Centurion ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle)
C
enturion ARV Mk2 was introduced, after extensive trials in 1956. The Mk1 ARV was simple tug vehicles convert form earlier versions of gun tanks. The Mark 2 mostly was newly built as ARVs. The Centurion ARVs consisted of a basic tank hull with a box-like superstructure in place of the turret. This accommodated the winch and a separate winch engine, a 160 hp Rolls Royce B80. The engine powered a generator giving electric power to the winch. The cable emerged from the back of the winch housing and a rear mounted spade gave stability whilst winching. The winch has a 31 tons direct pull capacity and using 3 to 1 snatch blocks is capable of a 90 ton pull
ARMAMENT
The Centurion ARV is fitted on the exterior of the cupola with a 30in No.7 MK 1 browning machine gun and is used by the commander for defence against ground troops and low flying aircraft. You will see smoke discharges fitted on all four cornersof the hull, which would provide a readily available smoke screen which can be used to allow the vehicle to manoeuvre under cover, the dischargers are designed to fire the No.80 grenade using electric No.F103 MK 2 and 3 fuse’s as propellant.
ENGINE
The Centurion ARV is fitted with the Rolls Royce Mk 4B 12 cylinder 27 litre water cooled petrol engine producing 650bhp at 2500rpm giving the vehicle a top speed of 21mph. The vehicle is also fitted with a Morris USHNM Mk 2 water-cooled petrol engine 4 cylinder side valve producing 20bhp to drive a 3kw Dynamo for charging the batteries