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Alvis Stalwart

The Stalwart, formally classified by the British Army as Truck, High Mobility Load Carrier (HMLC), 5 Ton, 6 x 6, Alvis Stalwart and informally known by servicemen as the Stolly, and by former RCT as the Stally,[1] is a highly mobile amphibious military truck. Built by Alvis Cars between 1960 and 1971, these vehicles served with the British Army from 1963 until 1993.[2][3]

Alvis Stalwart
A Stalwart Mk 2 in Bundeswehr colours, painted by a German enthusiast. Currently held at Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Specifications
Mass8,636 kilograms (9.520 short tons; 8.500 long tons) empty
14,224 kilograms (15.679 short tons; 13.999 long tons) laden
Length20 ft 10 in (6.36 m)
Width8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
Height7 ft 7 in (2.31 m) FV620/FV622 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in) FV623/FV624
CrewDriver, and up to two passengers

Armournone
EngineRolls-Royce B81 MK 8B eight-cylinder water-cooled 6.5 L petrol engine,
220 hp (164 kW)
Suspensionindependent torsion bars on 6 x 6 wheels
Operational
range
640 km (400 mi)
Maximum speed road speed 64 km/h (40 mph) at 4000 rpm

History edit

Alvis had great success with the FV603 Saracen armoured personnel carrier, being produced from 1952. The Saracen had permanent 6 wheel drive, and independent parallel wishbone links and torsion bar suspension on each wheel station. Alvis then used the same suspension and drive methods to develop the FV601 Saladin armoured car, and the Salamander airfield crash tender.[4] Following the success of those vehicles, Alvis then decided to start a private venture of an off-road truck, capable of carrying 5 tons and being highly mobile. Using the hull and cab of the Salamander, Alvis created the 'Camion' for the military and civilian market. The military, having conducted fording trials with the Saracen, asked if Camion would float. Camion is commonly known by its chassis number of PV 1 (Project Vehicle 1), and as "The Beast" by staff at Alvis. While the military carried out fording trials at Instow, Alvis went away and developed PV 2. PV 2 was put through a number of trials and tests both in the UK and Sweden, and received various facelifts to the cab roof and body sides along the way. The final version of PV 2 has twin hatches and a Hiab crane, compared to the original having full-length sideboards and a sliding roof hatch. PV 2 was named Stalwart. The Stalwart was adopted and entered service with the British Army in 1964 as a general transport truck in preference to the FV431, the load carrier variant of the FV430 series. The high mobility and amphibious capabilities were considered ideal for resupplying units in the field, particularly those of the British Army of the Rhine.

Design edit

 
The very first Alvis Project Vehicle for a 5-ton off-road truck - PV1. Also known as The Beast

The Stalwart is a frameless vehicle with an all welded waterproof hull - the hull forms a punt chassis. The engine is situated under the load deck in the rear of the hull and the gearbox with transfer box and differential forward of this. The load deck is open-topped with large drop-down panels on either side and rear. Waterproof seals ensure that these will not leak when in the water. The cab has the driver's position in the centre, and a seat for a passenger on the left side of the cab or either side on some models. The cab can only be entered through roof hatches. The dropping side windows are emergency escape hatches.

The Stalwart can carry 5 tonnes of stores. Early press releases in Commercial Motor suggests it could tow 10 tonnes.[5][better source needed] But trial reports by MEXE showed it could easily handle 7.5 ton.[6][better source needed]

In the water it can be driven at about 6 knots by vectored thrust water-jet propulsion units.

The drive system, which includes the all-wheel drive, multiple gearboxes, and the water propulsion units, is complex and needed a lot of maintenance. When the amphibious qualities became unnecessary, it was common for the water jets to be removed to reduce weight and maintenance.

The Stalwart's over-terrain capabilities come from the fact that the six-wheel-drive system lacks differentials, using simple bevel gears to transmit drive. A centre-mounted no-spin differential allows a certain amount of slip between the two sets of wheels on each side of the vehicle on hard surfaces, but there is no allowance for rotational speed differences between front and rear. The centre no-spin unit allows the wheels on either side of the vehicle with most grip to drive when off-road. This has the effect of making the vehicle appear to crab (move from side to side) when negotiating muddy conditions, thus making the Stalwart a true six-wheel-drive vehicle, with three wheels locked together and turning at the same speed.

However, this system causes "wind up" in the transmission (inter-component stress) as all the wheels are forced to rotate at the same speed, which during cornering is impossible.[7] This led to rapid wear and breakage of the tracta joints within the drive train if the vehicle was used on firm surfaces, such as tarmac or concrete; in off-road conditions, the natural 'slip' of a loose surface, such as mud or gravel, reduced wind up. This problem is of special concern for modern-day Stalwart owners – to get a vehicle to a show requires moving it by low-loader or driving it on the road, risking damage to the transmission. Alternatively, the front and rear driveshafts can be removed, eliminating wind-up at the expense of off-road capability.

During military use, the problem of transmission wind-up was solved by laying out railway sleepers (railroad ties) in a grid on flat ground and driving over them on long road moves; this allowed the transmission to unwind.[8] On more than one occasion, servicemen drove Stalwarts into car parks and used the kerbstones separating parking bays for the same purpose. Another problem with the transmission was that the vehicle was designed to be driven loaded. Driving the vehicle unloaded caused increased wear on the drivelines to the wheels as a result of the increased angle of mesh of the joints. See User manual and Crew reference card.[9][better source needed]

Specifications edit

  • Length = 6.35 m (20 ft 10 in)
  • Width = 2.62 m (8 ft 7 in)
  • Height = 2.65 m (8 ft 8 in) to load cover pole FV620/FV622
  • Height = 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in) crane stowed FV623/FV624
  • Weight empty = 8,636 kilograms (9.520 short tons; 8.500 long tons) FV620/FV622
  • Weight fully laden = 14,224 kilograms (15.679 short tons; 13.999 long tons) FV620/FV622
  • Bridge Classification = 14
  • Weight empty = 10,515 kilograms (11.591 short tons; 10.349 long tons) FV623/FV624
  • Weight fully laden = 15,595 kilograms (17.191 short tons; 15.349 long tons) FV623/FV624
  • Bridge Classification = 15
  • Suspension = independent parallel wishbone links and torsion bars per wheel station
  • Speed = road speed 64 km/h (40 mph) at 4000 rpm
  • Fording depth prepared = amphibious to full flotation
  • Vehicle range = 640 km (400 mi)
  • Fuel consumption = 4 mpg
  • Max gradient = 21 degrees
  • Max gradient restart = 18 degrees
  • Approach angle laden = 42 degrees
  • Departure angle laden = 29 degrees
  • Side Overturn angle = 31 degrees For FV620/FV622
  • Maximum Vertical obstacle = 0.46 m (1 ft 6 in)
  • Trench crossing = 5 feet 1.52 m (5 ft 0 in)
  • Ground clearance = 0.41 m (1 ft 4 in) laden FV622
  • Turning circle = 1/R and L/H lock 15–18 m (49–59 ft)
  • Armour = none - but hull protected crews from anti-tank mines in Aden[10]
  • Engine = Rolls-Royce B81 MK 8B eight-cylinder water-cooled 6.5 L petrol engine, engine developing 220 hp (164 kW)
  • Gear box = Alvis 5 speed box.
  • Transfer box = Forward and reverse, giving 5 gears in both directions
  • Driveline - Non-slip differential to bevel boxes, producing permanent 6 wheel drive.
  • Crew Driver, and up to two passengers

[11]

Variants edit

 
PV 1 - Project Vehicle 1, Camion. The predecessor to the Alvis Stalwart

Project vehicles edit

All Prototypes for Stalwart were known as Private Venture (PV), and had the chassis number prefix PV. There were 15 PVs, with their destinations shown on Alvis letter of sales numbers.[12][better source needed]

Alvis Camion

The Camion was a one off project vehicle that inspired the Stalwart; it was chassis number PV1. It consisted of an Alvis Salamander hull and cab, with the radiator still located in front of the rear mounted engine.[13]

 
Stalwart - Project vehicle 2. The first format of the first Stalwart. Note the sliding roof hatch and full-length side board.
Stalwart

PV 2, or Project Vehicle 2 took note of the MOD fording trials at Instow - and noted the roof hatch being used to access the cab. The first version of PV 2 had a sliding hatch, and full-length single-skin sideboards. The exhaust was also at the back of the cab.[14] Numerous obvious modifications were made to PV 2, with the last one being the installation of a Hiab crane.

A very early version of PV2 is filmed by Pathe News in Devon. Note the exhaust pipe is still at the back of the cab, and the fuel cap is low on the left side of the cab – below the waterline. YouTube - PV2 showing it paces in Devon during 1961

A Pathé News film from 1962 of PV2 in the original configuration, with the full-length single-skin side boards. Note the troops' uniforms. - YouTube - Alvis Stalwart 1962

PV 2 is seen with crane fitted in a film about the merger of Rover group and Alvis Youtube - combat Land Rover line up

 
Extract of MERLIN showing early Stalwarts in service
 
An early PV model with ribbed sides and no support bars being launched up a bank to remove transmission windup.

Production vehicles edit

 
Mk1 Alvis Stalwart, showing the early pattern windows
 
Stalwart FV620
FV620

All MK 1 had the chassis prefix STAL, and ran from STAL 16 to STALL 140.[15][better source needed] Stalwart Mk 1 load carrier. This had a driver's and passenger's seat. The Mk 1 was used for troop movement in Aden, but the Stalwart was more regularly used for carrying packed fuel, over 300 Jerry cans, or ammunition as alternatives to the five tonnes of cargo in the UK and Germany. The majority of the Mk 1 models did not have winches fitted. Sweden mounted hydraulic winches onto the front of their MK 1 Stalwarts, known as Amfibiebil 101B. Sweden also mounted FOCO 4000 ZXX cranes on some of their vehicles, which are mounted to the left side of the cargo bay.

 
Alvis Stalwart Mk 1 going over a knife edge, on HMLC Driver training at Leconfield
 
Stalwart FV622
 
Boughton hydraulic winch fitted by Sweden to the outside of the Amfibiebil 101B
FV622

All MK2 had the chassis number STAL 11/, and ran from STALL 11/1 to STAL 11/956.[16][better source needed]

Stalwart Mk 2 load carrier. This had a driver's and passenger's seat, although a third seat could be fitted to the right of the driver as a field modification. All Mk 2 have an internal hydraulic winch, which only operates through the front and is mounted below the driver. The winch type is a Morris multi-layer drum, driven by a P.T.O. mounted hydraulic pump. The winch pull is 5400;kg. The MK 2 was known as Amfibiebil 101C in Sweden, and again some were fitted with the FOCO 4000 ZXX cranes.

 
An Alvis Stalwart of the RCT at Duisburg - rocking on a concrete wall to release transmission windup

Whilst the Stalwart could be used for troop movement, it was more regularly used for carrying Packed fuel (over 300 Jerry cans), ammunition, or the Gloster SARO UBRE Unit Bulk Refuelling Equipment pack as alternatives to the five tonnes of cargo. The jet drive units in all the Mk 2 variants were much more efficient, giving a claimed 9 knots.

The most obvious visible difference between Mk 1 and Mk 2 variants is that the lower edges of the cab windows were now angled downwards rather than horizontal. This was to improve visibility at close range, particularly when being marshalled by a banksman standing nearby.

A total of 956 Mk 2 FV622, FV623 and FV624 Stalwarts were produced, of which the British Army purchased 932, with 24 sold to other countries.[17][18]

 
Stalwart FV623
FV623

Stalwart Mk 2 limber. An artillery ammunition supply vehicle for the Abbot self-propelled gun. There was an extra seat in the cab for the crane operator plus four rear-mounted seats for a seven-man crew. An Atlas 3001/66 hydraulic crane capable of lifting three tons was added to the cargo area to lift palletised loads of ammunition. The rear crew folding seats were separated from the main cargo area by a wooden divider, and protected from inclement weather by two folding PVC hoods on metal hoops.

When swimming on deep water when fording operations are expected, i.e. the vehicle will be subjected to full floatation, it is important that the maximum load be restricted to 3 tons 10 cwt. (3556 kg). A total of 269 Mk 2 Stalwart limbers were produced.[19]

FV624

Stalwart Mk 2 REME fitters' vehicle, based on the Mk 2 Stalwart. Two extra rear-mounted seats were added to the main cargo area for a four-man crew. An Atlas 3001 hydraulic crane capable of lifting three tons was added to the cargo area. This differed from that of the FV623 variant by having hydraulic anti-creep check valves fitted.[20] This modified crane was more stable (and safer) for lifting and holding engine, transmission, and other heavy equipment whilst manoeuvring them into position.

When swimming on deep water when fording operations are expected, i.e. the vehicle will be subjected to full floatation, it is important that the maximum load be restricted to 3 tons 10 cwt. (3556 kg). A total of 60 Mk 2 Stalwart fitters' vehicles were produced.[21]

Gan reef rescue

07ER57 (Chassis STAL 11/002, known to have been to Thailand for trials on Operation Mudlark in 1966) became 09AH16. 07ER63 became 00AG79. Both served with RAF from January 1967 to March 1976, when they were disposed of, being the first MK 2s available for second-hand purchase. They were based at RAF Gan as Reef Rescue and manned by the RAF fire fighters.[22]

 
Stalwart Mk2 of the RAF Gan Reef rescue. It nicely shows the Coventry Climax water pump for fighting fires
Bangkok International Airport

Bangkok International Airport bought a 623 Limber version as a rescue vehicle, in case any aircraft should end up in the water surrounding the airport. The main difference between this and every other Stalwart is the factory-fitted water monitor, mounted on the roof of the cab. This is chassis number STAL 11 / 706, and currently resides at Jesada Technik Museum in Bangkok. MOD Merlin records suggest that 706 was made in the first part of 1969.[23]

 
Bangkok FV624 when brand new, complete with fire fighting nozzle
 
Alvis Stalwart Rescue limber with water monitor, as it stands today in the Jesada Museum, Thailand - formerly of Bangkok International Airport
 
Korea Oceanographic Research and Development Institute Mk2 on its way to the Falklands from A. F. Budge

Operators edit

Military operators edit

Listed by Alvis sales figures [24][better source needed]

 
Swedish Amfibiebil 101c (Stalwart Mk 2)
  •   United Kingdom - British Army: 125 Mk1 ordered 1962 (delivered 1963 and 1965), 932 Mk2 (delivered between 1966 and 1971). Disposed of 1993.
  •   Sweden - Swedish Coastal Artillery: 2 pre-production PV4 and 5 (Amfibiebil 101A, 1963), 6 Mk1 fitted with a Foco 1.5 ton crane and an externally-mounted Boughton 10 ton winch (Amfibiebil 101B, 1965) and 18 Mk2 (Amfibiebil 101c, 1966). All were disposed of in 1985.
  •   Germany - Bundeswehr: 1 Mk1. PV14 (1963) 2 Mk2 STAL 11/16 and 17 (1966).[25]
  •   Austria - Austrian Army Pioneers (flood relief): 3 Mk2. (1967). Austria quickly disposed of the Stalwart following a fatality whilst exiting the River Danube.[26]
  •   Italy - Italian Army (flood relief)]]: 1 Mk1 PV6 (1964).

Of the Swedish Amfibiebil 101C sold in 1985;

Civil operators edit

In popular culture edit

[better source needed]

  • Captain Tankboy uses an Alvis Stalwart FV622 as his Battle Truck in the TV show, Tankboy TV (2009).[29][30]
  • A Stalwart FV623 Series 2 was featured in Children of Men (2006).[31]
  • An Alvis Stalwart FV622 was used in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003).[32]
  • An Alvis Stalwart was also used in an episode of SeaQuest DSV (1993-1996).[33]
  • An Alvis Stalwart was also used in an episode of Bugs (1995-1999).[34]
  • An Alvis Stalwart FV622 was used in Reign of Fire (2002).[35]
  • An Alvis Stalwart FV622 with a modified payload compartment appears briefly in the opening of the 2-hour pilot episode of Firefly (known as "Serenity") during a night battle scene. Firefly (2002–2003).[36]
  • A Mk2 Stalwart (date of manufacture: 1968, registration: NOP225F) and two Alvis Saracens are featured in Altern8's video for "E-Vapor-8", which reached #6 in the UK singles chart in 1992.
  • An Alvis Stalwart is used in the fourth Modesty Blaise novel (A Taste for Death) by the characters to escape from the Roman city of Mus and cross the Sahara to the North African coast (1969).
  • An Alvis Stalwart stars in an episode of TV series The Troubleshooters circa 1967 as hero Peter Thornton (Ray Barrett) outwits and out-manoeuvres a rival company in the jungle of a Central American nation. The Stalwart's internal winch is used to haul it up a steep incline to evade his pursuers.
  • A modified Alvis Stalwart was used as a "bug out vehicle" in The Grand Tour - series 1 episode 9 (2017).[37]

Scale models edit

  • In 1966, Matchbox released a die-cast model (#61) in the 1–75 series. Based on Stalwarts PV4 and PV5 as the only two with octagonal hatches[38][39][better source needed]
  • In 1967, Solido released a 1:50 die-cast model (Ref.214) of the "Berliet Aurochs", French version of the Stalwart.[40]
  • In 1971, Airfix released a 1:32 "Ready Made" assembled plastic model.[41]
  • In 1972, Dinky Toys released a 1:60 die-cast model, Ref 682.
  • In 2012, S&M Models released 1:76 injection-moulded plastic model kits of the FV620, FV622 and FV623, and the Gan Reef rescue.
  • In 2017, Ace Models released a 1:72 injection-moulded plastic model kit of the FV622.
  • Accurate Armour have a range of highly detailed 1:35 injection-moulded plastic model Alvis Stalwart FV620, FV622, FV623 and FV634 kits, along with UBRE kits and jerrycans
  • Kit Form Services have a range of highly detailed 1:24 injection-moulded plastic model Alvis Stalwart FV622 and FV623/634 kits

See also edit

Notes and references edit

  1. ^ https://www.facebook.com/groups/alvis.hmlc.6.x.6.stalwart.group/permalink/2818064038231382 [user-generated source]
  2. ^ Rue 1998, p. 2
  3. ^ Merlin archive, released by Ministry of Defence following request on Alvis Stalwart history - FOI request for Stalwart History
  4. ^ The Times Archives carry all the Alvis Annual meeting notes - which sets out the history and dates www.thetimes.co.uk/archive/find/Alvis+annual+meeting/w:1960-01-01~1985-01-01
  5. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CwJXYcjusvrMRoz7431DjDxWCUYIVe99/view?usp=sharing
  6. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ITSz9TnLiTaosOuqJK9wrNKn0BHPazS/view?usp=sharing
  7. ^ Ware, Pat (1994). In National Service. The Rolls-Royce 'B Series' Engine. Warehouse Publications. p. 118. ISBN 0-9525563-0-8.
  8. ^ Ware 1994, pp. 129–130
  9. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ugC_CywsTSPv9XngmwwcmKDS8KxUrH-9/view?usp=sharing Crew reference card on Running Laden and Unladen.
  10. ^ "RASC in Aden and the Radfan | Aden | Britain's Small Wars".
  11. ^ Army code no 22156 User Handbook for HMLC Stalwart
  12. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KcC686t2dcxzn_bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH/view?usp=sharing Alvis sales figures
  13. ^ Rue 1998, p. 4
  14. ^ Rue 1998, p. 7
  15. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KcC686t2dcxzn_bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH/view?usp=sharing shown on the Alvis letter of sales figures.
  16. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KcC686t2dcxzn_bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH/view?usp=sharing Alvis letter of sales
  17. ^ Rue 1998, p. 26
  18. ^ Merlin MOD vehicle archive
  19. ^ Rue 1998, p. 29
  20. ^ Rue 1998, p. 27
  21. ^ Rue 1998, p. 30
  22. ^ https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.2343993258971798&type=3 [user-generated source]
  23. ^ https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.2999422316762219&type=3 [user-generated source]
  24. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KcC686t2dcxzn_bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH/view?usp=sharing
  25. ^ Photos in Tankograd book
  26. ^ Austrian Military Vehicle Preservation Society
  27. ^ Articles
  28. ^ Letters
  29. ^ . Tankboy TV. Archived from the original on 21 April 2009. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  30. ^ "Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in "Tankboy"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  31. ^ "Alvis FV 623 Stalwart Series II in "Children of Men"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  32. ^ "Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  33. ^ "Alvis FV 620 Stalwart in "SeaQuest DSV"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  34. ^ "Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in "Bugs"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  35. ^ "Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in "Reign Of Fire"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  36. ^ "Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in "Firefly"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  37. ^ "Alvis FV 620 Stalwart in "The Grand Tour"". Internet Movie Cars Database. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  38. ^ Lesney Matchbox 61b Alvis Stalwart - Vintage British Diecasts website (accessed 2018-05-17)
  39. ^ Swedish Stalwart Wiki showing octagonal hatches
  40. ^ Solido, Les militaires de la serie 200 - Genie Miniature website (in French) (accessed 2018-05-18)
  41. ^ Alvis Stalwart Truck - Vintage Airfix website (accessed 2018-05-17)

Further reading edit

https://sites.google.com/view/alvis-stalwart-hmlc-files/hmlc-stalwart-files

External links edit

  • Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: FV622 Stalwart MkII
  • . Salvage Squad. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009.
  • . Amphibious Vehicle database. 15 April 2010. Archived from the original on 5 January 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2007.
  • Merlin military vehicle archive
  • Facebook.com/groups/alvis.hmlc.6.x.6.stalwart.group
  • Royal Logistic Corps museum have an archive of vehicle B cards, the history of the vehicle if you know the registration or chassis number

alvis, stalwart, this, article, needs, additional, citations, verification, please, help, improve, this, article, adding, citations, reliable, sources, unsourced, material, challenged, removed, find, sources, news, newspapers, books, scholar, jstor, october, 2. This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Alvis Stalwart news newspapers books scholar JSTOR October 2008 Learn how and when to remove this template message The Stalwart formally classified by the British Army as Truck High Mobility Load Carrier HMLC 5 Ton 6 x 6 Alvis Stalwart and informally known by servicemen as the Stolly and by former RCT as the Stally 1 is a highly mobile amphibious military truck Built by Alvis Cars between 1960 and 1971 these vehicles served with the British Army from 1963 until 1993 2 3 Alvis StalwartA Stalwart Mk 2 in Bundeswehr colours painted by a German enthusiast Currently held at Militarhistorisches Museum der BundeswehrPlace of originUnited KingdomSpecificationsMass8 636 kilograms 9 520 short tons 8 500 long tons empty 14 224 kilograms 15 679 short tons 13 999 long tons ladenLength20 ft 10 in 6 36 m Width8 ft 7 in 2 62 m Height7 ft 7 in 2 31 m FV620 FV622 3 1 m 10 ft 2 in FV623 FV624CrewDriver and up to two passengersArmournoneEngineRolls Royce B81 MK 8B eight cylinder water cooled 6 5 L petrol engine 220 hp 164 kW Suspensionindependent torsion bars on 6 x 6 wheelsOperationalrange640 km 400 mi Maximum speedroad speed 64 km h 40 mph at 4000 rpm Contents 1 History 2 Design 3 Specifications 4 Variants 4 1 Project vehicles 4 2 Production vehicles 5 Operators 5 1 Military operators 5 2 Civil operators 6 In popular culture 7 Scale models 8 See also 9 Notes and references 10 Further reading 11 External linksHistory editAlvis had great success with the FV603 Saracen armoured personnel carrier being produced from 1952 The Saracen had permanent 6 wheel drive and independent parallel wishbone links and torsion bar suspension on each wheel station Alvis then used the same suspension and drive methods to develop the FV601 Saladin armoured car and the Salamander airfield crash tender 4 Following the success of those vehicles Alvis then decided to start a private venture of an off road truck capable of carrying 5 tons and being highly mobile Using the hull and cab of the Salamander Alvis created the Camion for the military and civilian market The military having conducted fording trials with the Saracen asked if Camion would float Camion is commonly known by its chassis number of PV 1 Project Vehicle 1 and as The Beast by staff at Alvis While the military carried out fording trials at Instow Alvis went away and developed PV 2 PV 2 was put through a number of trials and tests both in the UK and Sweden and received various facelifts to the cab roof and body sides along the way The final version of PV 2 has twin hatches and a Hiab crane compared to the original having full length sideboards and a sliding roof hatch PV 2 was named Stalwart The Stalwart was adopted and entered service with the British Army in 1964 as a general transport truck in preference to the FV431 the load carrier variant of the FV430 series The high mobility and amphibious capabilities were considered ideal for resupplying units in the field particularly those of the British Army of the Rhine Design edit nbsp The very first Alvis Project Vehicle for a 5 ton off road truck PV1 Also known as The BeastThe Stalwart is a frameless vehicle with an all welded waterproof hull the hull forms a punt chassis The engine is situated under the load deck in the rear of the hull and the gearbox with transfer box and differential forward of this The load deck is open topped with large drop down panels on either side and rear Waterproof seals ensure that these will not leak when in the water The cab has the driver s position in the centre and a seat for a passenger on the left side of the cab or either side on some models The cab can only be entered through roof hatches The dropping side windows are emergency escape hatches The Stalwart can carry 5 tonnes of stores Early press releases in Commercial Motor suggests it could tow 10 tonnes 5 better source needed But trial reports by MEXE showed it could easily handle 7 5 ton 6 better source needed In the water it can be driven at about 6 knots by vectored thrust water jet propulsion units The drive system which includes the all wheel drive multiple gearboxes and the water propulsion units is complex and needed a lot of maintenance When the amphibious qualities became unnecessary it was common for the water jets to be removed to reduce weight and maintenance The Stalwart s over terrain capabilities come from the fact that the six wheel drive system lacks differentials using simple bevel gears to transmit drive A centre mounted no spin differential allows a certain amount of slip between the two sets of wheels on each side of the vehicle on hard surfaces but there is no allowance for rotational speed differences between front and rear The centre no spin unit allows the wheels on either side of the vehicle with most grip to drive when off road This has the effect of making the vehicle appear to crab move from side to side when negotiating muddy conditions thus making the Stalwart a true six wheel drive vehicle with three wheels locked together and turning at the same speed However this system causes wind up in the transmission inter component stress as all the wheels are forced to rotate at the same speed which during cornering is impossible 7 This led to rapid wear and breakage of the tracta joints within the drive train if the vehicle was used on firm surfaces such as tarmac or concrete in off road conditions the natural slip of a loose surface such as mud or gravel reduced wind up This problem is of special concern for modern day Stalwart owners to get a vehicle to a show requires moving it by low loader or driving it on the road risking damage to the transmission Alternatively the front and rear driveshafts can be removed eliminating wind up at the expense of off road capability During military use the problem of transmission wind up was solved by laying out railway sleepers railroad ties in a grid on flat ground and driving over them on long road moves this allowed the transmission to unwind 8 On more than one occasion servicemen drove Stalwarts into car parks and used the kerbstones separating parking bays for the same purpose Another problem with the transmission was that the vehicle was designed to be driven loaded Driving the vehicle unloaded caused increased wear on the drivelines to the wheels as a result of the increased angle of mesh of the joints See User manual and Crew reference card 9 better source needed Specifications editLength 6 35 m 20 ft 10 in Width 2 62 m 8 ft 7 in Height 2 65 m 8 ft 8 in to load cover pole FV620 FV622 Height 3 1 m 10 ft 2 in crane stowed FV623 FV624 Weight empty 8 636 kilograms 9 520 short tons 8 500 long tons FV620 FV622 Weight fully laden 14 224 kilograms 15 679 short tons 13 999 long tons FV620 FV622 Bridge Classification 14 Weight empty 10 515 kilograms 11 591 short tons 10 349 long tons FV623 FV624 Weight fully laden 15 595 kilograms 17 191 short tons 15 349 long tons FV623 FV624 Bridge Classification 15 Suspension independent parallel wishbone links and torsion bars per wheel station Speed road speed 64 km h 40 mph at 4000 rpm Fording depth prepared amphibious to full flotation Vehicle range 640 km 400 mi Fuel consumption 4 mpg Max gradient 21 degrees Max gradient restart 18 degrees Approach angle laden 42 degrees Departure angle laden 29 degrees Side Overturn angle 31 degrees For FV620 FV622 Maximum Vertical obstacle 0 46 m 1 ft 6 in Trench crossing 5 feet 1 52 m 5 ft 0 in Ground clearance 0 41 m 1 ft 4 in laden FV622 Turning circle 1 R and L H lock 15 18 m 49 59 ft Armour none but hull protected crews from anti tank mines in Aden 10 Engine Rolls Royce B81 MK 8B eight cylinder water cooled 6 5 L petrol engine engine developing 220 hp 164 kW Gear box Alvis 5 speed box Transfer box Forward and reverse giving 5 gears in both directions Driveline Non slip differential to bevel boxes producing permanent 6 wheel drive Crew Driver and up to two passengers 11 Variants edit nbsp PV 1 Project Vehicle 1 Camion The predecessor to the Alvis StalwartProject vehicles edit All Prototypes for Stalwart were known as Private Venture PV and had the chassis number prefix PV There were 15 PVs with their destinations shown on Alvis letter of sales numbers 12 better source needed Alvis CamionThe Camion was a one off project vehicle that inspired the Stalwart it was chassis number PV1 It consisted of an Alvis Salamander hull and cab with the radiator still located in front of the rear mounted engine 13 nbsp Stalwart Project vehicle 2 The first format of the first Stalwart Note the sliding roof hatch and full length side board StalwartPV 2 or Project Vehicle 2 took note of the MOD fording trials at Instow and noted the roof hatch being used to access the cab The first version of PV 2 had a sliding hatch and full length single skin sideboards The exhaust was also at the back of the cab 14 Numerous obvious modifications were made to PV 2 with the last one being the installation of a Hiab crane A very early version of PV2 is filmed by Pathe News in Devon Note the exhaust pipe is still at the back of the cab and the fuel cap is low on the left side of the cab below the waterline YouTube PV2 showing it paces in Devon during 1961A Pathe News film from 1962 of PV2 in the original configuration with the full length single skin side boards Note the troops uniforms YouTube Alvis Stalwart 1962PV 2 is seen with crane fitted in a film about the merger of Rover group and Alvis Youtube combat Land Rover line up nbsp Extract of MERLIN showing early Stalwarts in service nbsp An early PV model with ribbed sides and no support bars being launched up a bank to remove transmission windup Production vehicles edit nbsp Mk1 Alvis Stalwart showing the early pattern windows nbsp Stalwart FV620FV620All MK 1 had the chassis prefix STAL and ran from STAL 16 to STALL 140 15 better source needed Stalwart Mk 1 load carrier This had a driver s and passenger s seat The Mk 1 was used for troop movement in Aden but the Stalwart was more regularly used for carrying packed fuel over 300 Jerry cans or ammunition as alternatives to the five tonnes of cargo in the UK and Germany The majority of the Mk 1 models did not have winches fitted Sweden mounted hydraulic winches onto the front of their MK 1 Stalwarts known as Amfibiebil 101B Sweden also mounted FOCO 4000 ZXX cranes on some of their vehicles which are mounted to the left side of the cargo bay nbsp Alvis Stalwart Mk 1 going over a knife edge on HMLC Driver training at Leconfield nbsp Stalwart FV622 nbsp Boughton hydraulic winch fitted by Sweden to the outside of the Amfibiebil 101BFV622All MK2 had the chassis number STAL 11 and ran from STALL 11 1 to STAL 11 956 16 better source needed Stalwart Mk 2 load carrier This had a driver s and passenger s seat although a third seat could be fitted to the right of the driver as a field modification All Mk 2 have an internal hydraulic winch which only operates through the front and is mounted below the driver The winch type is a Morris multi layer drum driven by a P T O mounted hydraulic pump The winch pull is 5400 kg The MK 2 was known as Amfibiebil 101C in Sweden and again some were fitted with the FOCO 4000 ZXX cranes nbsp An Alvis Stalwart of the RCT at Duisburg rocking on a concrete wall to release transmission windupWhilst the Stalwart could be used for troop movement it was more regularly used for carrying Packed fuel over 300 Jerry cans ammunition or the Gloster SARO UBRE Unit Bulk Refuelling Equipment pack as alternatives to the five tonnes of cargo The jet drive units in all the Mk 2 variants were much more efficient giving a claimed 9 knots The most obvious visible difference between Mk 1 and Mk 2 variants is that the lower edges of the cab windows were now angled downwards rather than horizontal This was to improve visibility at close range particularly when being marshalled by a banksman standing nearby A total of 956 Mk 2 FV622 FV623 and FV624 Stalwarts were produced of which the British Army purchased 932 with 24 sold to other countries 17 18 nbsp Stalwart FV623FV623Stalwart Mk 2 limber An artillery ammunition supply vehicle for the Abbot self propelled gun There was an extra seat in the cab for the crane operator plus four rear mounted seats for a seven man crew An Atlas 3001 66 hydraulic crane capable of lifting three tons was added to the cargo area to lift palletised loads of ammunition The rear crew folding seats were separated from the main cargo area by a wooden divider and protected from inclement weather by two folding PVC hoods on metal hoops When swimming on deep water when fording operations are expected i e the vehicle will be subjected to full floatation it is important that the maximum load be restricted to 3 tons 10 cwt 3556 kg A total of 269 Mk 2 Stalwart limbers were produced 19 FV624Stalwart Mk 2 REME fitters vehicle based on the Mk 2 Stalwart Two extra rear mounted seats were added to the main cargo area for a four man crew An Atlas 3001 hydraulic crane capable of lifting three tons was added to the cargo area This differed from that of the FV623 variant by having hydraulic anti creep check valves fitted 20 This modified crane was more stable and safer for lifting and holding engine transmission and other heavy equipment whilst manoeuvring them into position When swimming on deep water when fording operations are expected i e the vehicle will be subjected to full floatation it is important that the maximum load be restricted to 3 tons 10 cwt 3556 kg A total of 60 Mk 2 Stalwart fitters vehicles were produced 21 Gan reef rescue07ER57 Chassis STAL 11 002 known to have been to Thailand for trials on Operation Mudlark in 1966 became 09AH16 07ER63 became 00AG79 Both served with RAF from January 1967 to March 1976 when they were disposed of being the first MK 2s available for second hand purchase They were based at RAF Gan as Reef Rescue and manned by the RAF fire fighters 22 nbsp Stalwart Mk2 of the RAF Gan Reef rescue It nicely shows the Coventry Climax water pump for fighting firesBangkok International AirportBangkok International Airport bought a 623 Limber version as a rescue vehicle in case any aircraft should end up in the water surrounding the airport The main difference between this and every other Stalwart is the factory fitted water monitor mounted on the roof of the cab This is chassis number STAL 11 706 and currently resides at Jesada Technik Museum in Bangkok MOD Merlin records suggest that 706 was made in the first part of 1969 23 nbsp Bangkok FV624 when brand new complete with fire fighting nozzle nbsp Alvis Stalwart Rescue limber with water monitor as it stands today in the Jesada Museum Thailand formerly of Bangkok International Airport nbsp Korea Oceanographic Research and Development Institute Mk2 on its way to the Falklands from A F BudgeOperators editMilitary operators edit Listed by Alvis sales figures 24 better source needed nbsp Swedish Amfibiebil 101c Stalwart Mk 2 nbsp United Kingdom British Army 125 Mk1 ordered 1962 delivered 1963 and 1965 932 Mk2 delivered between 1966 and 1971 Disposed of 1993 nbsp Sweden Swedish Coastal Artillery 2 pre production PV4 and 5 Amfibiebil 101A 1963 6 Mk1 fitted with a Foco 1 5 ton crane and an externally mounted Boughton 10 ton winch Amfibiebil 101B 1965 and 18 Mk2 Amfibiebil 101c 1966 All were disposed of in 1985 nbsp Germany Bundeswehr 1 Mk1 PV14 1963 2 Mk2 STAL 11 16 and 17 1966 25 nbsp Austria Austrian Army Pioneers flood relief 3 Mk2 1967 Austria quickly disposed of the Stalwart following a fatality whilst exiting the River Danube 26 nbsp Italy Italian Army flood relief 1 Mk1 PV6 1964 Of the Swedish Amfibiebil 101C sold in 1985 nbsp Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Army 5 Refurbished Swedish Mk2 models 1985 Civil operators edit nbsp France Berliet 2 Mk1 PV15 and STAL 34 later to be transferred to the Saumur Tank Museum France 1965 nbsp South Korea Korea Oceanographic Research and Development Institute 1 refurbished Swedish Mk2 model sent to the South Atlantic 1989 27 better source needed nbsp Thailand Bangkok International Airport 1 Mk2 STAL 11 706 nbsp United Kingdom British Petroleum oil terminal anti pollution 1 pre production PV3 1980 1 Mk2 FV622 1982 Disposed of around 1990 28 better source needed In popular culture edit better source needed Captain Tankboy uses an Alvis Stalwart FV622 as his Battle Truck in the TV show Tankboy TV 2009 29 30 A Stalwart FV623 Series 2 was featured in Children of Men 2006 31 An Alvis Stalwart FV622 was used in Lara Croft Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life 2003 32 An Alvis Stalwart was also used in an episode of SeaQuest DSV 1993 1996 33 An Alvis Stalwart was also used in an episode of Bugs 1995 1999 34 An Alvis Stalwart FV622 was used in Reign of Fire 2002 35 An Alvis Stalwart FV622 with a modified payload compartment appears briefly in the opening of the 2 hour pilot episode of Firefly known as Serenity during a night battle scene Firefly 2002 2003 36 A Mk2 Stalwart date of manufacture 1968 registration NOP225F and two Alvis Saracens are featured in Altern8 s video for E Vapor 8 which reached 6 in the UK singles chart in 1992 An Alvis Stalwart is used in the fourth Modesty Blaise novel A Taste for Death by the characters to escape from the Roman city of Mus and cross the Sahara to the North African coast 1969 An Alvis Stalwart stars in an episode of TV series The Troubleshooters circa 1967 as hero Peter Thornton Ray Barrett outwits and out manoeuvres a rival company in the jungle of a Central American nation The Stalwart s internal winch is used to haul it up a steep incline to evade his pursuers A modified Alvis Stalwart was used as a bug out vehicle in The Grand Tour series 1 episode 9 2017 37 Scale models editIn 1966 Matchbox released a die cast model 61 in the 1 75 series Based on Stalwarts PV4 and PV5 as the only two with octagonal hatches 38 39 better source needed In 1967 Solido released a 1 50 die cast model Ref 214 of the Berliet Aurochs French version of the Stalwart 40 In 1971 Airfix released a 1 32 Ready Made assembled plastic model 41 In 1972 Dinky Toys released a 1 60 die cast model Ref 682 In 2012 S amp M Models released 1 76 injection moulded plastic model kits of the FV620 FV622 and FV623 and the Gan Reef rescue In 2017 Ace Models released a 1 72 injection moulded plastic model kit of the FV622 Accurate Armour have a range of highly detailed 1 35 injection moulded plastic model Alvis Stalwart FV620 FV622 FV623 and FV634 kits along with UBRE kits and jerrycans Kit Form Services have a range of highly detailed 1 24 injection moulded plastic model Alvis Stalwart FV622 and FV623 634 kitsSee also editSalvage SquadNotes and references edit https www facebook com groups alvis hmlc 6 x 6 stalwart group permalink 2818064038231382 user generated source Rue 1998 p 2 Merlin archive released by Ministry of Defence following request on Alvis Stalwart history FOI request for Stalwart History The Times Archives carry all the Alvis Annual meeting notes which sets out the history and dates www thetimes co uk archive find Alvis annual meeting w 1960 01 01 1985 01 01 https drive google com file d 1CwJXYcjusvrMRoz7431DjDxWCUYIVe99 view usp sharing https drive google com file d 18ITSz9TnLiTaosOuqJK9wrNKn0BHPazS view usp sharing Ware Pat 1994 In National Service The Rolls Royce B Series Engine Warehouse Publications p 118 ISBN 0 9525563 0 8 Ware 1994 pp 129 130 https drive google com file d 1ugC CywsTSPv9XngmwwcmKDS8KxUrH 9 view usp sharing Crew reference card on Running Laden and Unladen RASC in Aden and the Radfan Aden Britain s Small Wars Army code no 22156 User Handbook for HMLC Stalwart https drive google com file d 1KcC686t2dcxzn bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH view usp sharing Alvis sales figures Rue 1998 p 4 Rue 1998 p 7 https drive google com file d 1KcC686t2dcxzn bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH view usp sharing shown on the Alvis letter of sales figures https drive google com file d 1KcC686t2dcxzn bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH view usp sharing Alvis letter of sales Rue 1998 p 26 Merlin MOD vehicle archive Rue 1998 p 29 Rue 1998 p 27 Rue 1998 p 30 https www facebook com media set set oa 2343993258971798 amp type 3 user generated source https www facebook com media set set oa 2999422316762219 amp type 3 user generated source https drive google com file d 1KcC686t2dcxzn bBvFc201yerYjlpPkH view usp sharing Photos in Tankograd book Austrian Military Vehicle Preservation Society Articles Letters Tankboy TV Tankboy TV Archived from the original on 21 April 2009 Retrieved 12 May 2018 Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in Tankboy Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 623 Stalwart Series II in Children of Men Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in Lara Croft Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 620 Stalwart in SeaQuest DSV Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in Bugs Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in Reign Of Fire Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 622 Stalwart in Firefly Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Alvis FV 620 Stalwart in The Grand Tour Internet Movie Cars Database Retrieved 13 May 2018 Lesney Matchbox 61b Alvis Stalwart Vintage British Diecasts website accessed 2018 05 17 Swedish Stalwart Wiki showing octagonal hatches Solido Les militaires de la serie 200 Genie Miniature website in French accessed 2018 05 18 Alvis Stalwart Truck Vintage Airfix website accessed 2018 05 17 Further reading editGander Terry Encyclopaedia of the Modern British Army Patrick Stephens Limited PSL 1st Edition 1980 ISBN 0 85059 435 9 2nd Edition 1982 ISBN 0 85059 577 0 3rd Edition 1986 ISBN 0 85059 684 X Rue John L 1998 Stout Strong and Sturdy The Alvis Stalwart story A Development History Konig Verlag ISBN 3 9805216 0 5 User Handbook for TRUCK HIGH MOBILITY LOAD CARRIER HMLC 5 TON 6 x 6 ALVIS STALWART MK1 AND MK2 1968 Army Code No 22156 https sites google com view alvis stalwart hmlc files hmlc stalwart files Servicing Schedule for TRUCK HIGH MOBILITY LOAD CARRIER HMLC 5 TON 6 x 6 ALVIS STALWART Army Code No 60281 https sites google com view alvis stalwart hmlc files hmlc stalwart files Complete Equipment Schedule CES for TRUCK CARGO HMLC 5 TON 6 x 6 MK 1 ALVIS STALWART TRUCK CARGO HMLC FFR 5 TON 6 x 6 MK 1 ALVIS STALWART Army Code No 33749 Aug 1988 https sites google com view alvis stalwart hmlc files hmlc stalwart files Complete Equipment Schedule CES for TRUCK CARGO HMLC W WINCH 5 TON 6 x 6 MK 2 ALVIS STALWART TRUCK CARGO HMLC FFR W WINCH 5 TON 6 x 6 MK 2 ALVIS STALWART Army Code No 34153 Feb 1987 https sites google com view alvis stalwart hmlc files hmlc stalwart files Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Regulations EMER for TRUCK HIGH MOBILITY LOAD CARRIER HMLC 5 TON 6 x 6 ALVIS STALWART Technical Description V 642 Unit Repairs V 643 Field Repairs V 644 Lead acid Secondary Batteries unit care and maintenance J 318 Secondary Batteries Field and Base maintenance and repair J 330 B Series Engines S 522 B81 Engines S 522 4https sites google com view alvis stalwart hmlc files hmlc stalwart filesExternal links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alvis Stalwart Inside the Chieftain s Hatch FV622 Stalwart MkII Stolly Salvage Squad Archived from the original on 13 February 2009 Alvis Stalwart technical details and photos Amphibious Vehicle database 15 April 2010 Archived from the original on 5 January 2009 Retrieved 27 September 2007 Merlin military vehicle archive Facebook com groups alvis hmlc 6 x 6 stalwart group Royal Logistic Corps museum have an archive of vehicle B cards the history of the vehicle if you know the registration or chassis number Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Alvis Stalwart amp oldid 1206146747, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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