FV432

Among the many armoured vehicles preserved at the Muckleburgh Collection, the FV432 stands out. Born in the cold war era and still seeing service today in upgraded forms, the FV432 represents a long tradition of British tracked armoured personnel carriers—vehicles designed to move troops under armour and adapt to many battlefield roles.

Key Features, Roles & Adaptations

The FV432 was designed for troop transport but is very capable of adaptation. There are many variants for different roles: command post, ambulance, cargo carrier, communications, even recovery versions.

In combat zones (e.g. Iraq and Afghanistan) many FV432s were upgraded to the “Bulldog” standard. These upgrades included improved armour, IED protection, engine and braking improvements, air-conditioning, etc.

Some of its amphibious capabilities (e.g. wading) were standard early on, though many units have had those features removed over time.

Design & Origins

The FV432 was developed in the early 1960s, by GKN Sankey, as part of the British Army’s FV430 series of armoured fighting vehicles.

Production ran from about 1962 to 1971, with approximately 3,000 vehicles built.

Key dimensions: about 5.25 m in length, 2.55 m wide, 2.28 m high, with a mass around 15 tons (≈15.3 t).

Technical Specs & Performance

Crew: 2 (driver + commander) plus room for up to 10 troops.

Armour thickness: up to ~12.7 mm in its standard form.

Armament: usually a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (L7 GPMG), plus smoke dischargers.

Mobility: powered by a Rolls-Royce K60 multi-fuel engine (in many variants), giving about 240 hp, a top speed of ~52 km/h, and range around 580 km. Suspension is torsion-bar with 5 road wheels per side.

Drive a FV432 at Muckleburgh

During our open season, visitors have the option of booking a unique tank drive experience right here at Muckleburgh in our own FV432 which we have kept in running condition.

Available for private booking, please fill out this form to secure your experience and learn further information.