ua
en
FV432
Among the armored vehicles of the second half of the 20th century, the FV-432 occupies a special place. This British Army tracked armored personnel carrier became the basis for dozens of modifications and proved its effectiveness in numerous armed conflicts. This vehicle is often compared to the American M113, as both models performed the same mission – the safe transport of infantry, cargo, and special equipment on the battlefield.
The history of the creation and production of the FV432 APC
Development of the armored personnel carrier began in the late 1950s, when the British Ministry of Defense needed a modern, reliable, and multifunctional vehicle. Production was entrusted to GKN Sankey, and in 1962, the first serial FV432 APCs entered service. In total, more than 3,000 units rolled off the assembly line, making this model one of the most popular in the British Army.
In the 1980s, there were about 2,500 armored personnel carriers in service, and more than 1,500 vehicles remain in operation as auxiliary transport. To improve combat performance, large-scale upgrades were carried out, the most famous of which was the Bulldog program, which included reinforced armor, a new engine, and an improved control system.
Design features of the FV-432
The FV432 has a classic tracked vehicle layout with the engine at the front and the troop compartment at the rear. The vehicle is made of steel armor plates up to 12.7 mm thick, providing protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
Key characteristics
crew – 2 people (driver and commander);
troops – up to 10 soldiers with personal weapons;
engine – Rolls-Royce K60 V6 (240 hp);
transmission – Allison automatic;
speed – up to 60 km/h;
range – about 580 km;
armament – 7.62 mm L7 GPMG machine gun, smoke grenade launchers.
The great advantage of this platform is its versatility. The FV-432 has been used as the basis for command vehicles, self-propelled mortars, engineering armored personnel carriers, ambulances, repair workshops, and even Swingfire anti-tank missile carriers. Thanks to its modular design, it can be easily converted for various tasks.
The most famous modernized version is the FV430 Mk.3 Bulldog. This model received additional armor from Rafael, capable of protecting even against RPG-7 shots, as well as an upgraded engine that increased its speed to 72 km/h.
Use of the FV-432 APC in operations
The British Army actively used the FV432 APC in many military conflicts, including the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Thanks to their durability, ease of maintenance, and relatively low cost, these vehicles have proven themselves to be reliable “workhorses.”
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated a huge need for mass-produced and affordable armored personnel carriers. That is why in 2023, the UK transferred a batch of FV432 Bulldogs, as well as other vehicles from the FV430 family, to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Some of the equipment was purchased by Ukrainian charitable foundations.
British armored personnel carriers have been successfully integrated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine and territorial defense units. They are used as transport for infantry, command and staff vehicles, and even for medical evacuation. Thanks to their good protection, maneuverability, and ease of repair, these vehicles have become an important part of our country's defense capabilities.
The FV432 is a striking example of military equipment that, despite its age, remains in demand and effective. Its structural simplicity, maintainability, and potential for extensive modernization have made this armored personnel carrier a truly universal solution for armies around the world.
Like any armored vehicle, the FV432 requires timely maintenance and high-quality components. There are specialized services on the Ukrainian market where you can purchase original spare parts and get professional repairs. In particular, our BMS service offers a wide range of parts and provides comprehensive maintenance of armored vehicles, including diagnostics, replacement of components, and modernization. This allows you to keep your equipment in good working order and significantly extend its service life in combat conditions.
