Doc Summary
Together with the British Army, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment (MVEE) conducted a study called the Family of Light Armoured Vehicles (FLAV) that was intended to inform replacements for CVR(T), FV432, Fox and Ferret, Saxon and Saracen, and some B vehicles.
Family of Light Armoured Vehicles (FLAV) History #
Six types of protected vehicles were recommended by FLAV, including three tracked and three wheeled models.
The tracked vehicles would be in three weight classes; 8 to 14 tonnes, 14 to 20 tonnes, and 20 to 30 tonnes.
The wheeled vehicles would also be in three weight classes; 3 to 8 tonnes, 8 to 12 tonnes, and 12 to 24 tonnes.
The big four UK armoured vehicle manufacturers all replied to the study request.
- Alvis: CVR(T), Stormer, and Ferret 80
- Vickers Defence Systems: Mk 5 Light Tank, NVH1, Valkyr, Vedette
- Royal Ordnance: RO 2000, Pandur
- GKN: Warrior, Saxon, Simba
This mix contained some intriguing vehicles that are worth examining for further insight.
Alvis #
The Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment (MVEE) created a larger version of CVR(T) after completing the work on it in the seventies.
In 1981, Alvis acquired the manufacturing and marketing rights for the then-designated FV4333 and renamed it Stormer.
CVR(T) was already in use, and Stormer was a larger version that Alvis proposed to replace FV432.
Although only the basic APC was presented as a prototype, other variants were presented as potential alternatives for FLAV.
Shortly afterwards, Alvis announced the purchase of twenty-five Stormer APCs by Malaysia.
Twelve of their Stormer APCs would be fitted with a Helio FVT 900 one man turret equipped with a 20 mm Oerlikon Contraves automatic cannon.
A comprehensive design and component refresh was completed in 1984 for the first Ferret 80 prototype.
The Helio FVT 900 20 mm turret supplied to Malaysia was used in the proposed version.
Vickers Defence Systems #
Vickers Defence and Norinco in China came up with a hybrid solution that combined the MCV-80 turret with a Type 58 armoured personnel carrier.
Many sources indicate that it was intended for export, although it is difficult to imagine the British Army bringing a Chinese vehicle into service.
Project Waler may have some connection to the Vickers Vedette, although this is speculation on my part.
The Vickers Valkyr was a competent vehicle aimed at battling the GKN Saxon.
Timony (Ireland) and Beherman-Demoen (Belgium) had collaborated on a 4×4 vehicle called the BDX, a version of the Timony Mark V APC.
This was further enhanced by Vickers Defence and referred to as Valkyr, or BDX Mark II.
There were two roof heights and several variants that were amphibious.
The prototype Fire Support Vehicle with a low roof and a Cockerill 90 mm turret was presented in 1982, followed by the high roof APC in 1984, and finally, an internal security version in 1986.
Royal Ordnance #
The Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) suggested using their RO2000 vehicles for heavier tracked versions.
It was developed jointly with Egypt, and was unusual for the time in that it featured a module-capable design.
The RO2000 vehicle was designed for overseas manufacture and was available in several variants, including a D20 Gun System (RO 2001), a fixed 105 mm gun from the Abbot SPG (RO 2002), a turreted 120 mm mortar (RO 2003), and a Light Tank equipped with a 105 mm main gun (RO 2004)
The RO2000 series of vehicles was first shown in 1986, just as FLAV ended, but did not enter service.
More images at this LINK
For the wheeled component, Royal Ordnance partnered with Steyr Daimler Puch to offer the Pandur I.
GKN #
There were already versions of the Warrior and Saxon vehicles in service, and the Simba vehicle was also proposed.
Simba was a private venture development intended primarily for export, and was simple and robust.
Family of Light Armoured Vehicles (FLAV) Concludes #
1986 marked the completion of the FLAV investigation.
The British Army then progressed to the next stage, a more formal programme called the Future Family of Light Armoured Vehicles (FFLAV)
If you found value in this article, help me keep Think Defence going
Think Defence is a hobby, a serious hobby, but a hobby nonetheless. I have removed those annoying adverts, but hosting fees, software subscriptions and other services add up.
To help me keep the show on the road, I ask that you support the site in any way you can. It is hugely appreciated.
You can click on an affiliate link, Buy Me a Coffee at https://ko-fi.com/thinkdefence, download an e-book at https://payhip.com/thinkdefence or even get some TD merch at https://www.redbubble.com/people/source360/
Youtubers, if you are going to lift content from here, the decent thing to do would credit me
