Humber Pig

The FV1611 was a light armoured truck first introduced in the 1950s and used throughout the troubles in Northern Ireland and into the early 1990s, with some 1700 examples being produced.

Converted from the FV1600 Humber 1 Ton Truck series vehicles, the design was originally intended to provide an armoured truck, but was adapted to fulfil the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) role.

Initially issued to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland the design was refined and issued on a wider basis to Army units, including airborne forces, deploying to that area from the 1960s onwards.

The nickname of “Pig” was thought well deserved as the vehicle was not designed to support the weight of the armour and this affected the performance, particularly when braking.

Given the increased security threat additional armour, including anti Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) screens were added with the subsequent design being nick named the “Kremlin Pig”.  Another variant with with extendable riot screens was nick named "Flying Pig".

A number of Pigs ere converted to mount the Malkara missle system for use with airborne forces, and were named the Humber Hornet.

The Pig was withdrawn from service in the early 1990s and replaced by the AT105 Saxon.

Weight 10500 Ibs (Mk 1), 14300 Ibs (Mk 2) Length 4.93m (16ft 2in) Width 2.04m (6ft 8in) Height 2.12m (6ft 11in) Speed 40mph (64kmh) Range 400km (250mi) Crew 2+6

 

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