LR011
HOTSPUR Armoured Land Rover
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HOTSPUR Armoured Land Rover
The HOTSPUR Armoured Land Rover was developed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in Northern Ireland and is based on the 109” chassis, Series III Land Rover. Its development was the direct result of the increasing use of high-velocity weapons against Police in the province. Protection provided by the VPK (Vehicle Protection Kit) Land Rovers that preceded Hotspur was sufficient to defend against bomb blasts, nail bombs and reduced the energy of high-velocity munitions but could not prevent penetration into the crew compartment.
The answer was to develop a steel box fitted within the exterior panels of the vehicle. The first examples were in service in 1976 and the name Hotspur comes from the brand of armour plate used and concealed within the design. Hotspur was intended to have the appearance of a normal Land Rover to avoid the effect of escalating tensions whilst still protecting the officers inside. The vehicle served until 1991 when the last examples were withdrawn and replaced by the more modern TANGI. A pair were later refurbished and used by ITN news to cover the Yugoslavian civil war.
This 1:35th scale resin complete kit by Rob Tearle, depicts the later version with 3.5ltr V8 engine and features full chassis, internal detail, comprehensive etched brass set, coloured clear castings and tinted ‘armoured glass’ windows, lights and beacons and full colour decals for RUC and ITN News. The body is finely detailed to represent the plastic sheeting riveted to the panels to protect from rocks and stones thrown by protestors and full assembly/painting instructions and options for early/late vehicles are included.
Completed model dimensions (approximate)
Inches/mm: Length 5.25/133 Width 2/52 Height 2.25/65