THE “WORKHORSE” OF THE BRITISH ARMY

In 1966, the military command of the British army felt that the troops needed a new car a solid class that would be easier and on dimensions less than the then car firms “Austin”, “Morris”, “Humber”. In accordance with the tasks the army needed a four wheel drive truck with a payload of one tonne, capable of towing artillery gun or transport trailers weighing up to a ton and a half. And provided the possibility of carrying up to eight soldiers in full combat gear. An important qualities of the new car was recognized its simplicity and manufacturability, small dimensions.

 

For the development of a “workhorse” for the British army took firm Rover is a company with extensive experience, started manufacturing cars in 1947, Then it was created a fundamentally new type of civil SUV with permanent all-wheel drive, which had so great a success that by the beginning of next year, the company has established export relations with 70 countries. Simultaneously, the firm began to develop and military vehicles.

 

First army Lend Rover Mk-I (“land Rover”) under the military index FV-18001 made in 1949 So there was a “Series I” with a wheelbase of 2032 mm. On the “land Rover” were 4-cylinder petrol engine Rover-60 power 50 HP Machine supplied with a 4-speed transmission, hydraulic brakes, spring suspension on both axles. Open body contained 250 kg of cargo.

Development of the MK-I was the car MK-III with a wheelbase 2185 mm, chassis which in 1954 created a special patrol car FV-18006 with three machine guns of 7.62 and 12.7 mm. at the same time on the basis of 2718 mm mastered 7-local staff MK-IV (FV-18004) with a closed 5-door body, as well as sanitary option FV-18005 with aluminum body firm Bonallack.

 

In September 1962, a new “Series II” cars “land Rover” with a wheelbase of 2230 mm. Began production of the multipurpose army vehicle Lightweight General Service (“Situat”) with an open body for transportation of goods and weaponry. It was a variant, adapted to transport aircraft and helicopters. For this he had removable doors and windshield, a specific front fascia, the spare wheel was placed on the hood. Vehicle weight –1225 kg, height — 1470 mm, the speed on the highway — 105 km/h. Some modifications it produced up to 1985

 

 

Army ambulance “Series IIA” FV-18070. 1966

 

 

Flatbed truck with an open body FV-19000. 1976

 

By 1962 also included the development of a hoodless solid tactical vehicles “land Rover FC” with all-wheel drive. In 1973 he adopted the airborne side FC101 (FV-19000). This car had a wheelbase of 101 inches (2565 mm — hence the designation), the Rover engine V8 with a capacity of 127 HP, wheel formula 4×4. The drivetrain consisted of a 4-speed transmission, center differential, hypoid transmissions, suspension was spring. Have FC101 was high ground clearance, short overhangs, large wheels with tires 9,00×16”. In the front was Powered Nokken winch with a pulling force of 1.8 T. the Maximum speed on the highway — 120 km/h.

 

Most of these trucks were produced for the British army, where they were in service until the end of the 1990s, Delivery of cars was carried out in Australia, Egypt, Luxembourg, Kenya, Oman, Uganda, Brunei, Dubai.