Leyland DAF DROPS

   The Leyland DAF DROPS or Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System is currently in service with the British Army. It was originally developed by Scammell Motors (part of the Leyland group) and first offered to the British Army in 1986 as the Scammell S26 to meet the DROPS vehicle requirement. In 1987 company won tender for 1522 of these vehicles, however Leyland group had been purchased by DAF. Production of the S26 was transferred to the Leyland plant and commenced in 1989. Vehicle entered service with the British Army in 1990. A small number of these vehicles are in service with other armed forces. In 2002 British Army vehicles underwent a major upgrade and refurbishment programme.

   The Leyland DAF DROPS is a versatile logistic support vehicle, designed for off-road application and capable of transporting large quantities of various loads to front-line troops. It forms the logistic backbone of the British Army. This 8x6 truck has a payload capacity of 15 000 kg. It is also referred as the MMLC (Medium Mobility Load Carrier) due to it's payload equivalent to a medium load. It uses a Multilift Mk.4 hydraulic load handling system, which loads and unloads flatracks or containers rapidly. Vehicle can also tow two trailer types, with a maximum weight of about 15 000 kg. These are specially designed to carry the same load pallet, transferred from the main vehicle.

   The Leyland DAF DROPS uses a forward control cab of the Scammell S26. It provides seating for driver and co-driver, plus space for stowage. There is also space for a third crew member if necessary. A hatch with a machine gun mounting is located in the roof.

   The driver controls the hook arm, which lowers and lifts the flatrack onto the vehicle, which can also move load on the ground. Loading or unloading takes about 30 seconds. Vehicle can be fitted with equipment for loading or unloading railway wagons.

   The Leyland DAF DROPS is powered by a Perkins (Rolls-Royce) Eagle 350M turbocharged diesel engine, developing 350 hp. These military trucks were used during the 1st Gulf War in desert conditions.