Alvis Stalwart (FV620)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
|
| Alvis Stalwart | |
|---|---|
| General characteristics | |
| Crew | driver + 2 passengers |
| Length | 6.36 |
| Width | 2.62 |
| Height | 2.31 |
| Weight | 9 |
| Armour and armament | |
| Armour | ? |
| Main armament | none |
| Secondary armament | none |
| Mobility | |
| Power plant | Rolls Royce B81 6.5 l petrol, 220 hp (164 kW) |
| Suspension | 6 x 6 wheels |
| Road speed | 40 mph, 64 |
| Power/weight | |
| Range | 824 |
The FV 620 Stalwart, informally known as the "Stolly", is a highly mobile amphibious military truck built by Alvis that served with the British Army.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Stalwart was a private venture by Alvis that was adopted and entered service with the British Army in 1966 as a general transport truck in preference to the FV431, the load carrier variant of the FV430 series. It was one of the same line of vehicles that included the Alvis Saracen, Saladin and Salamander. The high mobility and amphibious capabilities were considered ideal for resupplying units in the field.
[edit] Design
The hull is the vehicle chassis, the engine is situated under the load deck in the rear of the hull and the gearboxes, differentials and transfer boxes forward of this. The load deck was open-topped with large drop down panels on either side. Waterproof seals ensured that these would not leak when in the water. The three man cab has the driver's position in the centre and a seat for a passenger either side. The cab can only be entered through roof hatches.
The Stalwart could carry 5 tonnes of stores, or tow 10 tonnes.
In the water it was driven by vectored thrust water-jet propulsion units at about 6 knots.
The drive system including the all-wheel drive, multiple gearboxes and the water propulsion units was complex and needed a lot of maintenance. When the amphibious qualities become unnecessary, it was common for the water jets to be removed to reduce weight and maintenance.
[edit] Variants
[edit] FV620
First model
[edit] FV621
Stalwart Mk 1
[edit] FV622
Stalwart Mk 2 General Service. This had a 2-man crew although a 3rd seat could be fitted to the right of the driver as a field modification.. Could also carry 38 fully equipped troops or the Gloster SARO Bulk Refuelling Pack as alternatives to the 5 Ton cargo
[edit] FV623
Stalwart Mk 2 Limber. An artillery ammunition supply vehicle. An ATLAS 3001/66 hydraulic crane was added to the cargo area.
[edit] FV624
Stalwart Mk 2 Recovery. Two extra seats and a crane added.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] Further Reading
- "Stout Strong and Sturdy: The Alvis Stalwart story" by John L Rue (Konig Verlag, 1998)
[edit] External Links
| Modern (post WW2) UK military vehicles (not AFV) |
|---|
| Light vehicles |
| Austin Champ | Land Rover | Land Rover Forward Control | "Airportable" Land Rover|ATMP (Supacat) |
| Load carriers |
| FV 620 "Stalwart" | Bedford MK/MJ 4 ton | Militant 10 ton |
| Transporters |
| "Mighty Antar" | Scammell Commander |
| Recovery and engineering vehicles |
| Royal Marines Beach ARV | FV180 CET | FV106 Samson |
| UK Armoured Fighting Vehicles |
