- Yes
- No
Introduction and History
In the early 1970s the Irish Government was looking to expand and mechanise the Irish Army. Séamus Timoney, a professor at University College Dublin with prior experience in designing armored vehicles for the British Army, proposed to design a new Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) tailored for urban counter-insurgency operations. Recognizing the limitations of conventional APCs in urban warfare, Timoney and his team aimed to create a versatile vehicle capable of navigating urban environments while still meeting the demands of conventional conflicts. Key features included all-around small arms armor protection, unobstructed visibility for the driver, provisions for urban combat scenarios such as protection against petrol bombs, easy dismounting capabilities, and amphibious readiness.
The final design by Timoney featured high-hardness steel construction, three doors for quick egress, firing ports for crew members, and innovative features to deter potential threats like incendiary materials or attempts to climb onto the vehicle. It was powered by a Chrysler 360 V8 engine and utilized an Allison AT 540 fully automatic transmission for reduced driver fatigue. The drivetrain configuration allowed for rear-wheel drive on roads and 4x4 off-road capability, with advanced axle units and a patented epicyclic reduction gear system for efficient power delivery to the wheels. Suspension was provided by a wishbone system with helical coil springs and adjustable hydraulic dampers.
Timoney Technology developed three prototypes (MkI, MkII, and MkIII) to test and refine the design. While encountering various challenges including engine overheating and mechanical issues, these prototypes served as valuable learning experiences and contributed to the development of subsequent iterations. Despite initial plans for a larger procurement, only a limited number of MkIV and MkVI variants were ultimately ordered by the Irish Government, with additional variations like an armored reconnaissance vehicle and an amphibious load carrier planned but never entering serial production.
In March 1982 the Timoney MkVI Fire Support Vehicle (or Timoney 90) was unveiled by Technology Investments. The Timoney 90 was created by mounting the the French Hispano-Suiza Lynx 90mm turret on the Timoney MkVI chassis. The vehicle underwent successful trials, and interest was expressed by the Irish Army, but no orders were placed and it therefore was not developed beyond the prototype stage.
Specifications
Images
Sources
Spoiler
Janes Armour and Artillery 1982 - 1983 (extract available here)
An Cosantoir - The Timoney Vehicles | Denis J. McCarthy, 1976 (extract available here)