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Timoney Mk 1, 2 & 3 APCs

Timoney Mk3 APC Copyright � Timoney Technology Limited

Timoney Mk3 APC Copyright � Timoney Technology Limited

Background

In 1972, due to "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland, the Government of the Republic feared a civil war and/or an invasion (or large scale incursion) by Britain and therefore it was decided by the Jack Lynch led, Fianna Fail government to expand the Defence Forces. The Timoney brothers made an offer of their, at that time, new, and innovative, Armored Personnel Carrier and it was rumored that the Government would order between 100 and 200 vehicles, however, as the threat passed, this requirement was dropped and in the event only 3 Prototypes and eventually 5 MkIVs were ordered, with an additional 5 MkVIs later. Technology Investments Limited of Navan, a Timoney concern, built the first of 3 prototypes, these had the designations MkI, MkII, and MkIII. The MkI, originally intented to be fitted with a wooden mock-up body but it was actually constructed in armored plate in order to gain experience. It proved unsuitable for the purpose of carrying troops and their equipment, but was very useful in proving mechanical components, air intake arrangement, seating etc.  and, as stated earlier, gaining experience in the production of a modern armoured vehicle. It was delivered to the Defence Forces in October 1973 and was withdrawn from "service" in 1974 having covered 7,000 miles although it was never registered. It was used as a source of components, for the MkII nad MkIII, once it's testing days were finished. Some of the lessons learned from the first prototype were incorporated in the second one, which was being constructed by the Sugar Company in Carlow. The MkII was delivered to the Defence Forces in April 1974 and was registered 8796 ZD. It was withdrawn from "service" in 1977 having covered 12,200 miles. The MkIII incorporated all the lessons, from the MkI, with a full width front air intake and more verticle sides to the bottom half of the vehicle. It was delivered to the Defence Forces in July 1974 and was registered 6723 ZU. It is not known when it was withdrawn from "service", however, as of April 1980 it had covered 12,537 miles. All Timoney vehicles were built with armour capable of resisting small arms AP ammunition, petrol bombs, land mines  and were amphibious without preparation. The Mk 2 and Mk 3 are currently in open storage in the Curragh and it is hoped to restore at least one of these for the Cavalry Corps Museum. At this time the Belgian Governement was also looking for APCs and following extensive testing, 123 were ordered. These were built under license by a local firm, Beherman-Donoen as the  BDX APC (see separate page).

Vehicle Specification - Mark 3 Crew 2+10 Including Driver and Gunner/Commander Armamentt Twin 7.62mm Machine Gun Timoney Turret Unladen Weight 6,350Kgs . Combat Weight .Kgs . Length 4,950mm . Width 2,410mm . Height 2,030mm Hull 2,480mm Turret Max. Speed >88 kph Open road Cruise Speed . kph . Range >.Kms Open road Max. Vertical Step . mm . Max. Trench . . Ballistic Protection 7.62 mm AP All Round Ballistic Protection . . Ballistic Protection 9 kgs TNT Anywhere under the Vehicle Engine Chrysler 360 CID V8 180 bhp/.Kw Transmission Allison AT-540 4 Speed Automatic

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