Foden Recovery Vehicle

   A total of 333 Foden recovery vehicles were delivered to the British Army. Last vehicles were delivered in 2002. However production of all Foden trucks ceased in 2006. In 2007 a total of 332 Foden recovery vehicles remained in service with the British Army. Since 2008 all Foden recovery vehicles started to be replaced by a new recovery vehicle based on the 8x8 MAN SX45.

   This recovery vehicle shares many components with the Foden 6x6 artillery tractor, that has now also been phased out of service.

   The Foden recovery vehicle was primarily used to support a fleet of wheeled logistic vehicles. It can recover damaged, immobilized, swamped, stuck, or overturned vehicles.

   This recovery vehicle is fitted with a hydraulically operated winch/crane in conjunction with outriggers to lift and recover as required. This unit could recover all of the British Army vehicles, including tracked, with a maximum weight of up to 30 000 kg.

   A slewing crane could be used for various lifting tasks in addition to suspended tows during recovery. It has a maximum lift capacity of 12.5 t at 2.5 m and 5.8 t capacity at 7.7 m. Two outriggers are lowered to the ground on each side for vehicle stability during craning and winching operations.

   All recovery and lifting operations can be controlled remotely from the vehicle using a special console with a 30 m of cable.

   Vehicle can also tow associated recovery trailer. Damaged and disabled vehicles can be transporter on this trailer.

   The cab accommodates driver and up to three passengers. The rear seats can be transformed into a sleeper bunk for two. The cab is made of glass-reinforces plastic that is non-corrosive and fire-retardant. There is an observation hatch in the roof with a machine gun mount. For service in Iraq cabs of some of the vehicles were fitted with an armor kit.

   The Foden recovery vehicle is powered by a Perkins Eagle 290 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 290 hp. Vehicle has a 6x6 configuration. There is a front-mounted 10 t capacity self-recovery winch.