Armour spot of the day.

[Whofan]

Here's an intriguing sight, seen on the back of a lorry in Kidderminster today. I could say it looks like a challlenger turret to me, but I am pretty sure someone here will come up with the correct answer!

 

 

Edited May 9, 2023 by Whofan

[cmatthewbacon]

I’m not sure about the aftermarket turret ring/traverse mechanism, but it’s one heck of a “technical”…

best,

M.

[Kingsman]

Defo not Challenger, 1, 2 or 3. 

 

I'm pretty certain it's a turret from the Vickers VFM5 (below).  This was a prototype commercial light tank from 1986, a competitor for the Cadillac-Gage Stingray and a bit too early to compete for the M551 replacement - the stillborn M8 AGS.  I assume that BAES inherited whatever was left of the VFM5 whnen they bought Vickers Defence Systems.  But the Newcastle factory closed down some time ago so I have no idea where it has been, to whom it belongs or where it was going.  Not much use without a hull.  Could potentially have been heading for Telford where RBSL are located.  There is nothing relevant to AFVs in Kidderminster except the old MOD Summerfield rocket motor site, now Roxel UK.  I wonder if RBSL might be looking to integrate a 105mm turret on Boxer.  GDLS already have their oen 105mm turret for the ASCOD/Ajax family.

 

[Whofan]

@Kingsman ,

 

thanks for the detailed info. The lorry with the turret was parked up on an entrance road tro a trading estate when I took the photo, and as you say, apart from the Roxel site, I've never known of anyone in Kidderminster itself involved in AFV's. It could have been waiting to move on to Telford from here.

 

I think, looking at the photo you posted, you must be right about the provenance of the turret.

 

Whatever, it is a most intruiging thing to see.