Cost-effective DROPS
Page 22
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MR PARKER raises some interesting points in his advice to the Ministry of Defence in your July 7 issue.
The question of widths is quite valid, but the 6 x 6 vehicles represent a small part of the DROPS (Demountable Rack Offloading and Pick-up System) project. Given their performance and mobility, the extra stability provided by the extra width is regarded as a reasonable trade off in an off-road role. To keep this in perspective, the width of these vehicles is no greater than that of a legal load in this CO untry.
The majority of the MOD requirement is for vehicles which, while having considerable cross-country mobility, also have an on-road role, particularly in peace time. The Scammell 8 x 6 which Mr Parker failed to mention, is therefore built to meet Construction and use Regulations in all respects and is fitted with 18 x 22.5 tyres and Allison gearbox as suggested by Mr Parker. This is much more cost effective solution than an 8 x Band should therefore be more attractive to civilian roles. J. MOORE Chief engineer Scammell Motors Leyland Vehicles Ltd Leyland Leyland 07766 21400