The Chieftain AVRE was designed to fulfill the need for an armored engineering vehicle capable of operating alongside frontline units under hostile conditions. It was based on the Chieftain main battle tank, which was renowned for its robust protection and mobility. By leveraging the Chieftain platform, the Royal Engineers gained a vehicle that could perform engineering tasks under fire, contributing to operational success during combat.
The AVRE’s primary role is to assist in breaching enemy fortifications, clearing battlefield obstacles, and providing general engineering support. It was equipped with a variety of tools and systems to ensure versatility in operations, ranging from urban warfare to open battlefield scenarios. The vehicle plays a vital role in ensuring maneuverability for allied forces by clearing paths and creating defensive structures.
CHAVRE Design and Features:
The Chieftain AVRE builds upon the durable chassis and advanced armor of the Chieftain tank. Key modifications tailored it to the unique needs of combat engineering:
- Demolition Gun: The CHAVRE replaced the Chieftain’s original 120mm main gun with a 165mm L9A1 demolition gun. This short-barreled weapon fires High-Explosive Squash Head (HESH) rounds, designed to obliterate concrete bunkers, walls, and other fortifications. The weapon has a range of up to 2,400 meters, providing the capability to destroy obstacles from a safe distance.
- Dozer Blade: A hydraulically operated dozer blade is fitted at the front of the vehicle, allowing it to clear debris, create defensive berms, or carve pathways through difficult terrain. The blade is also essential for breaching minefields and removing battlefield obstacles.
- Fascine and Trackway Deployment: To assist in crossing trenches or soft ground, the AVRE is capable of carrying and deploying fascines—bundles of pipes or logs used to fill gaps. It can also carry and lay trackway sections to provide stable ground for vehicles in swampy or unstable environments.
- Bridging Equipment: Some variants are equipped with the capability to deploy bridges. These mobile bridging systems enable rapid crossing of waterways or gaps, supporting the mobility of other vehicles.
- Secondary Armament: For defense, the AVRE is equipped with a 7.62mm L37A2 coaxial machine gun and additional mounts for external machine guns. Smoke dischargers provide further protection by obscuring the vehicle from enemy observation.
- Crew and Interior: The AVRE accommodates a crew of four: a driver, commander, gunner, and a combat engineer. The vehicle’s interior has been modified to carry tools, demolition charges, and additional engineering equipment.
- Armor and Protection: Retaining the Chieftain’s thick composite armor, the AVRE offers excellent protection against small arms fire, shrapnel, and anti-tank threats. The vehicle’s robust construction ensures survivability in close-proximity engagements during engineering operations.
Chieftain AVRE Performance & Capabilities
With a reliable engine and heavy-duty suspension system inherited from the Chieftain tank, the AVRE offers excellent mobility for an armored engineering vehicle. While its top speed is limited compared to lighter vehicles, its tracked mobility allows it to traverse rugged terrain and maintain pace with front-line armored units.
The Chieftain AVRE is equipped to handle a broad range of engineering missions, including:
- Breaching fortified positions.
- Demolishing obstacles such as walls or structures.
- Earthmoving tasks for defensive positions or clearing rubble.
- Transporting and deploying battlefield bridging systems or fascines.
