Land Rover Truck Utility 1/2 Ton 4X4 FFR 16 FM 81 fitted with a Northern Ireland Vehicle Protection Kit.

This vehicle was built in February 1974, to contract WV11139 Item 1 (861 vehicles) and was sent to the Central Vehicle Depot Hilton on 6th of March 1974. It was sold off on 20th May 1993 from the Vehicle Sub Depot Holywood NI. During restoration a badge was found, that of 39 Infantry Brigade, which covered the Belfast area. It is believed to have been sent to Northern Ireland early in its life, as it arrived there in Bronze Green. During its service life it was painted NATO green, and also NATO green and black.

Also at some stage it was fitted with a substantial roll cage, which is bolted to the chassis, to give roll over and crush resistance against culvert mines, this was not usual. Vehicles normally keeping just the canvas tilt frame.

In common with most Army vehicles serving in the province, it was fitted with a Vehicle Protection Kit (VPK). Commonly referred to as 'Makrolon' armour. This is made from glass reinforced plastic panels, which gives good protection against blast, low velocity small arms fire, claymore type mines, bricks, nail and petrol bombs. Fitting a VPK took about 35 man hours, the only mod being the fitting of Aeon springs. When vehicles were sent elsewhere with their unit the VPK was easily stripped and then reused on a new vehicle. Considerable numbers of Land Rovers were fitted with VPK's, starting in 1971 and used up to at least 1993, but all have now been replaced by Land Rover 110 CAV's or APV's. All three services used VPK Lightweights in Northern Ireland. 16 FM 81 is the only Lightweight VPK in private hands. This vehicle is intended to represent a vehicle in service in the late 1970's/early 80's.

The vehicle is now in black/green disruptive. The photo you have was the second show it went to after being restored.

So far 3,500 people gave been killed in this conflict. All best Mark