|
W |
ar
heels.Net |
![]() |
| Please Support our Sponsors |
|
||||
ACMAT VLRA TPK420 SM3
2 1/2 Ton 4x4 "Gunship" Truck

Statistics
| Country of Orgin/Used by: | Ireland |
| First Produced/Service Dates: | 1983-1983 |
| Manufactured by: | ACMAT (France) |
| Crew: | 2+8 |
| Armament: | (3) GPMG 7.62mm machine guns. .5 inch Browning HMG could be fitted in |
| Engine: | 6-Cylinder |
| Miscellaneous Info: | (16) ACMAT VLRA TPK420 SM3
2.5ton 4x4 lorries were delivered to Eire from France originally to be
used as gun towing vehicles (particularly for L118 105mm Light guns).
Also, an additional bit of trivia, tHE ACMAT VLRA was also used by the
British SAS in the first Gulf War. The "gunships" served in Somalia with the Irish Contingent in 1993. The Irish contingent sent to Somalia were the 1st Transport Co., they were a transport company that ferried materials & supplies between Bidoa & Mogadishu. Two of these ACMATs were used on each transport convoy, one at the front, one at the rear.The Irish Contingent were the Last "western" UN peace keepers to leave Somalia. Each ACMAT is equipped with a 200-litre drinking water tank located under the rear body between the chassis side members. Roll Bars and gunner seats were added after the initial deliveries. While serving in Somalia, steel Armored plates were later placed in the rear of the truck either side behind to troop carrying seat to prevent damage in the event of being hit up (which did happen). Also Sand Bags were placed on the floor bed of the trucks, front and rear in an attempt to limit damage in the event of the vehicle striking a mine or explosive device beneath the vehicle. |
| Data Sheet Available: |
None Available |
Photos
| Reference | Source/Provider |
| Irish VLRA ACMAT TPK 420 4x4 "Gun Ship" Truck Photos | Roy Kinsella - Dublin, Ireland |
References Available
Online
| Reference | Source/Provider |
| VLRA ACMAT Information and Photos (In French) | Vehicle Website |
Printed
| Reference | Author |
| Irish Army Vehicles: Transport & Armor Since 1922 | Karl Martin |
Hobby Modeling
Kits and Accessories
| Kit | Manufacturer | Scale | Other Information |
| ACMAT VLRA Truck Model Kit | Masters Productions | 1/35 | Resin. |
| ACMAT VLRA Truck Model Kit (HK-10101) Personnel Carrier | H&K-87 | 1/87 | Resin. Out of Production. |
| ACMAT VLRA Truck Model Kit (HK- 10102) Cargo Carrier | H&K-87 | 1/87 | Resin. Out of Production. |
Model Pictures
| Reference | Source/Provider |
| Irish ACMAT VLRA "Gunship" -1993 Somalia Model Photos (Converted Masters Productions Kit) | Roy Kinsella - Dublin, Ireland |