The Trojan armoured fighting vehicle can breach minefields and be
used for many other tasks. It is currently in use with the
Engineers of the British Army
Design
It is based on a Challenger 2 tank chassis, but lacks the main armament. In place of the turret, it has a large hydraulic excavator arm, which can be used to excavate areas, move obstacles, and deposit the fascine that the Trojan carries at its rear. The Trojan is usually also fitted with a plough on the front, which enables it to clear mines, either detonating them on contact, or pushing them out of the way to clear a safe channel for following vehicles.
Functions
For rapid mine-clearing purposes, the Trojan can also tow a trailer carrying the Python, a rocket-propelled hose similar to the Giant Viper. This allows for a much quicker way of clearing a path for ground forces. The hose, packed with explosive, is launched across a minefield, and detonates after it hits the ground, clearing a 7-metre wide path for 230 metres.
Armament
In a mainly self-defence role, the vehicle also carries a 7.62mm machine gun, to protect the crew from airborne and ground threats, although in the majority of military operations, this protection role would be carried out by members of the following convoy.
History
The vehicles were built at BAE Systems Land Systems plant in Newcastle upon Tyne. The contract was awarded in 2001 to Vickers Defence Systems, who were bought by BAE Systems in 2004. The project was known as the Future Engineer Tank. 33 have been built.
Service
It was first used on exercise in May 2007 with the 1st Battalion (Mechanised) of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. Trojans have been deployed with the British Army in Afghanistan.
Its companion vehicle developed at the same time, is another variant of the Challenger 2, the Titan armoured bridge layer, of which 33 have also been built.