Scammell Commander

Overview

Scammell Commander

Scammell Commander tractor truck in green livery.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin

United Kingdom

Type

Heavy equipment transporter

Entered service

1984

Status

Out of service

Development

1976 - 1978

Developer

United Kingdom - Scammell

Production

1983 - 1985

Producer

United Kingdom - Scammell

Number produced

125

Designations

Unipower Commander

Notable users

United Kingdom

Description

Introduction

The Scammell Commander is a tank transporter of UK origin. It was developed in the mid 1970’s to replace the Thornycroft Antar in UK military service. After Scammell went bankrupt it was acquired by Unipower. Therefore it was briefly marketed as the Unipower Commander, but production was not resumed.

Design

The Scammell Commander is a tractor truck with a 6x4 configuration. The large bonnet houses a Perkins V12 engine, a downrated variant of the engine used in the Challenger tank. A 20 t winch is located behind the cab.

Cargo capacity

The Scammell Commander is used in conjunction with a Crane Freuhauf 62 t capacity twin axle low loader. This allows it to transport a Challenger 1 or Challenger 2 main battle tank. Alternatively two smaller vehicles can be carried.

Protection

The Scammell Commander is a softskin vehicle. No armored cab or add-on armor package was ever produced.

Mobility

The Scammell Commander is powered by a 625 hp Perkins CV12 engine. It is intended for road use, but can be used on dirt roads as well.

Users

The United Kingdom acquired 125 Scammell Commander tractor trucks. There were no other sales. During the 1990 Gulf War it was extensively used. In UK service the Scammell Commander has been replaced by the Oshkosh M1070F.

Details

Facts Scammell Commander

General

Origin

United Kingdom

Type

Heavy equipment transporter

Crew

1 driver + 3 passengers

Dimensions

Weight

19.9 t (tractor truck)

104 t GCW

Length

9.01 m

Width

3.25 m

Height

3.5 m

Chassis

Chassis type

Wheeled chassis, 6x4

Tire size

14.00 x24

Steering

Front axle

Wheelbase

5.3 m

Automotive

Engine

Perkins CV12 TCE V12 turbocharged diesel

Power output

625 hp at 2.100 rpm

Transmission

Allison CLBT 6061 automatic

Gears

6-speed

Fuel capacity

817 L

Mobility

Speed

62 km/h on road

Obstacle crossing

Gradient

20 %

Fording

0.8 m

Protection

Armor type

None, softskin vehicle

NBC system

None

Smoke system

None

Cargo capacity

Trailer

Fifth wheel for Crane Freuhauf semi-trailer with 62 t capacity

Towed load

65 t

Winch

20 t

110 m cable

Media