Tank Driving in Northants
Tank driving with a good dash of military manoeuvring is on the cards with this full, action packed day out in the countryside. It's time to get all camo'ed up and get into gear!
Throughout the day you'll get to drive all these mega pieces of military attacking hardware:-
A Russian TS2 Grozdilka tank - This Russian monster is fully amphibious with a mighty 300bhp turbo v8 engine, it also has a bigger gun than the chieftain.
The Lance missile carrier - a massive tracked vehicle with a 2 stroke Detroit diesel. The alloy body and high powered engine make an exciting combination that will climb anything. Used by the British armed forces to launch tactical nuclear missiles.
The Hagglund BV206 - currently used by the Royal Marines in both Gulf Wars. Manufactured by Haggland with a Ford V6 engine, simple to drive, automatic gearbox. Awesome off road capabilities delivered by four track drive. Oh and it's fully amphibious as well !
F432 Armoured Personnel Carrier - The 432 is a lever steering automatic and can reach an off road speed of over 30 mps.It is powered by a Rolls Royce straight eight and served as everything from a battlefield van to a minelayer rocket launcher, troop carrier to mortar firer. The squaddies favourite.
As well as driving and riding in some amazing hardware you will also get to enjoy some unique military themed activities including:-
SAS Woodland Patrol - after a briefing from a 12 year serving ex SAS Sargeant, you will set off on a mission into the woodland. Be careful where you step!
Flintlock and Cohorn Mortar Shooting - an insight into 18th century armoury where you get to fire off real mortars and flintlock muskets.
SAS Armourer Talk - spend time with a time-served former SAS member who will give you a fascinating peek into the world of firearms.
Clay Pigeon Shooting - Test your marksmanship with a stealth silenced 12 bore shotgun. An experienced instructor will help hone your shooting skills.
The grand finale of each event is a car crush with a 55 ton Chieftain tank for the best driver of the session. The team of instructors are all ex-military (polish your wellies and stand up straight to avoid a rollicking)! and have appeared on TV shows including Scrap Heap Challenge and Salvage Squad. Some of the vehicles have been used on films such as Black Hawk Down and Band of Brothers. With over 100 military vehicles on site it's a great opportunity for spectators to do more than just stand on the sidelines as they get to ride in vehicles and observe the demonstrations and talks.
Experience Summary: Full days last eight hours and include around 55 minutes of drive and ride time split over four different vehicle driving sessions, you will also take part in the four different military based activities shown above making it a day to remember.
Half days last approximately four hours and provide around half an hour of drive and ride time split over three different vehicle driving sessions, you will also take part in a selection of themed military activities. There may be up to 30 other participants on half days and 60 on full days, you will be split into smaller groups and rotate around the activities. The lucky winning driver from each session will drive the Chieftain Tank Car Crush.
Availability: Full days usually operate on the last Saturday of each month from March to October. Half days have more limited availability operating on selected dates through the year.
Location: The venue is near Brackley in Northamptonshire with good access from both the M40 and M1.
Requirements: Minimum age is 13. Minimum height is 5'2". You must be reasonably fit to take part. A driving licence is not required. A camouflage suit and helmet will be provided. You are advised to bring Wellington boots and gloves as the site can get very muddy.
Spectators and Facilities: Spectators are welcome and benefit from passenger rides in military vehicles as they are transported to get the best views of the action, they can usually also observe the themed activities. A fee of £10 (payable on the day) for half days applies. The full day spectator fee is £20 and includes a substantial hot lunch. For the drivers, refreshments are available and those on the full day get a lunch included. There are covered facilities in the event of bad weather and facilities are basic but you can see most of the action. There are lots of opportunities to take pictures with the vehicles and instructors.