FV434 Information

The FV434 is the Armoured Repair Vehicle variant of the British Armys FV430 series of armoured fighting vehicles. Introduced in the 1960s, it is operated by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). It is still used by the REME, but is soon to be phased out.

The FV434s primary role is to repair disabled and damaged vehicles, but it also has a limited recovery capability. It is fitted with a crane (capable of lifting up to 3 tons) to assist its work in repairing armoured and un-armoured vehicles. The FV434 is capable of changing other FV430 series power packs, however, it is unable to handle the power pack the British Armys Challenger 2 main battle tank - this is done by Challenger armoured recovery vehicle in forward areas and soft skin repair vehicles in base areas.

In addition to the crane, the FV434 is fitted with a fold-away work bench to the rear of the vehicle. Like its personnel carrier version, it is capable of amphibious operations with the aid of a flotation screen. Once in the water, it is propelled by its tracks at up to 5.6 km/h. It is crewed by four soldiers: commander, driver and two fitters.

The REME Museum of Technology has an example of a FV434 demonstrating the change of a power-pack on a FV432.

The Norfolk Tank Museum has an restored running example.

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