The Saboteur

Norman L Dodd colonel UK Army, retired

The Somerton Rayner Saboteur has been devel- 1500 cc (46 hp) model using 96 octane petrol of oped to meet the requirements for a lightweight, which up to 20 gallons can be carried giving an all terrain, amphibious , capable of carrying approximate cruising range of 200 miles. The a variety of loads. These vary from an eight man maximum speed is 50 mph on the or 30 mph infantry section to anti- guided missiles. across country carrying a total payload of 1,600 Ibs. The basic vehicle has eight small wheels fitted with The Saboteur is completely amphibious and can 20 X 12 X 8 and cross country tyres with a be driven in the water either by its wheels or by pressure of only 3 Ibs per square inch. A light two specially fitted . The water speed track can be fitted for use in deep snow. The chas- will vary between 5 and 10 mph. sis consists of two main heavy gauge aluminium The engine drives by chains onto all eight wheels box sections, toboggan shaped at the front end, through the differentials of the standard Volks- carrying stub axles and containing the drive sys- wagen gear box. There are four forward gears and tems. Four cross struts in ladder construction pro- one reverse. The main drive uses Triplex chains, vide the mounting strong points for the engine, the inter axle drive is by Duplex chains and they, gear box and other internal fittings. being of common lengths, are interchangeable. The body has welded aluminium panels with cor- Standard oil is used for both the engine and gear rugation for added strength. The steering and box and an oil bath is used to lubricate the chains. braking is by levers actuating independent hydrau- The bearings are common throughout the drive Hcally operated disc brakes fitted to both sides of system. The fully loaded Saboteur can successfully the transmission. tackle a 50° gradiënt. The engine is a standard air cooled The overall dimensions of the basic vehicle are: length 3.47 m, width 1.70 m, height to top of the enclosed country, and by reconnaissance, air- back rest of the driver's seat 1.125 m and length of borne or militia type troops. bottom of 2.63 m. The vehicle weight un- Another version has been ordered by the British laden is 980 Ibs. Royal Armoured Corps for experimental purposes. It is being tried out as a radio controlled target The great advantages of the Saboteur are its sim- vehicle for use on tank ranges. The Saboteur is plicity of design and the incorporation of mass stripped down and will mount a 'mock' tank. produced and readily available components. This The vehicle has a very low silhouette and can be should lead to low production and operational easily adapted to any military or civilian individu- running costs. It is transportable as an underslung al requirement. The military ones suggested, be- load in a net or platform by light weight helicop- sides the roles already mentioned, include radio ters, and can be dropped by parachute when and command, casualty evacuation and logistic mounted on a suitable pallet. support. Civilian uses include rescue, maintenance in forests and swamps, general purpose estate use The makers, Somerton Rayner Ltd, of or safari in game parks and undeveloped areas. Andover U.K., in co-operation with the British Aircraft Corporation, have used the Saboteur very Trials so far carried out prove that the Saboteur is successfully as a platform for carrying the light well adapted for use in the roughest terrain, heavi- weight air portable Swingfire anti-tank missile sys- ly wooded and swamp areas. It has proved to be tem. One vehicle can carry the launcher holding rugged and capable of being operated for long pe- four missiles plus the guidance system. It should riods and great distances without being refueled provide a cheap, mobile, easily camouflaged and in desert areas and in arctic conditions of snow highly effective anti-tank weapon for use in and ice.

Maandelijks wordt de Militaire Spectator toegezonden aan alle leden de Konink- lijke Vereniging ter beoefening van de Krijgswetenschap. Ten einde de toezending aan thans nog actief dienende officieren van Land- en Luchtmacht, tevens lid van de Koninklijke Vereniging ter beoefening van de Krijgs- wetenschap, ook na hun dienstverlating zeker te stellen, wordt belanghebbenden vezocht de secretaris van de Koninklijke Vereniging (Nassaulaan 6, Zoetermeer) in voorkomend geval ter zake in te lichten.

370