Land Rover exploited the intensive use by military forces throughout the World to develop a range of vehicles designed specifically for military use. These vehicles are built employing the latest and most advanced technology ensuring the highest quality to NATO standard AQAPi.

To develop the latest models in the Land Rover military range intensive testing was carried out by the company’s engineers working closely with their military customers throughout the world. This expertise ensures that the vehicles combine the latest 4 wheel drive technology while conforming to the requirements of current and protected use as a cargo vehicle, communications centre and weapon systems platform over all types of terrain.

In 1990 their model range consisted of the short wheelbase Ninety, the long wheelbase One Ten and the extended wheelbase One Two Seven. All possessed advanced features and were built at their British plant in Solihull. Each had a place in a modern defence forces’ all wheel drive vehicle fleet.

As with all Land-Rover vehicles the body panels are manufactured from aircraft quality aluminium alloy bolted on to a strong steel ladder construction chassis frame. This combination provides strength with a low centre of gravity which enhances stability and cross country performance.

A wide choice of engines are used including the world renowned alloy 3.5 litre V8 petrol engine which combines a high power output with light weight. Other power units available at the time were the 4 cylinder, 2.5 litre petrol engine, 2.5 litre diesel and 2.5 litre turbocharged diesel.

The manual 5 speed gearbox is all synchromesh and is coupled to the permanent 4 wheel drive 2 speed transfer box with lockable centre differential. Suspension is provided by long travel coil springs front and rear. Braking is power assisted and the steering gives a tight turning circle with the option of power assistance. This combination of features gives superb cross country mobility but also provides relaxed on road handling enabling long distances to be covered without driver fatigue.

Land Rover developed the One Ten, Ninety and One Two Seven in conjunction with the world’s leading logistics communications and major weapons systems manufacturers into a wide range of specialist vehicles. These vehicles complement the famous GS Cargo, personnel carriers and FFR vehicles.

Examples include o Command, Control and Communicatians vehicles o Weapon systems platforms including MILAN, TOW, HOT and Javelin

o Long Range Desert Patrol Vehicle which can mount a variety of weapons 0 Forward air control and artillery control vehicles o Multiple rocket launcher platforms o Ambulances and fire service vehicles o Discreetly armoured vehicles for covert operations o Internal security vehicles fitted for electronic surveillance.

The versatility and flexibility that are particular attributes of Land Rover’s modern British manufacturing plant enables Land Rover to supply these vehicles and many other variants to meet any customer’s specific needs.

Land Rover vehicles have reliability built-in from the design stage. This is complimented by a dedicated worldwide logistic support team with in-depth experience working with military engineering organisations. This team provides rapid worldwide service and parts support.

THE DEFENDER MULTI-ROLE COMBAT VEHICLE

The Defender based Multi Role Combat Vehicle (MRCV) was designed to meet the growing demand for a highly mobile weapons platform with the versatility and adaptability of firepower to counter threats faced by Rapid Reaction Forces, Reconnaissance and Patrol Units.

The Multi Role Combat Vehicle provided a flexible vehicle system to meet a range of requirements for highly mobile, rapid reaction weapons platforms from one vehicle base.

The base model provided a simple weapons platform or general service vehicle whilst at the other extreme it was a vehicle system which could be configured to provide a sophisticated, and powerful light combat vehicle for reconnaissance or defence duties.

The modular design of MRCV means that the vehicle could change its operational capability by the simple addition or removal of optional equipment. This capability enabled the vehicle to be adapted easily to carry out general service duties when not required for operational duties; ensuring maximum utilisation and cost effectiveness.

The powerful 2.5 turbodiesel or 3.5 V8 engine options together with Land Rover’s renowned coil spring suspension, permanent 4-wheel drive, rigid chassis and durability ensure that the MRCV had outstanding off road performance, economy and reliability.

Weapons Capability
The MRCV modular construction enables the vehicle to be speedily adopted with a plug in frame and 360 degree ring mount to lire the 14K] 940mm grenade launcher, GIAT 20mm, 0.5 inch Browning and the 7.62mm GPMG. Additionally it has the capability to lire 7.62mm GPMGs Tram any part of the Trout or rear roilcage. Pedestal mountings can also he provided on the front rollcage and at the rear of the vehicle to fire the 0.5 inch Browning, 14K] 940mm grenade launcher and the GIAT 20mm. In the Milan configuration, a missile can he fired within 60 seconds from stowage, six missiles being carried on hoard.

Airportability
In line with the growing need for rapid intervention, airportahility has been a primary factor in the development of the MRCV. With transportation lashing points provided as standard, the MCRV may be underslung~ under medium lift helicopters such as Sea King, Black Hawk or Puma. It can also be transported inside aircraft such as the Hercules Cl 30, Iransall Cl 60 or the CH53 Chinook helicopter.

Supportability
The vehicle has been developed from the Land Rover Defender —a commercial vehicle with an annual production of 20,000 —ensuring that the customer benefits from competitive pricing and the reliability of a proven product.

Land Rover also recognises that ease of maintenance is an essential requirement for the military custower to keep whole life costs low and ensure greater operational effectiveness. The power train and many chassis and body components of the 90, 110 and 130 MRCVs are common with other Land Rover Defender military and commercial vehicles thereby ensuring interchangeability of parts and supportability through the worldwide Land Rover network

Suspension lockout
To enhance the stability of the MCRV weapons platform, it may be equipped with a unique hydraulic suspension lock-out system. The lockout is provided by specially designed hydraulic dampers and can be operated instantaneously from the vehicle cab once the vehicle has come to rest.