Notes:
This is a CEV similar in concept to the US M728, and also a variant of a
main battle tank, in this case, the Churchill Mk VII.
(In fact, the M728 uses a modified version of the AVRE’s gun.) It started
trials in 1962 and entered service with the British Army in 1963.
The last use of the AVRE was in Desert Storm, where it was put to use
destroying obstacles and tank traps.
The AVRE is heavily modified for its role as an AEV, particularly in the
main gun and large forward dozer blade.
The Chieftain AVRE was supposed to be replaced by the Vickers Trojan
AVRE, but delays in the Trojan program as well as the spot-on demobbing of the
AVRE has left the UK without any such vehicles.
The AVRE was
modified first by replacing the turret with one designed to take the 165mm AVRE
L9A1 gun, firing a 29-kilogram HESH round.
(Though effective range is short, and fire control sparse, the 165mm HESH
can cause considerable damage to even the frontal aspect of a main battle tank.)
This gun has a very abbreviated barrel with a fume extractor that takes
up most of the gun barrel and a modicum of a flash suppressor.
The gun is essentially used to fire a sort of tank shell version of a
demolitions charge. The turret has large stowage boxes on either side, normally
containing the large amount of block and tackle, ropes, wire ropes, and even
hand-emplaced explosive charges.
The gun has an L8A2 coaxial machinegun, and an L7A2 as a commander’s machinegun.
Each side of the turret has a bank of four smoke grenade launchers, at
the point where the mantlet meets the gun. Another grenade installation is on
the front turret, facing to the front sides of the vehicle, with a cluster of
five on either side. An optional weapon, carried on the rear deck when used, is
a Flexible Linear Demolition Charge, or line-charge thrower. Another possible
weapon is a trailer carrying the Giant Python or Barmine or Giant Viper mine
throwing system. One sighting
device peculiar to such vehicles was the Type 2100 double-prism periscope,
designed to produce a highly-magnified view at short range, to produce an
enhanced sight figure of obstacles.
Behind the
turret is a pair of hatches in the roof of the vehicle; normally a “penthouse,”
a structure to expand enclosed work area, is raised above the hatches.
This generally covers the rear deck and is made of steel or aluminum
plates, or Kevlar or Fiberglas boards. These are used for anything from the
preparation of specialist equipment to troop living space when off-duty, and it
simply folds away when not needed.
The driver is at
the front center of the vehicle, behind the glacis, under a hatch that gives the
driver a wide-angle vision block and a night vision block. The commander and
gunner also have a night vision channel, though their night vision is
short-ranged, as long distance night vision was not deemed necessary.
Likewise, the magnification of the gunsight for the main gun is also
limited. Space in the turret is limited, but does include the requisite British
hot-water heater for tea and rations. A vehicle collective NBC system is
provided.
A large
framework, called a “hamper” can be mounted above the AVRE, including the
turret. This is used to carry more
equipment if necessary. On the rear
hull plate is a capstan winch, with 60 meters of rope and with a 10-ton
capacity. The AVRE also has an
A-frame crane, able to lift 13.6 tons.
The frontal dozer blade has a secondary use of pushing mines aside, and
as such has an AV of 8. Alternately, a Pearson Combat Dozer may be mounted, with
an AV of 12. It can excavate 229 cubic meters per hour. In front is another
winch, with a capacity of 50 meters (of cable) and 20 tons. Above the dozer
blade on the glacis is a rack that is used to carry and deploy fascine mats;
another one can be carried on the rear, or on a hamper.
Power for the
Centurion AVRE is by a 650 hp Rolls-Royce Meteor diesel, along with a manual
suspension. Like the Centurion
tank, the Centurion AVRE is known to have a particularly balky transmission.
Prior to Desert
Storm, AVRE’s were given a small amount of spaced appliqué armor.
While this increased the weight of an already-heavy vehicle, this was
deemed acceptable for a vehicle that would be starting at the front or in
follow-up forces, or brought up as a specialist asset and surrounded by
dedicated fighting vehicles and infantry. Nonetheless, the AVRE with appliqué
can barely move by today’s terms.
Twilight
1/2/2.2/Merc 2000 Notes: These vehicles were never taken out of service – they
were deemed too valuable in MOUT situations.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Centurion AVRE |
$962,841 |
D, A |
582 kg |
51.81 tons |
4 |
36 |
Passive IR (D, G) |
Shielded |
Centurion AVRE w/Appliqué |
$1,119,153 |
D, A |
566 kg |
54.3 tons |
4 |
36 |
Passive IR (D, G) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Centurion AVRE |
101/70 |
28/20 |
1037 |
361 |
Trtd |
T6 |
TF40 TS17
TR11 HF60
HS13 HR8 |
Centurion AVRE w/Appliqué |
97/68 |
27/19 |
1037 |
361 |
Trtd |
T6 |
TF45Sp TS17Sp
TR16 HF70Sp
HS13Sp HR13* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Centurion AVRE |
+1 |
Basic |
165mm Demolition Gun, L8A2, L7A2 (C) |
30x165mm, 3000x7.62mm, 50 kg C4 or TNT, Engineer Demo Chest |
*Floor AV is 6Sp.
AEC FV4018 Centurion BARV
Notes: Most
countries, when they need an engineer vehicle to aid amphibious landings, modify
some already-in-use vehicles, and perhaps rig some purpose-built equipment for
them. The British, however, modify
and redesign a whole vehicle, turning it into something nearly perfect for its
role. The first of the post-war
BARVs (Beach Armored Recovery Vehicle) was the Centurion BARV. Other countries
have also thought this a good idea, and they were bought by the Danish,
Australians, and Israelis. Most have left service a while ago, either not
replaced by a purpose-built vehicle or replaced with more up-to-date BARVs. The
Royal Marines are known to have used 12.
Normally, the
BARVs were attached to amphibious units, though the Israelis have also used them
successfully in sandy terrain away from water.
The BARV’s Design has been called “functional but crude.” They are
normally (in British service) crewed by Royal Marine Commandoes, with one being
diving instructor qualified, 2 cross-trained as mechanics, and a fourth as the
driver. The Assault Squadrons they
supported served aboard Royal Navy ships. The Centurion BARV was made by
removing the turret of the Centurion and replacing it with a raised
superstructure. The suspension is also raised and the track skirts removed,
allowing wading of up to 1.75 meters and swimming with the aid of a floatation
screen. This is meant to allow the BARVs to leave a ship and go ashore under
their own power in light seas.
The primary, and
by far most obvious difference is the large, tall superstructure which takes the
place of the turret; the BARV is nearly 51 centimeters taller than a Centurion
tank. It extends from the rear to
about a third from the front. This contains a good portion of recovery equipment
storage. Most TC weapons were magazine-fed Brens; though later they began to
give way to L7A2 MAGs, the Bren’s were never completely replaced. The TC’s
position is at the front of the superstructure.
Crewmembers were also originally issued Sterling submachineguns, but have
been issued L85s since the mid-1980s. The superstructure is specially shaped to
take high surf. With the sides sloped inwards and the front and rear
wedge-shaped.
The crew for the
most part enters through a door in the rear superstructure, though they may also
climb ladders on the sides to the top; there is one hatch up there (the TC’s
hatch), though the hatchway is large enough for two men to work comfortably. The
driver’s position is in the front, slung between the tracks. The driver can put
an airtight plastic bowl over his position; this is often done, as the BARV
often spends its time hull-down in water.
The hull is for
the most part a Centurion hull. The engine was the Mk 3’s
Meteor Mk 4B, developing 650 horsepower.
Due to the volume of recovery
gear carried, and the fact that it would see only short blocks of action, the
fuel tankage was drastically cut.
The hull is cauterized by numerous tie-off points, rails, and tow points, as the
BARV did not have winches. In fact,
the glacis is cut down and replaced with the bumper mentioned above.
The superstructure blends with the area formerly used by the turret
basket.
Recovery
equipment includes cables and ropes, block & tackle, and such recovery gear, but
it’s primarily role is to provide a high perch for recovery personnel.
This is unfortunately not nearly as armored as a turret, so it is also a
large, vulnerable section. Other
differences include a driver’s windshield, a large extended rope-coiled bumper
to facilitate pushing, BARVs generally do not have track skirts, to keep wet
sand from clogging the running gear. It also ensures that the BARV will not
float, even in high tide conditions.
A 1.5kW APU can run many of the recovery tools.
Items and tools carried include basic, tracked vehicle, wheeled vehicle,
and power tool kits; a removable gantry that is used as a rear facing crane with
a capacity of 25 tons; two sets of block and tackle; six sets of shackles, three
steel tow ropes and two hemp ropes; a large-capacity jack with a capacity of 35
tons, and assorted wood blocks, short sections of cable, and several fire
extinguishers.. (This is in addition to the fire extinguishers carried for BARV
vehicle fires.) Often, the BARV
would have logs, poles, treadways, planks, fascines, and such items strapped top
its sides.
Twilight 2000 Notes:
Centurion BARVs already taken out of service were refurbished, and those not
taken out of service were retained.
Most found themselves being used as regular AEVs as well as
ad hoc bridging vehicles using
trackways and fascines, though most of them were present at the odd British,
Danish, or Israeli amphibious landing.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
FV4018 |
$175,465 |
D, A |
1.9 tons |
50 tons |
4 |
36 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
FV4018 |
115/81 |
32/22 |
386 |
241 |
Stnd |
T6 |
HF22
HS10 HR6 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
FV4018 |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) or Bren |
1600x7.62mm
(belted) or 1500x7.62mm (in 50x30-round Bren magazines) |
Alvis/BAE FV434
Notes: The ARV
part of the FV432 family, the FV434 comes in three variants, most of which
differ from each other only in the way they are equipped; others include the
Fitter's Vehicle and the Maintenance Carrier. It is designed primarily to repair
damaged and disabled vehicles, but because it is small, it has limited recovery
ability.
The FV434 RMV is
the primary subtype of the FV434.
It has a crane with a capacity of 3 tons and a flat area at the rear of the deck
for powerpacks -- however, an FV430 series powerpack is about the largest one it
can handle. The FV434 is equipped with a selection of tools and parts
appropriate it's to its job of repair work.
Parts are primarily for FV430 vehicles, though the FV434 can also be sent
out to repair other vehicles of a similar size or smaller.
Toolsets include basic, wheeled vehicle, tracked vehicles, and power
tools, as well as a set of pioneer tools.
A two-meter-long folding workbench can be extended out of the rear hatch,
and a tent enclosure can also be extended over the work area. Another
"penthouse" can be erected over the top of the of the vehicle, leaving a space
for the crane.
The FV434 is
powered by a Rolls-Royce K-60 Multifuel engine, developing 240 horsepower.
The transmission is semiautomatic and can be a bit balky, but once you
get used to it, it is easy to manage (sort of like an M113's).
The FV434 has an external NBC pack on the front left side, allowing the
crew to plug their hoses from the vehicle to their masks.
Swimming requires the erection of a flotation screen, the extension of a
flotation screen, and the turning on of bilge pumps.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
FV434 |
$72,476 |
D, G, A |
3.26 tons |
17.5 tons |
4 |
17 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor* |
FV434 |
115/80 |
32/22/5 |
454 |
98 |
Stnd |
T6 |
HF6
HS4 HR3 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
FV434 |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) or Bren |
1600x7.62mm
(belted) or 1500x7.62mm (in 50x30-round Bren magazines) |
BAE Terrier Armored Digger
Notes: The
Terrier was designed to replace the FV180 CET in British service.
There have as yet been no export sales, though the French are in the
process of field testing Terriers for its Army. The first prototype was
displayed in mid-2005, but there were considerable delays, both during the
testing and manufacturing process; manufacture of the first Terrier hull did not
occur until early 2010, and Army and Marine service did not begin until 2013.
The Terrier has
a more powerful engine than the FV180, as well as a drive train with exceptional
torque. The engine used is a C18
Caterpillar 700 horsepower diesel, with an automatic transmission. Most of the
critical systems, lines, oil reservoirs, and power pack areas are under the
Terrier’s belly armor. Armor is all-welded steel; appliqué is bolted on, except
for the belly armor, which is a new installation. The fuel tank is made from
synthetic material stronger than steel, and is self-sealing. Terrier borrows a
feature from the FV180: it’s double-walled construction, which also insulates
from the noise of the tools and bucket and from mines.
The most
prominent feature of the Terrier is its front clamshell bucket; this bucket has
AV6 on the33 sides, AV4 on the top, and AV12 on the bottom and back, and allows
the Terrier to be used as an ad hoc
demining vehicle. The bucket can be quick-detached and dropped, in the event of
the bucket getting stuck or if it inadvertently picks up dangerous material that
must be abandoned. It can lift 400 cubic meters of soil or 8 tons. Another
prominent feature is the right-side-mounted digger/tool arm, which can operate
with a bucket, claw-hook, drill, or pneumatic hammer. It is able to reach out 20
meters and lift 3 tons. If the bucket is not in use, a roll of fascine or
trackway can be put between the partially-raised bucket and the vehicle,
allowing the Terrier to carry and deploy a section. However, the Terrier is more
likely to use a GKN HMT, carrying a roll of fascine, trackway, or concertina
wire. It can also tow a trailer
with the Minotaur, Barmine, or Volcano minelaying systems.
A rocket anchor may be deployed to help anchor the vehicle when using the
tools or bucket, in any direction from the Terrier.
An unusual
feature of the Terrier is that it can be teleoperated, using a radio-connected
remote control similar to a video game control, at a range of up 1000 meters.
This mode is used when clearing dangerous areas.
The cameras that the Terrier uses for teleoperation are in front of the
driver’s hatch, above the bucket, and next to the side excavator.
They are designed primarily for the control of the apparatuses, but the
driver’s camera can also look up to 300 meters in the distance.
The cameras are day/night.
The crew of two has
air conditioning, heating, and NBC Overpressure protection.
Both crewmembers have all-around vision blocks, with the front having a
day/night channel. The commander
has a manually-rotating cupola with a weapon mounted so that it can be aimed and
fired with the hatches closed; alternatively, an RWS may be mounted. A bank of
four smoke grenade launchers are found on each side of the vehicle at the top of
the hull side. They have five day/night cameras for their use, giving them a
360-degree view around the vehicle.
Based on
experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, the design of the Terrier has been modified.
Bucket AV has been increased by 1 for each face.
The Terrier has been given additional underside protection as well, and
has also been given blast-absorbing seats. Finally, all-around appliqué armor
has been added.
While the
British MoD claimed that the Terrier is air-transportable by a C-130, this has
not proven to be the case. They are
now backing off that claim.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Terrier |
$1,424,741 |
D, A |
800 kg |
30 tons |
2 |
23 |
Thermal Imaging (D, G), WL/IR Spotlight |
Shielded |
Terrier (Modified) |
$1,529,983 |
D, A |
613 kg |
33 tons |
2 |
23 |
Thermal Imaging (D, G), WL/IR Spotlight |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Terrier |
171/119 |
43/30 |
521 |
254 |
Trtd |
T6 |
HF12Sp HS8Sp
HR7* |
Terrier (Modified) |
156/108 |
39/27 |
521 |
279 |
Trtd |
T6 |
HF15Sp HS11Sp
HR9** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Terrier |
+1 |
Basic |
L7A2 (C) |
3000x7.62mm |
*Floor armor is AV 4Sp.
**Roof Armor is 6. Belly Armor is
8Sp.
BAE Titan AVLB
Notes: This AVLB
is a new AVLB system, able to use several types of bridges. The Titan was
designed to replace the Chieftain AVLB; the Chieftain AVLB was proving deficient
at the lengths of possible span, loads of possible spans, and survivability in
general. It is one of a planned
family of vehicles based on the Challenger 2 chassis. The Titan has been service
since 2006, and the final 33rd was delivered in 2008. The Titan has
seen combat use in Afghanistan.
Depending upon
bridges used and the bank conditions, the Titan can bridge a span of up to 60
meters. Three possible bridges can
be carried: the No 10 Bridge can span 26 meters and weighs 13.88 tons, the No 11
can span 16 meters and weighs 8.54 tons, and the No 12 Bridge can span 13 meters
and weighs 6.94 tons. The Titan
also carries a number of trestles and wedges to allow the Titans’ crews to
overlay up to three of these bridges.
The Titan can also carry and lay two No 12 Bridges. Each of these bridges
is capable of supporting 70 tons. The No 10 and 11 are not scissor bridges (the
No 12 is a single span), the top slides out and locks onto the front of the
bottom bridge. (Unfolding a
scissors bridge is like waving a big flag…)
The Titan has a
number of wide-angle vision blocks and CCD cameras to increase the visibility of
the crew while they work, especially if it works under fire.
These cameras are day/night, with most of the night vision being by
thermal imaging. The crew has an air conditioner, heater, and NBC Overpressure.
The driver is in the front right while the other two crewmembers are in the
center. Both are ringed by
wide-angle vision blocks, and all three have one block with a night channel;
they also have several LCD screens that show them the relevant images from the
CCD cameras. The commander has a low-pintle mount for a machinegun.
Power for the
Titan is the same as the rest of the Challenger 2 family: a 1200-horsepower
Perkins CV12 turbocharged diesel, a David Brown low-loss gearbox (sort of like
power assist for the steering and gearshifting), and an automatic transmission.
The Trojan also has a 10kW APU to power systems while the engine is off,
thus using less fuel.
The Trojan can
tow the GKN HTT, with a variety of minelaying systems, MCLICs, fascines or
trackway, or simple cargo.
An optional
feature is a dozer blade at the front, to make the terrain on the bank more
suitable or to brace the Titan while it is working. (Theoretically, it could
also mount a Pearson mine plow, though this would be an unusual circumstance.)
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Titan (No 10 Bridge) |
$970,095 |
D, A |
400 kg |
62.5 tons |
3 |
29 |
Thermal Imaging (D, G, RWS), Image Intensification (RWS), WL/IR
Spotlight |
Shielded |
Titan (No 11 Bridge) |
$887,211 |
D, A |
734 kg |
57.16 tons |
3 |
29 |
Thermal Imaging (D, G, RWS), Image Intensification (RWS), WL/IR
Spotlight |
Shielded |
Titan (No 12 Bridge) |
$862,377 |
D, A |
834 kg |
55.56 tons
|
3 |
27 |
Thermal Imaging (D, G, RWS), Image Intensification (RWS), WL/IR
Spotlight |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor* |
Titan (No 10 Bridge) |
127/89 |
29/21 |
1592+600 |
616 |
CiH |
T6 |
TF10
TS10 TR10
HF140Cp HS24Sp
HR16 |
Titan (No 11 Bridge) |
139/97 |
35/24 |
1592+600 |
565 |
CiH |
T6 |
TF10
TS10 TR10
HF140Cp HS24Sp
HR16 |
Titan (No 12 Bridge) |
143/100 |
36/25 |
1592+600 |
549 |
CiH |
T6 |
TF10
TS10 TR10
HF140Cp HS24Sp
HR16 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Titan |
None |
None |
L7A2 |
2000x7.62mm |
*The “turret” is actually the bridge; it does not actually have anyone in it.
BAE Trojan AVRE
Notes: Designed
to replace or supplement several vehicles, including the Centurion AVRE,
Chieftain AVRE, and to some extent, the current CR ARRV, the Trojan is an AVRE
that can, to a certain extent, double as an ARV.
The Trojan is based on a Challenger 2 chassis, and retains the Chobham
and spaced armor of that tank, though overall, the armor levels are lower to
reduce weight. They have not yet
been offered for export, but a small number are stationed in Canada at the
British Army Training Unit Suffield. Britain has 33 Trojans in service, and
expects to have 66 by 2018. They saw their first combat use in Afghanistan in
2009.
The most
prominent feature of the Trojan is its huge over-width mine plow. A Pearson
Full-Width Mine Plow, it is generally able to push mines out of the way, being
angles to slide the mines to the side without detonating them.
It can, however, take some mine explosions and has an AV of 30Sp. (It not
actually Spaced armor; this is an
illustration of the plow’s strength.) The mine plow can instead be replaced with
a standard bulldozer; this has an AV of 6. Another alternate installation is the
mine plow at the front and bulldozer blade at the rear, though this makes towing
a trailer impossible. This configuration is chosen when the excavator arm needs
extra bracing, or when large positions need to be dug. The Trojan has a huge
excavator arm attached on the front left, which can dig, clear obstacles, or
deposit the fascine or trackway that the Trojan can carry at its rear. This
bucket has a capacity of one cubic meter.(6.5 tons if filled with soil).
Alternate attachments include a three-way claw, a drill, an auger, and a
hammer/pile driver. The Trojan can automatically mark the mines or mine-free
lanes it has found with small flags (the Pearson Pathfinder system).
The armor suite
of the Trojan is based on the armor of the Challenger 2, but it is believed that
the individual layers in the armor are not as thick.
The Trojan can also take lugs for ERA on the hull front and hull sides.
It should be noted that though armor levels are not as great as the Challenger
2, but the suspension is actually much better protected, even though the
roadwheels are aluminum (the drive sprocket, idler, and return rollers are
steel). The engine is similar to
that of the Challenger 2, being a 1200-horsepower Perkins CV12 turbocharged
diesel, a David Brown low-loss gearbox (sort of like power assist for the
steering and gearshifting), and an automatic transmission.
The Trojan also has a 10kW APU to power systems while the engine is off,
thus using less fuel.
The Trojan can
tow the GKN HTT, with a variety of minelaying systems, MCLICs, fascines or
trackway, or simple cargo. It can
also tow a special trailer that carries a Python rocket-propelled MICLIC.
(With this trailer, it can clear a route through mines and/or IEDs in a
230-meter long, and 8-meter wide path. The Python trailer carries up to four of
these MICLICs. (The blast throw dirt, dust, and smoke in a cloud about 200
meters wide and high. (When it was
tested on a British proving ground, households and businesses within a
20-kilometer radius were robocalled to warn them that such a blast would be
happening a short time later.) The
MICLICs are contailed in an elongated barrel when on the trailer.
The Python system also has some antipersonnel use if fired at infantry in
the open.
The crew
consists of a driver on the front left, a commander’s hatch at the right front,
and the raised position for the operator of the excavator arm and plow, next to
the driver. The driver has one
day/night wide-angle vision block to the front.
The commander does not have a cupola, but his position is ringed by
vision blocks. The equipment
operator has an electrically-operating cupola with all around vision blocks; one
is day/night. The Trojan has an L8A2 MAG machinegun mounted on an RWS to the
left of the commander; this RWS has it’s own vision devices for the commander or
equipment operator to use (either may control the machinegun), Also on the roof
is a spotlight, which may be controlled by the commander or the equipment
operator. The crew has air conditioning, heating, and NBC Overpressure, and
there is some room inside for rations, ammunition, personal weapons and
ammunition, and a few assorted personal items.
(The Trojan has, to an extent, been designed around the crew positions.)
GPS, a mapping module, a vehicle state computer, and a BMS equip the Trojan. The
Trojan is equipped with an air conditioner with NBC filters.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Trojan |
$1,089,752 |
D, A |
700 kg |
62.5 tons |
3 |
42 |
Thermal Imaging (D, G, RWS), Image Intensification (RWS), WL/IR
Spotlight |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor* |
Trojan |
138/97 |
38/27 |
1592+600 |
616 |
CiH |
T6 |
TF8
TF8 TR8
HF140Cp HS24Sp
HR16 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Trojan |
+2 |
Fair |
L8A2 (RWS) |
3000x7.62mm |
*The “turret” refers to the plow and excavator arm.
The Mine Plow has an AV of 30Sp, the standard dozer has an AV of 6, and
the excavator arm an AV of 10. Belly AV is 9Sp.
Vickers CR ARRAV (Challenger Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicle) Rhino
Notes:
This is an engineer vehicle based upon the Challenger 1, with a
Challenger 2’s updated power train.
The adoption of the Challenger 1 tank and it’s dramatic increase in size and
complexity meant that a new class of recovery and repair vehicles was needed to
perform field engineer work on them.
As yet, it is exported only to Oman. The vehicle is officially referred
to as the CR ARRAV, but more popularly known as the Rhino.
The Rhino is
capable of carrying an entire Challenger power pack as well as all necessary
repair equipment. There is a winch
that can pull 50 tons (98 tons with block and tackle), an auxiliary winch that
can pull 20 tons, and a crane on the left hull (able to reach over the entire
vehicle) with a capacity of 6.5 tons and capable of lifting an entire Challenger
1 or 2 powerpack. The Rhino also
has a front-mounted dozer blade capable of excavating 229 cubic meters per hour
and offers increased bracing and traction when lifting heavy loads.
A special trailer (The HMT, or High-Mobility Trailer) is often towed,
carrying a spare powerpack, to free up room for other spare parts. The Rhino is
equipped with welding and cutting equipment, powered by the vehicle’s engine.
Tracked and wheeled vehicle tool sets are also carried.
The CR ARRAV
uses GPS navigation and has a BMS.
The CR ARRAV
generally carries a crew of three, including a specialist mechanic.
An extra two seats are provided, to seat the extra two mechanics that are
normally carried. There is also room for two more passengers, normally
casualties from a knocked-out vehicle. The Rhino is equipped with night vision
devices and has an L37A2 MG located in a remote cupola, operated by the
commander or one of the mechanics; feeding is by a continuous-feed belt
mechanism. At the rear of the
vehicle at the corners are, on each side, a cluster of four smoke grenade
launchers. Two more are found at
the front of the Rhino. The Rhino has an NBC Overpressure system with a
vehicular collective system backup.
Omani Rhinos have in addition an air conditioner and an engine able to operate
without penalty up to 50 degrees Celsius; these modifications have since been
made to British Rhinos.
The CR ARRAV is
powered by the same Rolls-Royce Condor CV12 TCA turbocharged diesel engine as on
the Challenger 1, developing 1200 horsepower.
The transmission is automatic, and the engine and transmission can be set
to bypass the drive train to bring full power to the devices (winches, cranes,
power tools, etc.), but it does not have an APU.
Towing capacity is 68 tons, with a solid tow bar or by wire rope. (If the
latter option is chosen, someone must be in the disabled vehicle to actuate the
brakes on it.) While towing 68 tons, the Rhino can maintain a speed of 30
kilometers per hour.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$661,129 |
D, A |
5.82 tons |
61.2 tons |
3+4 |
38 |
Thermal Imaging (C, CO), Image Intensification (D, C, CO), WL/IR
Spotlight (C) |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
140/98 |
39/27 |
1592 |
446 |
Stnd |
T6 |
HF149 HS21Sp
HR16 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+1 |
Basic |
L37A2 |
1000x7.62mm |
Vickers Chieftain Engineer Vehicles
Notes:
These vehicles are grouped mainly because they use the same chassis, powerpack,
running gear, roadwheels, and tracks.
Equipment varies, however.
FV4002 Chieftain AVRE
There was to be
a standardized Chieftain AVRE, with the designation of FV4203, but that vehicle
was never produced. Meanwhile, the
need for AVREs did not dissipate, in Willich, Germany, the BAOR came up with
their own Chieftain-based AVRE.
This vehicle, at first being considered an interim design. was later put into
production.
The primary role
of the Chieftain AVRE is to enhance the mobility of combat forces.
Its secondary role is to recover vehicles, though the most it can do in
this activity is to winch out stuck vehicles or tow them back to a rear area for
repair. . To this end, it has a large rack above the vehicle able to carry three
sections of 60-meter, steel pipe type, 14.5-ton MLC-70 fascine trackways. The
Chieftain AVREs winch can pull 57 tons, the auxiliary winch can pull 17 tons,
and the crane can lift 36 tons. The
dozer blade can excavate 192 cubic meters per hour.
It thus has racks for explosives and connections to pull multiple
trailers that are usually carrying more fascines or the Giant Viper or Python
mine-clearing systems.
The hull of the
Chieftain has had its turret removed; the positions for the crew are equipped
with several wide-angle vision blocks, and the commander’s position has a weapon
on a pintle. Observation is also available to the rack operator through a
wide-angle periscope mounted on the left-rear bumper.
A similar periscope is found on the front-left bumper.
The rear of the Chieftain AVRE normally has a “penthouse” fitted, a
simple position covered with pads to even out the surface and with bows and a
tarp; up to six more periscopes may be fitted around the penthouse if necessary.
In the penthouse, a collective NBC pack can be fitted; the inside of the
vehicle has NBC Overpressure protection.
The driver is still on the left front, the commander is in the center,
while the equipment operator is on the right.
Behind and below them are the other two engineers.
Only the driver has night vision, though the commander’s position has a
steerable spotlight. The vehicle
has a small computer which is primarily loaded with field manuals and tech
manuals that concern the AVRE’s duties.
Other electronics include inertial navigation and a mapping computer,
loaded originally with maps of the Cold War BAOR AOR and somewhat beyond, and
could be loaded with more maps sections as needed.
Later, this mapping computer was replaced with one covering most of
Europe, part of Russia, and much of the Middle East.
The inertial navigation system and the mapping computer were originally
borrowed from the Germans, but later replaced with British-made systems.
Power is
provided by the Leyland L60 multifuel 730-hp engine, coupled to a manual
transmission. The transmission has
an unusual feature – it can jump from Park to 2nd gear if necessary for a
quicker takeoff. In game terms, this feature means that the Chieftain AVLB may
immediately accelerate from Com Mov 0 to Com Mov 8 in the same phase.
The statistics
below are with the Chieftain AVRE carrying two fascine rolls and with the
penthouse deployed, the standard configuration.
It should be
noted that Danish Chieftain AVLBs and CHAVREs used different tracks and
sprockets, and they are not interchangeable with British tracks and sprockets.
FV4006 Chieftain CHAVRE
The CHAVRE
(Chieftain Assault Vehicle Royal Engineers) has been replaced, first by modified
Challenger 1, then by later Challenger 2-based like the Trojan and Terrier.
Unlike the AVRE, most CHAVREs are new-build vehicles. The turret is
removed, replaced by a higher roof with numerous cutouts for observation when
using the CHAVRE's tools. Atop this raised roof, on the right side, in front and
under full armor, is a commander's position with a pintle-mounted position; this
is normally an L7A2, but M2HBs and Minimis have also been seen of CHAVREs (and
in one picture I’ve seen, an odd-looking L86A1 on a pintle mount).. At the front
of the vehicle is a heavy dozer blade, which has an AV of 20 against mine blast
and IEDs. If desired, this dozer
blade can be replaced by a dedicated mine plow. The winch at the rear is capable
of pulling 10 tons, and in the center is a smaller winch with a capacity of 3.5
tons. A common attachment was a
Giant Viper mine clearance device, towed by the winch or the vehicle itself.
Atop the vehicle, up to four bundles of fascines.
(The stats below include four rolls of fascines the same as those of the
AVRE above.) The CHAVRE has a telescopic jib; this is not for heavy loads, but
for general clearance work or to attack heavy tools such an auger able to dig a
50-centimeter-wide hole, a pile driver able to hammer with a force of 890
newtons, or small bucket with a size of 2.5 x 2.5 meters and a capacity of 13.2
tons. (For those in the US and/or
not familiar with the newton unit of force, the pile driver can hammer with a
force of 200 foot-pounds.)
Along with
clearing obstacles, the Chieftain CHAVRE was often tasked with digging fighting
positions, using its dozer blade and bucket.
Power is provided by the Leyland L60 multifuel 730-hp engine, coupled to
a manual transmission. The
transmission has an unusual feature – it can jump from Park to 2nd gear if
necessary for a quicker takeoff. In game terms, this feature means that the
CHAVRE may immediately accelerate from Com Mov 0 to Com Mov 8 in the same phase,
instead of having to start moving at COM Mov 0. Other electronics include
inertial navigation and a mapping computer, The interior has an NBC Overpressure
system.
The CHAVRE has a
secondary role of conducting route reconnaissance.
To this end, it has more long-range radios which are data capable.
The British keep
some of the AVREs in reserve. Some
are also "civilianized" and sold on the open market.
Others have ended up on display, in various states of running order. Many
have also ended up as range targets at training ranges in Canada.
One Danish AVLB is kept in running condition in a museum, one is on
display at the Danish base Skive Barracks, and yet another Danish AVRE is a
range target on a Danish range. The
British also keep some CHAVREs in reserve, though like many AVLBs, they've been
civilianized, put on display, or used as range targets.
However, unlike the AVRE, CHAVREs are still used by Australia, India,
Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.
FV4205 Chieftain AVLB
Notes:
This is an AVLB in British service, based on the chassis of the Chieftain
main battle tank. I have discovered
that there were some export sales, but the only customer I have been able to
find is Iran (before the revolution). The design work began in 1962, but the
first examples did not see service until 1974. The Chieftain AVLB is currently
used by only one regiment of the British Army. Chieftain AVLBs have seen action
with the British in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, and by the Iranians against
the Iraqis.
The Chieftain
can use one of two bridges: the No 8 Scissors Bridge, or the No 9 Single-Span
Bridge. The No 8 Bridge weighs 12.2
tons, takes 5 minutes to emplace, and 10 minutes to recover.
It is designed for up to 70-ton loads, and is capable of bridging a
22.86-meter gap. The No 9 Bridge is lighter at only 9.14 tons, and shorter at
being able to bridge a 13.4-meter gap.
It is still capable of holding 70 tons.
Though the No 9 Bridge is not as capable in most ways, the Chieftain AVLB
is much quicker carrying the No 9 Bridge. The Chieftain AVLB can also carry the
No 8 or No 9 Bridge on top, and tow a trailer with a No 9 Bridge on it. The AVLB
is able to grab the bridge from the trailer and lay it as an extension or
adjunct to the previous bridge. Bridges may be combined by laying one bridge on
top of the other at approximately the halfway point of the first span.
The driver,
bridge operator, and commander are all in tandem, each seated somewhat above
each other as you go back. The
commander’s cupola has a light machinegun which can be fired with hatches
closed, and has full rotation, with all-around vision blocks.
He does not have night vision.
The bridge operator has vision blocks as needed – to the front and to see
the bridge atop the vehicle. He has night vision.
The driver has vision blocks to the left, front, and one that allows him
to see somewhat to the right side.
He has night vision. A cluster of four smoke grenade launchers are on the hull
on each side just forward of the driver’s position.
Power is
provided by the Leyland L60 multifuel 730-hp engine, coupled to a manual
transmission. The transmission has
an unusual feature – it can jump from Park to 2nd gear if necessary for a
quicker takeoff. In game terms,
this feature means that the Chieftain AVLB may immediately accelerate from Com
Mov 0 to Com Mov 8 in the same phase.
Twilight 2000
Notes: Though some Challenger CRARRV made to the festivities, most of these were
sent to the Middle East. The AVRE
was the primary British AVRE of the European Theater, and the CHAVRE was heavily
used.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Chieftain AVRE |
$664,923 |
G, AvG, D, A |
3.83 tons |
52 tons |
5 |
18 |
Passive IR (D), WL/IR Spotlight (C) |
Shielded |
Chieftain CHAVRE |
$559,684 |
G, AvG, D, A |
5.4 tons |
48.35 tons |
4 |
|
Passive IR (D), WL/IR Spotlight (C) |
Shielded |
Chieftain AVLB (No 8 Bridge) |
$437,466 |
G, AvG, D, A |
328 kg |
53.3 tons |
3 |
41 |
Passive IR (D, BO), WL/IR Spotlight (BO) |
Shielded |
Chieftain AVLB (No 9 Bridge) |
$419,418 |
G, AvG, D, A |
338 kg |
50.24 tons |
3 |
41 |
Passive IR (D, BO), WL/IR Spotlight (BO) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Chieftain AVRE |
109/76 |
30/21 |
955 |
277 |
CiH* |
T6 |
TF8 TS8
TR8 HF84
HS18 HR10** |
Chieftain CHAVRE |
115/80 |
32/20 |
1014 |
271 |
CIH* |
T6 |
TF8 TS8
TR8 HF84
HS18 HR10** |
Chieftain AVLB (No 8 Bridge) |
119/83 |
33/23 |
1037 |
270 |
CiH |
T6 |
TF10 TS10
TR10 HF48 HS16
HR10*** |
Chieftain AVLB (No 9 Bridge) |
124/87 |
34/24 |
1037 |
270 |
CiH |
T6 |
TF9 TS9
TR9 HF48
HS16 HR10*** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Chieftain AVRE |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) |
1800x7.62mm |
Chieftain CHAVRE |
None |
None |
M2HB (C) or L7A2 (C) or Minimi (C) |
1100x.50 or 1800x7.62 or 2460x5.56mm |
Chieftain AVLB |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) |
4500x7.62mm |
*The “turret” is actually the fascine rolls.
If they have already been deployed, the configuration of the Chieftain
AVRE or CHAVRE changes to “Stnd.”
If they are still deployed, personnel casualties resulting from a “turret” hit
are considered misses; and electronics hits are considered damage to the fascine
rolls or deploying machinery. The
**The Vehicle decks and floors of both vehicles are AV 6. The “turret” AV is per
each fascine mounted, rather than as a single “block” of fascines.
***The “turret” is actually the bridge; it does not actually have anyone in it
and all personnel hits are considered misses. Electronics hits are actually hits
to the bridge deployment machinery.
Notes:
The Samson is an armored recovery vehicle built on the Scorpion chassis.
It is designed primarily to recover members of the CVR(T) family, but can also
service the FV430 series. Design
work began in the early 1970s, with production starting in 1978. Users include
Britain, Belgium, Brunei, Philippines, Oman, and Thailand, though they have been
out of service with the British Army for several years.
The Samson is
fitted with an internally mounted capstan 3.5-ton winch in place of the
vehicle's turret and main gun. The vehicle is stabilized when working by an
earth anchor that is manually deployed. Entry is by a small door in the rear of
the vehicle, or by the commander's and driver's hatches on the roof. The Samson
is used to repair and recover smaller armored vehicles and unarmored vehicles.
Except as noted below, it is identical in characteristics to the
Scorpion. The Samson has a main winch with a pull of 12 tons, a secondary winch
with a pull of 3 tons, and an A-frame crane that can lift 5.5 tons.
The Samson is equipped with hand tools of most types and a welding set.
The Samson is
capable of amphibious operation by raising a flotation screen, and can be fitted
with a propeller kit. Power is provided by a Jaguar J60 No 1 Mk 100B 190
horsepower gasoline engine, or a Perkins T6-3544 200-horsepower diesel engine,
with a manual transmission. Later
British Samsons, however, are powered by a Cummins 6BT diesel with 235
horsepower.
The driver is in
the front left; behind him and in the center of the deck is a gunner manning a
No 27 cupola with a pintle-mounted L7A2.
The commander and the other engineer are seated in the hull. The crew is
protected by a collective NBC system.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Samson (Gas Engine) |
$77,193 |
G, A |
980 kg |
8.74 tons |
4 |
11 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Samson (Diesel Engine) |
$77,472 |
D, A |
984 kg |
8.76 tons |
4 |
11 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Samson (Perkins Engine) |
$84,749 |
D, A |
987 kg |
8.77 tons |
4 |
11 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Samson (Gas Engine) |
142/106 |
42/30/4 |
405 |
109 |
Stnd |
T3 |
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Samson (Diesel Engine) |
158/110 |
44/21/4 |
405 |
74 |
Stnd |
T3 |
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Samson (Perkins Engine) |
180/126 |
50/35/5 |
405 |
87 |
Stnd |
T3 |
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Samson |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) |
900x7.62mm |
BAE FV180 RO Defence Combat Engineer Tractor (CET)
Notes: Three
British companies originally participated in the competition for the CET; later,
France and Germany also became interested in the eventual vehicle which would
become the CET. In fact, tests were
carried for the British in the UK and for Germany and France in Germany.
Royal Ordnance Facility Leeds originally received the contract, but they
were eventually bought by Vickers; the project was later bought by BAE.
They incorporated some of the features of the US CET.
The Germans withdrew from the project in 1968, after they expressed a
need for a heavier vehicle. British
service began in 1975, after two major redesigns were carried out; full
production began in 1978. The system, however, was discontinued in the 1990s,
though it was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Granby, and the type did not
begin to leave service until 2001, when replacement started at a slow rate with
the Terrier.
Though the
design looks like it is based on a tank chassis, it is in fact a new design.
It is unusual in that it has two casemates, one lower than the other.
The dozer blade is a modification of that of the US CET; a different mine
plowing blade may be installed instead.
In either case, the driver controls the blade, as the blade is connected
to the vehicle’s final drives. The hull is all aluminum; in fact, only crucial
parts which require high strength are made of steel, and some parts are of
plastic. Most surfaces of the FV180
are double walled; this has the effect of spaced armor.
It’s primary function, however, to decrease the amount of vibrations and
noise inside the cabin (with mixed results).
The driver
normally operates the winch. Behind him, on the upper casemate, is the dedicated
crane operator; he can also operate the winch, or the jib crane. The commander’s
cupola is behind the engine on the lower casemate; it is armed with a heavy
machinegun or grenade launcher.
Note that it cannot be fired in the direction of the upper casemate. The crane
operator’s position can also be equipped with a medium or light machinegun,
though it is on a normal pintle mount. (Many crewmen of the FV180 prefer a
grenade launcher. The FV180 may skid steer to position itself more precisely, or
to make sharp turns (though, as is usual for tracked vehicles, a thrown track is
a possibility). The bucket/dozer is
of light alloy, while the teeth at front are of steel.
It has a maximum capacity of 1.72m3, and the maximum lift
height is 1.829 meters. (The FV180 also travels with the bucket up when carrying
fascines.) The bucket can dig 10.2
centimeters below ground height for digging or scarifying roads and runways.
The bucket can also be used to steady the vehicle when using the winch on
heavy loads. An earth anchor may
also be employed, with a maximum reach of 91.4 meters; 10 charges are available
for the rocket anchor, and the anchor may be repeatedly shot and reeled in.
This may be employed for self-recovery or normal recovery of vehicle, or
to help increase pulling and digging power; however, the FV180 is not primarily
a recovery vehicle. The anchor can also be attached to the winch for an even
longer shot. The dozer blade has an
attachment that smooths and hides the earth excavated, if possible.
The driver is
seated in the front left, with a hatchway that opens left and right.
The driver has a vision block to the front which may be removed and
replaced with an IR block. (The vehicle also has a WL/IR spotlight at the top of
the lower casemate; the upper casemate has a WL spotlight.)
Behind him on the upper casemate is the winch operator, who also operates
the WL spotlight. The other crewmen
normally face to the front when they are at their stations; however, any one
these may reverse his seat and consult an LCD panel, allowing them to take over
the driver’s duties using a set of duplicate controls. The other two may operate
the bucket, winches, of any of the rest of the vehicle’s mounted tools. The crew
does not have NBC Overpressure protection, but does have an NBC collective
system. It is air-portable in a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
A normal crew for the FV180 is only two, though up to two more engineers
may be housed and accommodated within the vehicle.
They enter and leave through a door on the rear.
The engine is to
the right of the driver and the transmission is underneath it; they form an
integrated power pack. The engine
is a 320-horsepower Perkins E320TX diesel with a manual transmission that has
four speeds forward and in reverse.
The two together not only have power, but possess considerable torque.
Without preparation, the FV180 can ford 1.83 meters; it is amphibious
with (considerable, 15 minutes) preparation.
A trim vane must be lowered at the front of the vehicle, the bucket must
be raised to its maximum elevation, and Hydrafloat blocks, made of plastic-cased
styrofoam, are attached behind the open trim vane, to the sides of the vehicle,
and to the rear of the vehicle. It
is propelled in water by waterjets; when they are turned on, the driver’s
controls are used to change the angle and deflection of the waterjets.
The main winch
has a maximum pulling strength of 8 tons; it has 113 meters of wire rope and
other lengths of rope may be attached at the end.
The rope can be led to the front or back by changing the direction of the
winch drum’s rotation. The movable bucket can be rotated up to 270 degrees and
may move 4 tons/1.72 cubic meters at one go. It may lift this crane, regardless
of angle, to 1.829 meters at a maximum and a minimum height of 102 millimeters.
It may travel safely with that load in either the front bucket of the crane for
50 meters at maximum load. An auxiliary lifting device, a davit with a lifting
winch, can be fitted to the inside of the earthmoving bucket. (It cannot,
however, skid-steer while under load in the jib bucket of the main bucket.)
Other roles for
the FV180 include towing the Giant Viper and Python MCLICs. It can carry and
deploy up to two fascine rolls, a class 30 or 60 trackway, or a pusher bar to
aid an AVLB in deploying a bridge or to deploy a non-vehicle-launched bridge.
A jib crane with a capacity of 4 tons can be installed in the bucket and
hooked up to the crane bucket.
The FV180
carries two sets of basic tools and two sets of power tools.
It also has two air compressors to power the external tool sets. 20
kilograms of C4 are carried for exceptionally tough obstacles.
Two sets of pioneer tools are also carried for when hands-on excavation
is required. Heavy manual tools, like wire rope or normal rope cutters, are also
carried. A full set of manuals (the
actual printed manuals) are carried as part of the vehicle’s basic
equipment.
Indian and
Singapore vehicles are equipped with air conditioners, but these were not
retrofitted until the FV180s were deployed to Iraq.
(They were not so equipped for Desert Storm.) The weapon mounts are
optional; British and Indian FV180s have them, but most of Singapore’s FV180s do
not. On the front of each bumper is a cluster of three smoke grenade launchers,
for a total of six; these all face to the outside of the FV180.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$159,350 |
D, A |
763 kg |
18.35 tons |
2+2 |
30 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor* |
123/86 |
34/24/7 |
418 |
113 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF6Sp
HS4Sp HR4Sp |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
M2HB or Mk 19
AGL (C), L7A2 |
1000x.50 or
320x40mm; 1000x7.62mm |
*The front bucket is 50% likely to be hit by frontal shots.
This bucket adds 6Sp to the FV180’s front armor, essentially doubling the
effect of spaced armor if the bucket is hit. Belly and roof armor are 4Sp and 4,
respectively.
GKN FV434 Fitters Vehicle
Notes:
Also known as the REME Fitters’ Vehicle, this is an older repair vehicle
used by England; design work began in the early 1960s and introduction was made
in the mid-1960s. As yet, no export
sales have been made or attempted. These vehicles have been mostly replaced by
the Challenger Repair and Recovery Vehicle, especially in tank units, and the
FV512/13 in armored units. The
FV434 normally operates as part of a team of FV430-based repair and recovery
vehicles; the FV434 is primarily a repair vehicle, and has only a limited
recovery capability.
The FV434 is
based on the FV432 APC, and cannot service vehicles larger than the Chieftain
main battle tank (it is not powerful enough to carry the Challenger-series'
engine or transmission), and even taking care of Chieftains is a stretch. It is
basically similar to the FV432, but has a load area at the rear of the hull roof
for carrying large items. This load
area is covered with a canvas tarpaulin supported by bows. The FV434 does not
have a winch, and it has not the means to conduct a conventional recovery
(even itself). Light armored
and unarmored vehicle repair is its purview.
On the right
side of the hull is a crane with a capacity of 1.25 tons and a reach of 3.96
meters, or 3.05 tons at a 2.26-meter reach.
A full range of tools is carried, along with workbench, vise, tow bars,
and tow cables. The FV434 does not
have a winch. Though there are no
blades or anchoring devices, the suspension can be locked when equipment such as
the crane are used.
The FV434 is
equipped with a fold-away work bench that opens to the rear of the vehicle,
along with an attached, folding tent that extends the work area by one meter.
There is also an interior folding work bench inside the rear of the vehicle.
Power is provided by a K60 Multifuel engine with 240 horsepower, and a manual
transmission. The engine does not
only have high horsepower, but also a lot of torque.
Toolsets include tracked and wheeled vehicle tools, pneumatic tools, and
welding and cutting tools. (Once everything is loaded, along with a part of the
crews’ personal gear and ammo storage, not much room is left for any potential
passengers.) Limited recovery can be done by towing or by the crane.
The FV434 has a
crew of driver, commander, and two mechanics, though the driver and commander
are also qualified mechanics. The commander has a cupola with manual rotation
and a pintle mount for a light machinegun.
The driver is in the front left; the commander is directly behind and
above the driver. The two other
mechanics are seated inside the vehicle.
The FV434 has a small computer that primarily provides access to the many
British Army vehicles’ specifications. On the glacis is a cluster of four smoke
grenade launchers on each side of the vehicle.
A small “penthouse” can be erected over part of the rear deck of the
vehicle, but this is limited in space by the installation of the crane.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$100,023 |
D, G, A |
2.46 tons |
17.75 tons |
4 |
17 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
113/79 |
32/22/5 |
454 |
98 |
Stnd |
T2 |
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) or Bren L2A4 (C) |
1600x7.62mm |
Alvis FV512 MCRV/FV513 MRV(R)
Notes:
These related vehicles are also known as the Warrior Recovery and Repair
Vehicles, or WRRV or the MCRV (Mechanized Combat Repair Vehicles).
As the name suggests, they are recovery vehicle versions of the FV510
Warrior IFV, and are used by Great Britain and Kuwait to support those vehicles
and sometimes tanks. The primary
difference between these vehicles is that the FV512 does not have a winch, while
the FV513 does. The FV512 may not
have a winch, but it has a much greater stowage of repair parts.
Both
vehicles have a crane with a 6.5-ton capacity in place of the turret of the
FV510, with a maximum reach of 4.52 meters.
The FV513 has a winch internally at the rear with a capacity of 20 tons
(38 tons with pulleys installed), and has 100 meters of cable. The FV513 also
has a pilot winch on this vehicle that has 200 meters of cable and a capacity of
1.25 tons. On the front of the
superstructure of both vehicles, there is a small one-man turret mounting a
7.62mm EX-34 ChainGun. The vehicles
are air-conditioned, and have a small spade at the rear that is lowered to
provide stability for the crane.
NBC Overpressure with a collective backup is provided. These vehicles typically
carry a wide variety of tools appropriate for their task of repairing tracked
fighting vehicles, and a small computer with tech manuals and bulletins to help
in the repair.
Power for the
vehicle and its components is provided by Perkins CV8 TCA 550-horsepower diesel,
coupled to an automatic transmission.
On either side of the forward superstructure are banks of four smoke
grenade launchers.
In preparation
for Operation Granby (the operational name for Britain’s part in OIF), a decent
layer of appliqué armor was added to British MRV(R)s. MCRVs were not sent to
Iraq.
Both of these
vehicles can tow the GKN High Mobility Trailer.
This four-wheeled trailer was purpose-designed for these vehicles, but
may be towed by other vehicles capable of handling the weight.
It weighs 5.5 tons, can carry 6.5 tons (approximately the weight of a
Challenger power pack or two Warrior power packs), and is designed to provide a
stable platform regardless of terrain conditions.
The trailer's platform can be raised and lowered and provides a safe
level platform for work when not connected for towing.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
FV512 |
$155,955 |
D, A |
1.46 tons |
30 tons |
5 |
17 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
FV513 |
$165,451 |
D, A |
1.45 tons |
30.2 tons |
5 |
18 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
FV513 (w/Side Applique) |
$389,957 |
D, A |
933 kg |
32.63 tons |
5 |
21 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
FV512/513 |
132/93 |
37/26 |
770 |
202 |
CiH |
T4 |
TF4 TS4
TR4 HF20
HS6 HR6 |
FV513 (w/Side Applique) |
120/84 |
33/23 |
770 |
202 |
CiH |
T4 |
TF4 TS4
TR4 HF20
HS12Sp HR6 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
(Both) |
None |
None |
EX-34 ChainGun |
1500x7.62mm |
Vickers ARRV
Notes: These are
Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicles based on the Vickers Mk 3 main battle tank.
The users of the Vickers ARRV are the same as those who use the Vickers series
of tanks, including Kenya, Kuwait, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
The Vickers ARRV
lacks the heavy and composite armor of the Vickers Mk 3 (though it’s protection
is still substantial), and instead of a turret has a raised superstructure
mounting a crane with a capacity of 4 tons (just enough to lift a tank power
pack, though it cannot lift any but the smallest of turrets).
Mounted to the left of the driver in the front of the vehicle is the main
winch. It has 122 meters of cable
and has a capacity of 25 tons, or 65 tons with block and tackle.
When using the winch, an earth anchor is normally employed to brace the
vehicle. There is also an auxiliary
winch at the rear with a capacity of 4.06 tons and 250 meters of cable.
The Vickers ARRV normally carries a full range of recovery and repair
equipment, including welding and cutting gear, an air compressor, a fuel pump, a
large set of tools (basic, wheeled vehicle, tracked vehicle, small arms, heavy
ordinance), a tow bar, block and tackle, and various ropes, cables, and chains.
The Vickers has a hatch on the front right deck for the driver, a
commander's cupola on the left superstructure deck with an externally mounted
machinegun that can be aimed and fired from within the vehicle, and a large
hatch for the crew to work with the crane.
A flat area on the rear deck can carry a complete MBT power pack.
Power is
provided by a Detroit Diesel 12V-712T 720-horsepower turbocharged diesel.
Vickers will instead equip the Vickers ARRV with a Perkins CV12 800E
turbocharged diesel developing 800 horsepower. (No actual orders for a Vickers
ARRV with this engine have been made, but the stats have been worked out
anyway.) The Vickers ARRV is known for its exceptional suspension. Three of
Kenya’s Vickers ARRVs are unusual – they are not equipped with cranes, and are
meant to be primarily recovery vehicles instead of repair and recovery vehicles,
and the main winch can pull 75 tons with block and tackle. (These are labelled
below as “Kenyan ARV.”) On each
bumper, aimed slightly outward, is a cluster of six smoke grenade launchers. The
driver is on the front left, and the commander behind and opposite of him, with
a manually-operated cupola with a weapon mount.
The driver is on
the front right, with the commander opposite him on the front left.
As noted above, there is a large hatch on the left rear, running to the
center; this is normally meant to facilitate working with the crane.
(Supposedly, Kenyan ARRVs that do not have a crane use the extra space, modified
into a rack for water and food and various oddments of personal items.)
Twilight 2000
Notes: Prewar sales went only to Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, and even then
only in small numbers, but some of these vehicles were produced during the
Twilight War, and a few of these went to British forces in Europe.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Vickers ARRV |
$279,148 |
D, A |
3.05 tons |
36.8 tons |
4 |
25 |
Passive IR (D, C), WL Spotlight (C) |
Shielded |
Vickers ARRV w/800hp |
$283,414 |
D, A |
3.13 tons |
36.8 tons |
4 |
25 |
Passive IR (D, C), WL Spotlight (C) |
Shielded |
Kenyan ARV |
$289,029 |
D, A |
3.19 tons |
36.6 tons |
4 |
25 |
Passive IR (D, C), WL Spotlight (C) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Vickers ARRV |
140/98 |
39/27 |
1000 |
267 |
Stnd |
T6 |
HF76 HS10
HR8 |
Vickers ARRV w/800hp |
152/107 |
42/30 |
1000 |
297 |
Stnd |
T6 |
HF76 HS10
HR8 |
Kenyan ARV |
141/98 |
39/27 |
1000 |
267 |
Stnd |
T6 |
HF76 HS10
HR8 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Vickers ARRV |
None |
None |
L7A2 (C) |
2600x7.62mm |