The British CRARRV aka Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle is built on a Challenger 1 chassis and was developed in the 1980’s to rcover damaged Challenger 1 Tanks. The vehicle has remained in British Army service since the introduction of the Challenger 2 and is operated by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers aka REME.

The British CRARRV Armoured Recovery Vehicle

• A main winch with 50 tonnes-force pull in a 1:1 configuration or 98 tonnes-force pull using an included pulley in a 2:1 configuration and anchor point on the vehicle, plus a small auxiliary winch to aid in deploying the main winch rope.

• Atlas crane capable of lifting 6.5 tonne  (Capable of lift a Challenger 2 engine).

• CRARRV High Mobility Trailers (CRARRV HMT). Each CRARRV HMT enables a CRARRV to transport a single (Challenger, Titan or Trojan) power pack or two Warrior power packs by altering the configuration of dedicated fixtures and attachment of fittings.

• Dozer blade to act as an earth anchor/stabiliser, or in obstacle clearance and fire position preparation.

• Large set of recovery and heavy repair tools including a man portable ultrathermic cutting system with an under water cutting capability and a man portable welding solution.

The British CRARRV Armoured Recovery Vehicle Spec’s

Crew: 3 + 2
Dimensions: 9.61 m (L) x 3.13 m (H) x 3.62 m (W)
Ground clearance: 0.5 m
Combat weight: 61,200 kg
Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm GPMG, smoke dischargers
Maximum crane lift: 6,500 kg at 4.9 m reach
Engine: 1,200 bhp Perkins-Condor CV12
Maximum speed: 59 kph
Cross-country speed: 40 kph

The British CRARRV Armoured Recovery Vehicle Operators

The British Army has 75 in service since the late 80’s. It has been deployed with both the Challenger 1 and Challenger 2 in several wars including the 91 Gulf War, 2003 Iraq War and during Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan during Feburary 2010 in counter Taliban operations where is was staitioned in a Danish base.

Oman received 4 as they operate the Challenger 1 Main Battle Tank.