Ep. 1 - ACMAT “Thunderbird 1”

In this video Alan Curran introduces you to the ACMAT “Thunderbird 1”. The ACMAT VLRA (Véhicule de Liaison de Reconnaissance et d'Appui or Liaison, Reconnaissance, and Support Vehicle), a 4x4 tactical vehicle produced by ACMAT. It was characterised by its robustness. It could transport 2.5 tonnes of payload, a maximum range of 1,600 km and a water tank with a capacity of 200lt. Known for their reliability, simplicity, ruggedness and their 80% (over 3,500) commonality of parts across the entire product line. ACMAT offers over 70 VLRA variants several of which served and continue to serve with he Irish Defence Forces including with the Artillery Corps and Army Ranger Wing primarily for troop transport and gun tractor, convoy escort, and special operations tactical support . This vehicle mechanically is the same as the VLRA that also featured in this series. This model served with the Irish Defence Forces in Somalia from 1993-1995 with United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM II) in this “gunship” configuration. Painted in standard UN white, they were armed with a Browning M2 .50 calibre machinegun, and two FN MAG 7.62mm machineguns and were used for convoy protection. Specs. 145hp Perkins Diesel engine 4x4 drive. High and Low range manual transmission. You can check out the Irish Military Vehicles Group (IMVG) on FB at:   / irishmilitaryvehiclesgroup   This video was made possible with support from The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This video is a production of The Irish Military Heritage Foundation CLG: (RCN) 20203159 in partnership with The Irish Military Vehicles Group. You can help support our projects and recording Ireland's Military Story by becoming a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=56748863 or through PayPal: [email protected] Video by Michael Coyne.