FV106 Samson

   When the CVR(T) series of aluminum light armored vehicles was designed, a full range of variants was considered including the FV106 Samson armored recovery vehicle. The CVR(T) series of military vehicles came into use in the early 1970s and most types are still current.

   The Samson armored recovery vehicle was designed to recover damaged or overturned vehicles on the battlefield. It also provides maintenance service or tows damaged vehicles to maintenance units. A total of 136 FV106 Samson ARVs were built.

   The basic hull of the FV103 Spartan armored personnel carrier was adapted to contain a winch, which was operated to the rear of the vehicle. A hinged spade anchor was designed in two halves to preserve access to the rear door. To winch any heavy vehicles or lighter ones from difficult slopes, it is necessary to lay out several pulleys to get the maximum effect from a fairly low-capacity winch.

   Defensive armament of the Samson ARV consists of a single roof-mounted 7.62-mm machine gun.

   Initially all CVR(T) armored vehicles were powered by a Jaguar 4.2-liter petrol engine. It was a standard car engine, however it's power was down-rated from 265 hp to 195 hp for longer service life. This engine was chosen because it was commercially available and had high power-to-weight ratio. Later it was replace with Cummins diesel engine, which had better fuel economy. Both engines had similar and performance.

   Armored regiments, infantry battalions and similarly sized units with large amounts of equipment have their own Royal Engineers Light Aid Detachment (LAD), commanded by a captain. These units deploy with their parent unit and are equipped with vehicles such as the FV106 Samson. An LAD can vary in size from 25 to 90 personnel, depending on the equipment supported. As the name suggests, the LAD specializes in quick repairs at or near the point of failure, using tools and spares carried by the unit. If the requirement for a longer or more complex repair is diagnosed, the LAD will either call forward a team from the supporting battalion or arrange to have the failed equipment towed to the rear.