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11th June 2008
Recovery operations safer and faster with the introduction of
new high-tech recovery vehicle.
Recovery mechanics in Iraq and Afghanistan are set to
benefit from new 32-tonne trucks with highly capable recovery
systems, cutting time spent working on the ground to a minimum.
General Support Vehicles Integrated Project Team (GSV IPT) has
introduced a new 32-tonne truck with improved recovery
capabilities which entered service in February this year. The
new truck features a complex recovery system designed to allow
recovery mechanics to operate from a ‘mobile workshop’, spending
more time in the armoured cab and less time on the ground. The
new truck has a powerful 10.5l, 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine,
which drives all eight wheels, as well as improved off-road
capability, enabling troops to reach the recovery site rapidly
while negotiating rugged terrain. The vehicle is fitted with
appliqué armour packs to protect the crew from ballistic and
blast threat, and includes a Bowman radio.
“The truck has an immensely strong lifting capacity,” says GSV
IPT team leader Alison Henry. “With the capability to tow a
44-tonne vehicle it can recover our heaviest wheeled
casualties.”
The new 32-tonne trucks have been developed in conjunction with
EKA Ltd and MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, and form part of the MoD’s
£1.3bn Support Vehicle Programme. In all, 288 of the new
recovery vehicles will be delivered and vehicles will be
despatched to Iraq and Afghanistan later this year.
“This milestone represents a significant achievement and is
further evidence of the success of our Support Vehicle Programme
in delivering 7285 specialist support vehicles to our Armed
Forces,” comments Minister for Defence Equipment and Support,
Baroness Ann Taylor.
Members of GSV IPT along with MAN Truck & Bus who were
responsible for delivering the new truck, will be at DVD on 25th
and 26th June at Millbrook. Visitors wishing to attend DVD must
pre-register by visiting
www.theevent.co.uk. |
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