. During The Gulf War the ‘165’ (the 105s were not deployed) were up armoured, gaining both passive Chobham armour plates originally developed for the Warrior and reactive armour, and an appliqué armour panel and a Magnetic Influence Mine Induction Coil (MIMIC) on the glacis plate, giving each tank a rather angular and cluttered appearance. That war should have been the swansong of the AVRE ‘165’, the AVRE and their accompanying Centurion ARV being nicknamed ‘The Antiques Road Show’. However, the army was loath to lose the capability of the L9A1 demolition gun, so pending the acquisition of a suitable replacement, the Centurions were to be rebuilt mechanically. The rebuild consisted of replacing the old petrol-powered Meteor engine with a West German MTU V12, as fitted to South African Olifants (a rebuilt Centurion), and a new automatic transmission. The vehicle would also gain a GPS receiver and latterly a Bowman radio. The ‘105’ variant was not upgraded, being instead used as a source of spare parts for the ‘165’ before the bare hulls and turrets were sold to Australia. The surviving forty ‘165’ would be issued to a number of independent Territorial Army RE squadrons, whose job it was to reinforce regular regiments in wartime.
FV4203 Chieftain ‘CHAVRE’ AVRE
With the entry of the Challenger 1 into service it was found that the elderly Centurion AVRE was struggling to keep up and the army also needed a vehicle which could carry more engineering stores. With memories of the previous attempt to produce a Chieftain based AVRE in the army’s memory, twelve surplus Chieftains were rebuilt by 32 Armoured Engineer Regiment and 21 Engineer Base Workshop, Royal Engineers. The result being dubbed the ‘Willich Chieftain AVRE’, after the town in West Germany where they were built, entering service in 1987. With the weight of the turret removed, the ‘Willich Chieftain’ had a good power to weight ratio and could carry six Class 60 trackways or three fascines on top, as well as carrying the same engineering stores and trailers as the Centurion. Some of the twelve vehicles would see service during the Gulf War, carrying out roles that would once have been done by Centurion AVRE ‘105’. Being converted from old, tired tanks, the ‘Willich Chieftains’ tended to be unreliable, but were generally well regarded. In 1989 a more refined Chieftain AVRE was ordered from Vickers Defence Systems, the initial prototypes being delivered in 1991. These CHAVRE added a 10-tonne winch and Atlas crane for engineering operations, along with a trackway on top for multiple fascines or stores. Both variants could also be fitted with a dozer blade or mine plough. Initially forty-eight CHAVRE were ordered, with some of the ‘Willich Chieftain’ being upgraded (others became drive training vehicles). However, additional CHAVRE were built in the latter 1990s to equip newly raised TA engineer regiments. Some CHAVRE would later receive the same automotive upgrade as the Mark 14 gun tank. An up-armour scheme was developed for the vehicle during the Gulf War, again using Chobham applique armour plates developed for the Warrior. CHAVRE would again use these plates during the Third World War.
Trojan Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers
While the CHAVRE proved to be a good vehicle, it was still based on an ageing hull and would need replacing in the first decade of the 2000s. Perhaps surprisingly, rather than use surplus Challenger 1 hulls as the basis for a new AVRE, the army procured a brand-new vehicle based on the hull of the Challenger 2. In place of the turret, it had a large hydraulic excavator arm, which could be used to excavate areas, move obstacles, and deposit the fascine that the Trojan carried at its rear. The Trojan was usually equipped with a mine plough but could also be fitted with a dozer blade. It was common for the vehicle to tow the Python mine clearing system, but could also tow one, or several tracked trailers with additional stores, such as fascines, or trackway. In action the Trojan would be fitted with the same armoured side-skirts as the Challenger 2. However, by early 2005, only a relatively small number of Trojans were in service, with production ongoing. The Trojan would receive the same automotive upgrade as the Challenger 2, that version being designated Mark 2, the initial production vehicles being retrospectively designated Mark 1, although as vehicles were rapidly upgraded, the Mark 1 soon became extinct. Those that were in service were assigned to a UK based squadron. [NOTE 1]
Warrior AVRE
Based on the FV517 mortar vehicle, the Warrior AVRE was in 2005 at the prototype stage. A new 120mm HESH round for the breach-loading mortar had been developed and the Warrior had proven that it was more than capable of towing a standard engineer trailer. The RE intended that the Warrior AVRE would replace ageing Centurion AVRE, accepting that the 120mm mortar would not be quite as powerful as the 165mm demolition gun.
FV180 Combat Engineer Tractor
The CEV was the vehicle that was given priority when budget limitations resulted in the cancellation of the Chieftain AEV (Gun) and AEV (Winch). The amphibious CET was a very versatile vehicle, being used for a wide variety of engineering tasks, including ground preparation for bridge construction and towing activities in the front line of battle, such as digging vehicle fighting pits, constructing earthen barriers, repairing roads, recovery of disabled vehicles from water and other obstacles, preparing riverbanks for vehicle crossings and clearing obstacles. Amphibious propulsion for the CET was provided by a pair of water impellers, with water jets being used to steer it. The CET could tow the Giant Viper/Python trailer and could be carried aboard a C-130 Hercules.
Terrier Armoured Digger
The replacement for the CET, the Terrier was in the prototype stage in 2005. At 30 tonnes, the Terrier was heavier than its predecessor, but was still light enough to be transported by a Globemaster or Atlas. The Terrier had superior protection to the CET, including enhanced modular armour and mine protection. To allow Terrier to operate in the most dangerous of situations, the vehicle could be driven remotely. The Terrier also had superior day and night vision systems to CET, allowing it to operate more effectively.
FV4205 Chieftain AVLB Mk5
Rather than being converted from surplus tanks, the initial thirty-seven Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges were purpose built. Being included at the very end of Chieftain production. The army soon decided that it needed additional AVLB and, therefore, eleven surplus Mark 1/4 were upgraded to Mark 5 standard and converted, becoming the AVLB Mk.6. In 2005 the Chieftain AVLB could carry one of two bridges – the No.10 (24.5m) and No.11 (14.5m) or two of the No.12 (12m), which had been developed as part of the BR.90 programme. The AVLB was also frequently fitted with a dozer blade, or mine plough, allowing it to be used for a number of other engineering tasks as well as bridging. It was also often seen towing the standard engineering trailer when carrying out these tasks. During the Gulf War, the AVLB was up-armoured with Warrior Chobham side-skirts and anti-RPG chains. In 2005 some AVLB would receive the Mark 14 automotive upgrade.
Titan AVLB
A single squadron of the Challenger 2 based AVLB was in service in 2005, part of a regiment assigned to 2 (Br) Corps. As Titan was faster than the Chieftain AVLB, it was felt that as 2 (Br) Corps was a counter-attack force, it would be appropriate to assign the new vehicle to that corps first. The Titan could carry the same bridges as its Chieftain AVLB predecessor. It could also be fitted with a dozer blade, or mine plough. In action the Titan would be fitted with the same armoured side-skirts as the Challenger 2. The Titan would receive the same automotive upgrade as the Challenger 2, that version being designated Mark 2, the initial production vehicles being retrospectively designated Mark 1, although as vehicles were rapidly upgraded, the Mark 1 soon became extinct. Production of the Titan was ongoing in 2005. [NOTE 1]
Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicles
FV4006 Centurion ARV Mark II
A small number of these vehicles remained in service with the Royal Engineers, attached to regiments that employed the Centurion AVRE. The ARV Mark II also received the same automotive upgrade as its sister vehicle, but also had its petrol-powered winch engine replaced with a small diesel engine of similar performance.
FV4204 Chieftain ARRV Mk.7
Developed from the earlier Chieftain ARV when it was realised that the FV434 REME vehicle was not capable of lifting the Challenger’s CV12 engine. The CHARRV was fitted with a 6.5-ton Atlas crane and could carry either an L60, or CV12 powerpack. Once the Challenger based replacement vehicle began to enter service, the CHARRV was restricted to the remaining Chieftain equipped regiments; the last RAC unit to use the vehicle being a Yeomanry regiment. In 2005 the CHARRV was still to be found in Royal Engineer regiments, where it was used to support Chieftain AVLB and AVRE, while it was also used to support AS90 regiments in the Royal Artillery. It would also be issued to newly raised RAC regiments, with the same automotive upgrades as the Mark 14 gun tank.
Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CRARRV)
Exercises in the 1980s demonstrated that even CHARRV could not effectively support the Challenger, confirming that an ARRV based on that vehicle was needed. The CRARRV was similarly equipped to its predecessor, with the addition of a High Mobility Trailer capable of carrying a single CV12, or two CV8 engines. The CRARRV was rushed into service for the 1990-91 Gulf War, twelve vehicles supporting British forces. When in action, the CRARRV would be fitted with the same armoured side plates as the gun tank. Production of the vehicle would continue through the 1990s, switching to a Mark 2 variant based on the Challenger 2 hull in 1999, which was still in production in 2005. When upgraded with the 1,500 bhp variant of the CV12 engine, the CRARRV was designated the Mark 3.
FV512 Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle
As its name suggested, this was the repair variant of the Warrior IFV, which was employed by the REME detachments of armoured infantry battalions. It was equipped with a 6.5-tonne crane plus power tools and was able to tow a trailer carrying two Warrior power packs or one Challenger power pack. It was still in production in 2005. In action it would be fitted with the same side armour panels as the IFV variant.
FV513 Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)
Very similar to the FV512, although procured in smaller numbers, the FV513 added a 20-ton winch, allowing it to tow disabled vehicles. Other than that, it was equipped identically to its sister vehicle. Both variants would be upgraded with the more powerful variant of the CV8 engine.
FV434
This was the REME repair variant of the FV430 family. Originally procured to support Chieftain regiments, the FV434 could change an L60 powerpack, but was not capable of doing the same for a CV12. By 2005 the FV434 was mainly used by REME Light Aid Detachments supporting RE units, although some could be found in the few infantry units that still used the FV430 Bulldog (in the Berlin Infantry Brigade). The vehicle had received the same automotive and armour upgrades as the rest of the FV430 family, extending its service life. Additional FV434 would be issued to LAD supporting infantry battalions swapping Saxon APC for FV430.
Miscellaneous
FV439
A signals variant of the FV430 family, fitted with either the Ptarmigan trunk system, or the Wavell automatic data processing system. These vehicles could be identified by the extensive aerial arrays on the roof. The FV439 was also joined by some FV438 Swingfire, converted to the command role, some sources state that the conversions are designated the FV435. These vehicles were generally found at brigade and divisional headquarters. Like the rest of the FV430 family they had received the ‘Bulldog’ upgrade by 2005.
Challenger Training Tank
The CTT was introduced as a way of reducing the cost of training tank drivers and reducing wear and tear on the operational MBT fleet. The CTT replaced the turret of the tank with a fixed, unarmoured non-rotating turret superstructure, capable of carrying an instructor and four students. The instructor was provided with a duplicate set of controls and was able to stop the vehicle or inject common faults for the trainee driver to resolve. The first seventeen CTT were based on the Challenger 1, while a later order of thirteen were based on the Challenger 2. In 2005 an additional order for ten CTT was placed. As the superstructure was unarmoured, the CTT had no formal war role, although it could be fitted with a dozer blade. As well as the CTT, the British Army still retained some turretless Chieftains, many ex-AVLB, used for driver training.
Fuchs NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle
Eleven of these vehicles were procured from the West German Heer in 1990, when the British Army found itself lacking any mobile NBC detection capability for the Gulf War. The Fuchs was equipped with a variety of sensors, including the Chemical Agent Monitor, mounted on the front of the hull. In 2005 the Fuchs was operated by the Joint CBRN Defence Regiment, a regiment formed of both regular and Territorial personnel. As well as the eleven vehicles operated by the British Army, the Jersey and Guernsey Militias operate a single vehicle each, the pair having been privately purchased from the manufacturer by a group of millionaires and billionaires resident in the Channel Islands. The British Army plans to upgrade the Fuchs, pending the delivery of CBRN RV variant of the Saxon replacement and during the Transition to War procured six additional Fuchs. [NOTE 2]
*
1) As mentioned, it was felt that 2 (Br) Corps would, as a counter-attack force, best benefit from engineering vehicles that could keep up with Challenger 2 and Warrior. At least until enough entered service to completely replace the older Chieftain based vehicles. The two regular squadrons were part of two ‘mixed’, or ‘blended’ Engineer regiments, which were formed of both regular and Territorial Army troops. The regiments were made up of a single regular squadron and three TA squadrons.
2) The Joint CBRN Defence Regiment was organised as following:
H.Q Squadron
A (RTR) Squadron - 2x Fuchs Troops (10 vehicles), one Multi-Purpose Decontamination System (MPDS) Troop
B (RTR) Squadron – 2x Integrated Biological Detection System (IBDS) Troops
C (RAF Regiment) Squadron – Light, parachute trained
Y (Westminster Dragoons) Squadron – 2x MPDS Troop, 1x Fuch Troop (6 vehicles), 1x Light Troop
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Bernard Woolley
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F. Future Vehicles.
F. Future Vehicles.
Armoured Battle Group Support Vehicle
A turretless variant of the Warrior IFV intended to replace many of the remaining FV430 variants, such as armoured ambulance, command vehicles, signals vehicles, plus those used by the Royal Engineers. The ABSV will incorporate all of the automotive and electronic upgrades of the WCSP. A small number of prototypes had been built and tested by 2005.
Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement
The TRACER programme is intended to produce the replacement for the CVR (T) family. A number of concepts have been tested, including Warrior based vehicles with shortened hulls. The only fully developed part of the requirement is that the Scout Variant (SV) of the new family will be armed with the same 40mm CTA cannon as the Warrior 2. Whether that would be in a modified version of the same turret, a new turret, or an external mount, has not been decided yet. TRACER also functioned as a joint programme with the American Future Scout and Cavalry System requirement. However, the US withdrew in 2001, instead procuring the M22 Wainwright - Future Cavalry Vehicle. There has been speculation that the new vehicle might use a modified variant of the M22 hull, or possibly be based on the CV90. The fact that the latter was manufactured by a subsidiary of BAES makes it a very strong candidate. It has also been speculated that a wheeled derivative may be procured to replace the CVR (W) Fox.
Mechanised Infantry Vehicle
The MIV is the planned replacement for the Saxon, as well as some FV430 and FV103 Spartan. The vehicle will be an 8x8 wheeled vehicle, with several specialist variants to be procured as well as the basic APC. The British Army has studied several off the shelf vehicles as possible solutions, rather than procuring a bespoke vehicle. These have included the following:
- M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle variant of the Stryker
- LAV-P
- Boxer
- Piranha V
- Patria AMV
- Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle
The British Army went as far as leasing a small number of Strykers for evaluation, issuing them to the Berlin Infantry Brigade after testing in the UK. The army was said to like the Stryker, but it was felt to be too expensive. As of 2005, the LAV-P and Boxer were said to be the front runners to fulfil the requirement. With the Boxer having the advantage of the fact that Britain had been part of the programme between 1996 and 2003.
Armoured Battle Group Support Vehicle
A turretless variant of the Warrior IFV intended to replace many of the remaining FV430 variants, such as armoured ambulance, command vehicles, signals vehicles, plus those used by the Royal Engineers. The ABSV will incorporate all of the automotive and electronic upgrades of the WCSP. A small number of prototypes had been built and tested by 2005.
Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement
The TRACER programme is intended to produce the replacement for the CVR (T) family. A number of concepts have been tested, including Warrior based vehicles with shortened hulls. The only fully developed part of the requirement is that the Scout Variant (SV) of the new family will be armed with the same 40mm CTA cannon as the Warrior 2. Whether that would be in a modified version of the same turret, a new turret, or an external mount, has not been decided yet. TRACER also functioned as a joint programme with the American Future Scout and Cavalry System requirement. However, the US withdrew in 2001, instead procuring the M22 Wainwright - Future Cavalry Vehicle. There has been speculation that the new vehicle might use a modified variant of the M22 hull, or possibly be based on the CV90. The fact that the latter was manufactured by a subsidiary of BAES makes it a very strong candidate. It has also been speculated that a wheeled derivative may be procured to replace the CVR (W) Fox.
Mechanised Infantry Vehicle
The MIV is the planned replacement for the Saxon, as well as some FV430 and FV103 Spartan. The vehicle will be an 8x8 wheeled vehicle, with several specialist variants to be procured as well as the basic APC. The British Army has studied several off the shelf vehicles as possible solutions, rather than procuring a bespoke vehicle. These have included the following:
- M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle variant of the Stryker
- LAV-P
- Boxer
- Piranha V
- Patria AMV
- Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle
The British Army went as far as leasing a small number of Strykers for evaluation, issuing them to the Berlin Infantry Brigade after testing in the UK. The army was said to like the Stryker, but it was felt to be too expensive. As of 2005, the LAV-P and Boxer were said to be the front runners to fulfil the requirement. With the Boxer having the advantage of the fact that Britain had been part of the programme between 1996 and 2003.
-
Bernard Woolley
- Posts: 707
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
- Location: Earth
Space Reserved.
Space Reserved.