Lightweight History

The 1/2 ton military vehicle was developed by ROVER in conjunction with the British Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment to meet a specific requirement for an air portable vehicle with a half ton payload and being capable of towing light support weapons. The Body is unique in being largely manufactured from flat panels and is designed so that the windscreen assembly, doors, upper body and tailgate panels can be easily removed reducing weight for the air portable role.

This provides a serviceable vehicle weighing 4480lbs (2018-5kg) for use in air or heliborne operations.

The chassis is derived from the 88 inch civilian LAND ROVER, as are the engine, gearbox, and axles. The vehicle is available with 12 or 24 volt electrical systems, the latter available with up to 90 amp alternators. All 24 volt vehicles are fully suppressed to meet military operational standards.

The adaptability of the vehicle meant orders from NATO Countries as well as those overseas as the specifications could be adapted or adjusted to suit individual requirements.

These included such roles as Military, Police, civil defence, personnel and load carriers, command vehicles, for the artillery, infantry and other arms and services, recovery vehicles , emergency 2 stretcher carriers, specialist trailer towing and operation, signals communications, radio transmission and receiving centres, and reconnaissance, and special roles in bomb disposal, self propelled gun, Honourable Artillery Company and served with such regiments as the SAS, PARACHUTE REGIMENT and the ROYAL MARINES.