Ranger Special Operations Vehicle

Ranger Special Operations Vehicle

A RSOV on display at the National War College in a public exhibition
Overview
Manufacturer Land Rover
Production 1992 – Present
Body and chassis
Class Light utility vehicle
Powertrain
Engine Four-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Transmission Automatic
Dimensions
Length 173.8 inches (4,415 mm)
Width 70.5 inches (1,791 mm)
Height 76-inch (1,930 mm) (Without Gun Mount)
Curb weight 7,734 lb (3,508 kg)

The Ranger Special Operations Vehicle or RSOV is a light military vehicle of the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, based on the Land Rover Defender. The RSOV is not meant to be an assault vehicle, but a rapid defensive platform-type vehicle instead.[1]

History

In 1992, the U.S. Army decided to adopt the RSOV in order to replace the M151.[2]

Design

The RSOV's design is based on the Land Rover Defender Model 110, having different specifications from the British Weapons Mount Installation Kit.[2] It is designed for a crew of three and up to 7 passengers.

Weapons

For a typical operation, both vehicles in an RSOV section would be equipped with various machine guns at the forward TC station with a Mk 19 grenade launcher at the top gunner position.[1][3]

Variants

A U.S. Army Land Rover Defender Multi Role Combat Vehicle (MRCV) from B Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment on display for students from the National War College, April 19, 2001.

In addition to the RSOVs with their crew-served weapons, each Ranger battalion has two medical variants of the Defender known as medical special operations vehicles (MEDSOVs).[4] Instead of the weapon mounts found on standard RSOVs, the MEDSOV variant has fold-down racks capable of carrying six litter patients.[4] Along with its transported casualties, a typical MEDSOV crew would include a driver, a TC and two or three medics to treat the wounded.[4]

Another RSOV variant used by the Ranger battalion mortar platoon. Known as MORTSOVs, the platoon's two Defenders—they also have three Humvees—replace the top-gun configuration with storage boxes and guy wires that allow the vehicle to carry thirty 120 mm (4.7 in) mortar rounds along with the extra equipment required by the platoon.[3] In addition to its on-board carrying capacity, the MORTSOVs can be used to tow the platoon's 120 mm (4.7 in) mortars.

A RSOV communications variant is also used.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Ranger Special Operations Vehicle". Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Land Rover Defender Ranger Special Operations Vehicle". War Wheels. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Ranger SOV – Special Operations Vehicles". Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 "Ranger Medical Special Operations Vehicle – Special Ops Photos". Retrieved 18 July 2015.

External links

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