On the pull

32-tonne recovery truck

Report: Stephen Tyler
Picture: Graeme Main

RESCUING the heaviest military wheeled vehicles will become light work with the upcoming deployment of a fleet of 32-tonne recovery trucks.

From next month, 288 of the mammoth rigs will be available in Iraq and Afghanistan to go to the aid of stricken vehicles.

The roll-out follows a year of extensive trials by the combat service support trials and development unit (CSS TDU), at Aldershot, and 2iC Capt John Sibley, REME, is confident the trucks will make a big difference at the sharp end of operations.

“We have put this through its paces and everyone has been delighted with how it performed,” explained Capt Sibley. “It’s a massive step and change
in technology.”

Developed by MAN Truck and Bus UK, the recovery giants will replace the existing Foden fleet and are a key part of a £1.3billion, 7,285 support vehicle upgrade programme.

The imposing size and weight of the trucks masks a surprisingly nimble 440BHP engine capable of tackling tricky terrain without too much trouble.

At the scene of a stranded vehicle, the crew can deploy a powerful crane capable of lifting up to 13 tonnes at a distance of 2.5 metres.

If the vehicles are unable to move under their own steam, the recovery trucks can step into the breach by towing up to 44 tonnes of stranded roadside metal.

“The recovery vehicles are incredibly fast considering their size,” said Capt Sibley. “They move across the ground so much quicker than the Foden and that will come into its own in situations like a convoy.”

Taking the wheel of one of the gargantuan trucks in theatre poses a different challenge to driving one in the UK, but troops can be reassured that the vehicles are designed with the rigours of operations in mind.

Intelligent self-levelling suspension and eight driven wheels make light work of all but the toughest conditions, while the real-time diagnostics will help the crew solve problems as they occur.

The threat posed by explosions and small-arms fire has been addressed with the provision of an appliqué armour pack which can be fitted when required. All the vehicles have a Bowman radio communication system capability.

Aside from mechanical improvements, much thought has been given to the design of the cabs to improve working conditions for those on board.

Air-conditioning will help keep temperatures down during the imposing heat of the Afghan or Iraqi summers and other additions include GPS navigation and a water heating system.
“The guys now have a much more comfortable cab than they have had in the past,” concluded Capt Sibley. “There’s a lot of gear that would be standard in a family car.”