The British Army has taken delivery of its newest and most advanced engineering vehicle, known as Terrier.
The armoured digger gives the Royal Engineers a state of the art capability that can be used to carry out a variety of tasks both in the UK and on future operations.
Despite weighing 30 tonnes, Terrier is an agile and versatile piece of equipment that can reach speeds of almost 50 mph. It is fitted with five onboard cameras and thermal imaging technology, providing soldiers with a 360 degree surveillance capability that can be used day and night. The technology used in Terrier is so advanced that the vehicle can be operated by remote control enabling soldiers to clear routes from a safe distance.
Able to transport up to 5,000kg of material, Terrier has a range of interchangeable equipment such as a forklift and rock hammer that makes it highly adaptable. The vehicle can also be equipped with a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun and smoke grenade launchers for use in combat.
'Huge dividends on the battlefields of the future'
The Army will receive 60 Terriers, as part of a £360m project with BAE Systems, who have designed and built the vehicle in the UK.
Pictures released today show the vehicle being put through its paces by soldiers from the Defence Armoured Vehicle Centre in Bovington, Dorset.
Warrant Officer Steve Cahill, Royal Engineers, who has trialled Terrier said: “The Terrier is a world leading engineer support and combat vehicle, which can dig holes, lift objects and drill into the ground or shatter concrete. All whilst being controlled remotely and providing armoured protection, top cover and smoke shields to our troops.
“Very much in line with the ethos of The Corps of Royal Engineers, Terrier is a versatile vehicle capable of taking on a variety of tasks.”
Head of the British Army, General Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the General Staff, said: “The Terrier armoured digger is excellent news for the Army. Its versatility will pay huge dividends on the battlefields of the future. We could not be happier with this new Armoured Engineer capability.”
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne said: “The Terrier Vehicle is a great example of the contribution that the British Defence industry makes to our Armed Forces. Designed and built in the UK by BAE Systems, it will provide technological advances for our troops with a more robust and versatile engineering capability.”