Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System facts for kids
The Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System (DROPS) is a special group of trucks used by the British Army. These trucks help move important supplies.
There are two main types of DROPS vehicles:
- The Leyland DAF medium mobility load carrier (MMLC)
- The Foden improved medium mobility load carrier (IMMLC)
Both types of trucks can carry very heavy loads, like 15-tonne flatracks or large containers. They are unique because they can load and unload these heavy items all by themselves. They can also help load and unload supplies from railway wagons.
The DROPS system was first designed for big battles in Europe during the last years of the Cold War. Even though the Cold War ended before they were widely used, these trucks have been very helpful in many different army operations around the world.
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Why the Army Needed DROPS
The British Army needed a better way to move supplies in the 1970s. This was because the Soviet Union and its allies were improving their military.
Here's why the army needed new trucks:
- The Soviet army could move and attack much faster. They planned quick, strong attacks to break through defenses.
- New Soviet tanks, like the T-72, were very tough. Older British artillery (105mm) couldn't damage them much. Newer, bigger 155mm guns were needed.
To fight these new threats, the British Army decided to use only 155mm artillery. They also built a huge barrier of obstacles, including many anti-tank mines. Studies showed that the army could fight a Soviet attack, but they would need a lot of supplies.
The studies found that the army would use up all its ammunition very quickly. Also, the new 155mm shells were much heavier than the old 105mm ones. This meant more space was needed to store them closer to the front lines.
The trucks the army had back then were not fast enough. They had to wait a long time to load and unload supplies using forklifts. This caused big delays. It became clear that the army needed a new type of truck.
A study showed that a large truck that could load and unload itself would save a lot of time. This new idea was approved by the Ministry of Defence in 1981. They asked companies to design a whole new system, including the trucks and special loading equipment.
How DROPS Vehicles Were Chosen
Both Leyland and Foden companies built their vehicles with special loading equipment called MULTILIFT. These designs were chosen after a very detailed selection process. It was the most thorough selection ever for a British Army supply system.
The chosen vehicles were tested for a whole year by a special army unit. The tests made sure the trucks met all the army's needs. The DROPS vehicles were designed to work well in Europe's climate. They were also only made with left-hand drive. However, they have performed very well in tough desert conditions, even though they weren't designed for that.
Leyland DAF MMLC Trucks
The Leyland DAF MMLC truck started being used in early 1990. It was a military version of a commercial truck. This truck, called the Scammell S26, had a powerful Rolls-Royce Perkins engine. It also had an automatic gearbox and strong axles.
In 1987, the company won a contract to build 1,522 of these trucks. Because Leyland joined with DAF Trucks, the S26 trucks were built in the Leyland factory in Leyland, Lancashire. Leyland made 1,421 MMLC vehicles for the army.
During the Gulf War, these trucks had problems with sand getting into their engines. A quick fix was made to raise the air intake, which solved the problem. In 2002, the trucks were updated and improved. They also got a new anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The MMLC trucks used two types of trailers, called "king" and "queen" trailers. These trailers were designed to carry the same heavy loads as the main truck. Most of these Leyland DAF MMLC vehicles were given to the Royal Corps of Transport, which later became the Royal Logistic Corps. Some were also used by the RAF Regiment.
Foden IMMLC Trucks
Production of the Foden IMMLC trucks began in January 1994. A total of 404 of these vehicles were made. These trucks were mainly given to the Royal Artillery to support their AS90 artillery guns.
The Foden IMMLC trucks were quite different from the Leyland DAF versions. They had different cabs and were higher off the ground. They also had Perkins diesel engines. The IMMLC trucks also had a special trailer. This trailer was used to carry spare engines for the AS90 guns.
Replacing the DROPS Trucks
The Leyland DAF and Foden DROPS trucks are no longer made. This means it's harder and more expensive to get spare parts for them. Also, the British Army now operates in many different places around the world.
Because of this, the Ministry of Defence is developing a new system to replace DROPS. It's called the Enhanced Pallet Load System (EPLS). The new trucks will be based on the 15-tonne MAN SV vehicle.
See also
- Palletized Load System
