AEC Matador facts for kids

Quick facts for kids AEC Matador
AEC Matador, H102602
Place of origin	United Kingdom
Production history
Manufacturer	AEC
Produced	1938-1945, 1953-1958
No. built	10,411
Variants	Tractor, 4x4, heavy anti-aircraft Tractor, 4x4, medium artillery Truck, 4x4, 5 ton, flat platform Truck, 4x4, 5 ton, GS cargo Truck, 4x4, 5 ton, mobile air traffic control Truck, 4x4, 5 ton, signals
Specifications
Mass	Unladen 7.15 long tons (7.26 t) Fully loaded 10.85 long tons (11.02 t)
Length	20 ft 9 in (6.32 m) 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m) wheelbase
Width	7 ft 10 in (2.39 m)
Height	10 ft 2 in (3.10 m)
Engine	AEC A173 diesel 463 cu in (7.59 L) six-cylinder 95 bhp (71 kW) AEC A187 diesel 463 cu in (7.59 L) six-cylinder 105 bhp (78 kW) AEC A193 petrol 452 cu in (7.41 L) six-cylinder 92 bhp (69 kW)
Drive	4x4
Transmission	4F1R
Suspension	Front & rear live axles on semi-elliptical multi-leaf springs
Maximum speed	36 mph (58 km/h)
References	The AEC military vehicles

The AEC Matador was a strong 4x4 truck. It was also used to pull big guns. The AEC built it in the United Kingdom. It was used by British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. AEC had made other trucks called Matador before this one.

What it Looked Like

The Matador truck looked quite special. It had a flat front and a gently curved roof. Its wheels were placed right at the corners. It had a flat area at the back for carrying things. This area was usually covered with a canvas or tarpaulin.

Because it was an artillery tractor, it carried gun crews. The wooden sides of the back area were fixed. They did not fold down. There was a small door on each side for the crew. Two bench seats were inside for the gun crew.

The driver's cab was made of ash wood and covered with steel. Like all artillery tractors, it had a powerful winch. This winch could pull up to 7 tons. A special version of the Matador was used as an armoured command vehicle.

AEC also made a bigger 6x6 version of the Matador. This one used parts from other AEC trucks. Both petrol and diesel engines were used in these larger trucks. A few 4x4 Matadors were also built with petrol engines.

How it was Used

A preserved Matador artillery tractor from 2011.

About 9,000 Matador trucks were built. Some of them went to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

For the British Army, the Matador was very important. It was used to tow medium-sized guns. These included the 5.5-inch medium gun and the QF 3.7-inch AA gun. It was a useful vehicle and was even changed to carry a 25-pounder gun.

An AEC 854 Matador refueling an Avro Lancaster plane in 1944.

The RAF used Matadors as flatbed trucks to carry supplies. A 6-wheel Matador was also used as a refuelling tanker. It could carry 2,500 gallons of fuel. It also helped tow Short Sunderland flying boats when they were on land.

Six special Matador trucks were made into armoured flamethrowers. These were called 'Heavy Cockatrice'. The RAF used them to defend airfields.

During the North African campaign in 1942-1943, some Matadors were fitted with a 6-pounder anti-tank gun. This created the AEC Mk1 Gun Carrier "Deacon". The Canadian Army also used the Matador during World War II.

After the War

A Matador converted into a bus recovery truck in 1970.

After World War II, many Matadors were used by civilians. They became recovery trucks, especially for buses. They were also used by showmen and general contractors. Their good off-road ability made them useful for forestry work too. Many were changed to have lifting cranes for towing other vehicles.

See also

• Bedford QLD - 3 ton general service truck four wheel drive, 4WD, introduced 1941.
• Austin K2/Y
• Canadian Military Pattern Field Artillery Tractor