Armoured Fighting Vehicles, World Encyclopedia of

Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) are a critical element of any armoured formation, giving tactical support to the tank. This newly updated book is an authoritative history and directory of armoured cars, armoured personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery, covering a wide range of wheeled, tracked and half-tracked vehicles. The book begins with a lively history of AFVs from the beginning of the 20th century through to the present generation of lighter, faster and more agile vehicles. From the days before radio communication through to the World Wars, the Cold War and the birth of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the author highlights the varied roles AFVs have played, as well as how these adaptable vehicles have evolved and developed over time. Next there are two substantial directories forming an illustrated guide to over 180 AFVs. The first of these covers the period from 1900–45 when the major types were evolving. The many photographs show the diversity of these vehicles, such as the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car, the Sexton 25PDR Self-Propelled gun and the Buffalo LVT Amphibious Assault Vehicle. The second directory focuses on the remarkable advances in AFV development post-World War II, from the BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the Scud Missile System TEL to the Boxer Multi-role AFV and the Varta Armoured Personnel Carrier. Detailed specification boxes are featured for every AFV described. These contain up-to-date information, including country of origin, weight, dimensions, armament, armour thickness, powerplant, speed and range. This wonderfully illustrated book provides enthusiasts and historians with key information about these diverse and multi-tasking vehicles. A newly updated global directory of over 180 armoured fighting vehicles, from the early 20th century to the present day. Examines the wide variety of roles played by AFVs throughout their 120-year history, including the first armoured cars of the 1900s, the coming of age of self-propelled artillery and amphibious infantry assault vehicles in World War II, plus the most recent peacekeeping armoured personnel carriers and multi-role vehicles. Features a range of historic wheeled and tracked vehicles such as the Lanchester Armoured Car, the Jeep Multi-role Vehicle and the M3 Half-track Infantry Carrier, plus modern vehicles like the Humvee Multi-role Vehicle, the FV430 Mk 3 Bulldog and the Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle. Specification boxes provide information about each AFV’s official name, country of origin, weight, dimensions, armament, armour thickness, powerplant, speed and range.

Jack Livesey worked at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire for many years and has worked as an historian, author, consultant, lecturer and battlefield tour guide.