Santa Barbara BMR 3560.55 (BMR-Recup)

     Notes:  This Spanish repair and recovery vehicle is based on the BMR-600 armored personnel carrier. (The designation comes from the BMR-600 APC's original designation, which is BMR 3560.)

     The BMR 3560.55 is based on the hull of the BMR-600 APC.  As such, the chassis is identical, as is the lower hull.  They use the same Pegaso 9157/8 with 310 horsepower.  Now, this is for export vehicles.  Spanish vehicles have a Scania D9 turbocharged diesel, also developing 310 horsepower; these were installed in 1996. There is an automatic transmission with power steering.  Like the APC version, there are a cluster of three smoke grenade launchers on each bumper. Both export and domestic versions use a ZF 6 HP 500 automatic transmission.  The suspension is hydropneumatic, with the suspension being 6x6 and with independent drive on all six wheels, so that more power is supplied to wheels that are still in contact with the ground and less to slipping wheels.  Suspension is likewise wheel-independent.

     The BMR 3560.55 has a hydraulic crane is mounted on a turntable on the roof; this crane has a capacity of 12 tons and a reach of 6 meters, and the ability to raise (at the hook) to 8 meters.  The crane may rotate 360 degrees. Four stabilizer jacks are normally lowered when operating the crane; one on each side is between the first and second roadwheels, and the other two at the rear corners of the vehicle.  Normally the legs are all lowered, but they may be lowered in pairs if desired.  The main space used for passengers in the APC version is occupied by a winch with a capacity of 7 tons, or 28 tons using block and tackle; this winch has 100 meters of cable.  The winch takes up much of the rear of the vehicle, with the cable traveling under the floor to the front outlet point. There is also a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 4.5 tons, or 18 tons with appropriate snatch blocks.  Both may be used simultaneously.  The main winch and the secondary winch may be led out the front; the main winch may be led out the open rear ramp or door. The vehicle comes with a tent that can be erected in the rear to form a larger workspace, along with a folding table. A small tent can be erected across the across a “box” of supports to form a "penthouse;” the crane operator’s hatch is at the rear of this penthouse.  The BMR 3560.55 normally carries a tow bar, ropes, chains, an air compressor, wheeled vehicle tools, basic tools, welding tools, excavating tools, and small arms tools, as well as a chainsaw.  The outside of the vehicle has bins and lockers all over it for parts and tools, and the top of the vehicle near the rear of the roof is a spare tire.  One of these assorted bulges is a 1.5kW APU, used to run the lights and radios when the vehicle is off.

     The firing ports are retained and there is a rear ramp for access, as well as a commander's hatch and driver's hatch on the deck.  The primary crew entry is through the rear doors; on the roof are two cupolas, one for the commander, and the other for the crane operator.  The cupolas are rotatable, with the commander’s cupola being manual, while the crane operator’s is electric. The crane operator doubles as a rear-facing gunner. The crane operator has a control panel and a spotlight; the commander also has a spotlight, as well as night vision.  The crane operator has day/night CCTV cameras, one on his cupola, and one on each rear corner.  These may be trained in the direction desired. The interior is crammed with various doors, drawers, under-seat storage; it also has a small computer with most tech manuals specific to Spanish Army vehicles, with an accent on wheeled vehicles and the BMR series.  Several strings of lights for inside the vehicle, tent, and working area are carried, for a total length of 100 meters. The BMR 3560.55 has NBC Overpressure with a vehicular collective backup, and a fire detection and suppression system for the five primary areas of the vehicle.  It also carries five fire extinguishers, using foam to put out electrical fires if necessary. A bank of four smoke grenade launchers are mounted on each side.

      The Modernized BMR 3560.55 uses an engine which is smaller but more powerful than the old BMR 3560.55’s engine; this is also produced by Scania.  The modernized vehicle has antilock power brakes, an automatic fire/explosion detection/suppression system, measures to suppress the vehicle’s IR signature (IR Stealth 1), puncture-resistant tires, seats replaced by individual safety seats, air conditioning and heating added, and a large basket has been installed at the rear for crew equipment, along with another basket on the right side (meant for stowage of a camouflage net, but can carry other things). Modifications in the early 2000s gave it a BMS system with GPS.