Contents News & Features Motorsport Classifieds Clubs Directory Advertisers 4x4 Funday Events Letters E-Mail us

Alvis Stalwart (HMLC) 6x6

written by Simon Shillabeer

The initials HMLC are an abbreviation of "high mobility load carrier" which in off-road parlance means a superb machine that is designed to drive anywhere, and in particular everywhere a conventional 4x4 off-road will not dare to tread.

Development

The original STALWART (PV1) was built by the Coventry based firm of Alvis Limited in 1959. Yes, this is the same firm who created the gorgeous flowing lines of the Alvis motor cars of the 1940's and 50's. The Stalwart PV1 was not designed as an amphibian, and was simply a load carrier being a private venture concept. It was based on components of the FV 652 Salamander fire tender. The concept was proved a success and so in 1961 it was followed by the PV2. The first production model was the Mark One (FV 620) which was fully amphibious and followed by the Mark Two (FV 622) in 1966. The version illustrated in this article is a Mark One.

Stalwart production continued until 1972, the cost per unit at termination of production was an estimated £92,000. Not surprisingly they were only built for the British MOD, with Austria and Sweden (Coastal artillery) also purchasing a few units.

The Mark Two Stalwart incorporated a number of features found necessary during trials with the army. These included improved cab visibility by making the windows deeper, and making the cab more "comfortable" to drive in and thereby control the vehicle more efficiently. There were also some mechanical modifications to reduce maintenance and improve reliability. The Stalwart uses many components from the FV600 series of fighting vehicles, the SALADIN and SARACEN. The Stalwart is designed to carry up to 5,000kg of cargo on roads or cross-country, and if not carrying cargo the rear of the vehicle can carry 38 fully equipped troops. Sides fold down to ease loading, and many Stalwarts are fitted with a HIAB crane. The front is equipped with a mechanical winch for self recovery with a 4,990kg capacity.

Whilst on land it is driven by six permanently powered wheels each with its own "gearbox", the transfer box contains a no-spin differential which transfers the drive direct to each centre bevel box, and thence via transmission shafts to the front and rear bevel boxes. The gearbox has five forward and five reverse gears. Steering is hydraulically assisted on four of its front wheels. Suspension is independant with three shock absorbers to the front axle. Air brakes help stop the 8,970kg machine.

When entering water a water trim board is erected at the front of the vehicle, and once buoyancy is achieved it is propelled by two water jets or propulsion units either side of the machine driven via the gearbox. In the cab two levers replace the steering wheel allocating power to either the left or right propulsion units thereby "steering" in water.Whilst in water there are two bilge pumps, one electrically operated and one of manual operation to assist with the evacuation of water from the hull. When leaving water the propulsion units are turned off and drive is returned to the wheels. Some variants were fitted with 2" rockets to assist the machine leaving muddy or steep river banks.

Life with the Stalwart

This really is a "fun-machine", one which needs lots of fuel to run, around 5mpg of four star in its 100 gallon fuel tank, and lots of room to store. If you wish to annoy the neighbours this is the machine to buy, it may also assist with the speed of your divorce ! Drawbacks, despite the physical size and fuel running costs, are the potential difficulties of transporting the Stalwart. It can travel on the road but journey distances are limited by the "wind-up" in the constantly driven 6x6 drive units. One trick is to periodically drive up and over the curb to relieve this problem, but as they say "don't try that one at home". Off-road the machine is great to drive, a very smooth and comfortable ride with plenty of torque and power. Rearward visibility is a nightmare, the body sides protrude beyond the sides of the cabin. Indeed frontal visibility is not particular good either for viewing obstacles immediately in front of the vehicle. It helps to have a few assistants for navigational purposes. Entry and exit of the machine is achieved via two hatches in the roof of the cabin, and you get to these by climbing up a set of ladders attached to the side. All in all, 100% for novelty value and as the saying goes "he with the biggest toy wins".

Specification

Contents News & Features Motorsport Classifieds Clubs Directory Advertisers 4x4 Funday Events Letters E-Mail us