The FV180 Combat Engineer Tractor (CET) is currently in service with the Royal Engineers. It is a specialist armored vehicle of the British Army. Whereas most such vehicles are converted tanks, the CET was purpose-designed for the engineering role from the start. In 1974 seven prototypes of this engineering vehicle were built. After extensive trials and some modifications this vehicle was accepted to service with the British Army in 1975. Production commenced in the Royal Ordnance factory in 1977. First production vehicles were delivered to the Royal Engineers in 1978. Export operators are India (39) and Singapore (18).
The CET is a versatile amphibious combat engineer vehicle. It’s primary task is earth mowing, however it can assist in a variety of other battlefield engineering tasks. It can clear obstacles, repair roads, dig pits, prepare barriers, prepare riverbanks for vehicle crossing and recover other damaged, swamped or stuck armored vehicles.
A large earthmoving bucket is fitted at the rear of the vehicle. It is used for earth moving, clearing obstacles, paths, or digging pits for armored vehicles. It can lift loads up to 4 tonnes.
The FV180 has a twin-skin aluminum alloy armor hull. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It also has an NBC protection system.
This military vehicle is armed with a single 7.62-mm machine gun for self-defense.
The FV180 has a crew of two, including driver and engineer. Occupants sit in tandem position on the left side of the vehicle. The driver sits at the front and operates the winch, while the second crew member to his rear operates the bucket. Both crew members can reverse their seats to carry out each other’s duties.
Vehicle is powered by 12.2-liter Rolls-Royce C6TFR turbocharged diesel engine, developing 320 hp. It seems that later production vehicles were fitted with a more fuel efficient engine. Vehicle uses a number of standard commercial automotive components. The engine and transmission are mounted at the right side of the hull. The FV180 can be driven equally fast forwards or backwards, enabling it quickly excavate, carry and conceal the soil.
The CET has amphibious capability. With little preparation this combat engineering vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. When not in use the waterjets are closed with armored covers to prevent damage. To help CET leave the water on steep slopes and riverbanks it is equipped with a 100 m winch cable attached to an anchor that can be fired by rocket, so the CET can winch itself ashore.
The FV180 Combat Engineering Tractor is due to be replaced with the new Terrier. It is a more capable and better protected engineering vehicle. Development of the Terrier is complete. From 2013 it will gradually replace the ageing fleet of the CETs in service with the Royal Engineers.