Commando Ranger Description

     The hull of the Commando Ranger is made of all-welded Cadloy
high hardness armour which provides the crew with complete
protection from small arms fire.  The crew and vital components
are protected from the effects of grenades exploding under the
vehicle by bolt-on armour shields.
     The Commando Ranger armoured personnel carrier is based on a
standard Chrysler truck chassis but with a shorter wheelbase.
     The engine is at the front of the hull and is coupled to an
automatic transmission with three forward and one reverse gears
which is equipped with an auxiliary oil cooler.  Coupled to the
transmission is a two-speed transfer case.  The manually-selected
four-wheel drive case with an interaxle differential delivers
proportionalised torque to both front and rear axles.  The
interaxle differential enables the wheels on one axle to travel
at a different speed from those of the other.  Both axles are of
the full floating type.
     The vehicle has a dual hydraulic service brake system and a
foot/ lever actuated parking brake.  The service brake system
consists of two separate brake fluid lines and a split, front and
rear, master cylinder.  Power assist is supplied by means of a
tandem-diaphragm brake booster that utilizes engine vacuum for
power.  The front brakes are disc with self-adjusting calipers
and the rear are drum with self-adjusting shoes.
     The suspension, front and rear, consists of leaf springs
with double-acting shock absorbers and jounce stops at each wheel
station.  The combat tires are filled with foam and when
penetrated by small arms fire allow the vehicle to travel up to
80 km at 56 km/h.
     The driver sits at the front of the vehicle on the left with
the commander to his right.  The steering wheel can be titled to
assist the driver in entering and leaving the vehicle.  Both crew
members have a bullet-proof windscreen in front of them with a
wiper.  There is a firing port between the two windscreens.  Each
also has a rear-opening side door with a bullet-proof vision
block in its upper half under which is a firing port.
     The troop compartment is at the rear of the hull with the
men seated three down each side facing each other.  They enter
the vehicle through two doors in the rear of the hull which open
outwards.  Both doors have a firing port and the left one has a
vision block.  In each side of the troop compartment is a vision
block with a firing port underneath.  The top of the hull is
angled to allow hand grenades to roll off before they explode. 
If required the vehicle can be delivered with a roof hatch on
which can be fitted a variety of light armament installations.
     The interior of the Commando Ranger is insulated, which
reduces noise, retains cool air as the vehicle is fitted with an
air-conditioning system and also aids crew safety.  The air-
conditioning system is fitted as standard and there is provision
for exhausting air.

 


