British Army Vehicles Gulf War
Challenger
Developed from an upgraded Chieftain design ordered by the Shah of Iran. Protected by Chobbam armour, which has contributed to the tank's reputation for survivability. Main firepower provided by 120mm L11 gun. Advanced computer fire control and sighting system allow the crew to identify and engage targets on the move. Engine, transmission and cooling group form a single power pack assembly-- can be removed and replaced in under an hour.
Challenger off loading at the docks at Al-Jubayl, Saudi Arabia.
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
In order to operate MLRS needs only the target location and the latest meteorogical data from extrenal sources; its own location is plotted by the onboard position-determining system. The Fire Control System is able to do the rest-calculating azimuth, elevation and range, aiming the rockets, and setting the electronic warhead fuzes. MLRS can ripple-fire 12 rockets in less than one minute. The munitions are dispensed from the warhead at a pre-set time above the target.
Challenger Recovery Armoured Vehicle (CRAV)
The Challenger Recovery Armoured Vehicle was first used in the Gulf, to replace the old Chieftain Recovery Vehicles. 7 in all came to the Gulf and was issued to the Forward Repair Groups,FRG 6 and 7a,7b workshops with the main Battle Groups.
Tank Transporter.
Issued to the British Army in the 1980's to transport the Armoured Vehicle's to the FUP.
Warrior
Warrior was designed from the outset to be a family of vehicles-its mobility, capacity and protection making it ideally suited to many roles. As a result six different types were in action in the Gulf. The Section Vehicle was the most common variant. In this guise it had the ability to deliver seven fully equipped infantrymen into the battle area with speed and efficiency. There they would be fully equipped to survive for 48 hours in NBC conditions. Special modifications were made to the vehicle to combat the potential battle conditions and desert environment, for example the fitting of applique armour kits to vehicles in the close combat role.
Scimitar
Battle reconnaissance vehicle. Based on same hull and automotive systems as Scorpion. Capable of firing the Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) from its Rarden 30mm gun. APDS is capable of penetrating the frontal armour of armoured personnel carriers at up to 4km. It also fires an HE round with the same accurancy. The automatic cannon gun enables six rounds to be fired without reloading, leaving the commander free for his primary role of surveillance.
Striker
Striker counters the main battle tank threat. Fitted with the swingfire missile system. Five guided missiles are carried in the hydraulically elevated rear-mounted armoured launchers; another five stowed under armour in the hull. Maximum range of 4km. The missile controller can engage either from within the vehicle or from a remote control device up to 100 metres from the vehicle. Striker is able to move swiftly in and out of action, its low profile and signature reducing the risk of detection.
Scorpion
Reconnaissance vehicle or light tank. Equipped with a 76mm gun, firing five natures of ammunition, and two 7.62mm machine guns. Other operational roles include escort duty, military traffic control, flank protection, airfield defence, and many liaison tasks when swift reaction and good communications are demanded.
AVLB (Chieftain Bridgelayer)
In service since 1974 the Chieftain AVLB can carry the no.8 bridge (24 metres long) and the no.9 bridge (13 metres long). The normal time taken to lay a no.8 bridge across a 24 metre gap is about 5 minutes.
M109 GUN
Main Tasks, Suppressing or destroying troops and their equipment with direct/indirect fire using; HEL15, incorporating a multi-role fuze that enables high explosive ground and air bursts; M483 bomblet round. Obscuring enemy vision with smoke rounds. Lighting the battlefield with illumination rounds.
Battlefield Lynx
Lynx had mulit-role versatility in the Gulf. anti-tank/anti-light armour, casualty evacuation, command and control, reconnaissance and logistic support. 24 Battlefield Lynxes were deployed, with a minimum of 95% available at any one time, and no losses incurred as a result of enemy action.
Bedford 14 tonner 6x6
The Bedford 14 tonner replace the age old 10 ton AEC in the British Army. Units that went out to the Gulf were issued with this vehicle. It became the work horse of the logistic corps.
D181 Rapier
The British air defence suface-to-air missile Repier, first saw action in the Falklands in 1982. Two type's were in the Gulf, the one above and the track repier used by the Artillery. The one above was used by the RAF Regiment to protect the airfields.
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