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Humber Pig
Humber Pig
Humber Pig
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The Humber Pig is a lightly armoured truck used by the British Army from the 1950s until the early 1990s. The Pig saw service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) chiefly as an armoured personnel carrier from late 1958 until early 1970. The Pig became particularly well known from its presence on the streets of Northern Ireland during the worst of the Troubles.

Key Information

Variants

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Official designations

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  • FV1601, FV1602 — unarmoured Cargo GS and FFW (fitted for wireless) Humber CT trucks.
  • FV1609 — c1956 Prototype APC vehicle with removable rear roof, canvas roof, and removable windscreens.
  • Mk 1 FV1611 and FV1612 plus FV1609 vehicles converted to Mk 1 Pig spec with fully integrated rear roof and armour. Side storage boxes in Northern Ireland use to prevent the attachment of explosive devices.[1]
  • FV1620 — Humber Hornet, a dedicated converted FV1611 to Malkara missile-launching platform.
  • Mk 2 FV1611 and FV1612 —Additional armour for protection against small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, "barricade removers" (heavy-duty bull bars) which enabled them to force their way through barricades erected in the streets.[1]

Unofficial designations

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Some vehicles were equipped with the machine gun turret from the Shorland ISPV. All below were developed for use in Northern Ireland:[2]

  • Flying Pig — FV1611 with extending riot screens either side and roof.
  • Holy Pig — fitted with rooftop hatch surrounded by perspex screen (reference to the Popemobile)
  • Kremlin Pig — fitted with wire screening for protection against rocket propelled grenades (RPG-7)
  • Squirt Pig — fitted with a water cannon beside driver for riot control.
  • Foaming Pig — fitted with a foam generator to diffuse bomb blasts.
  • Felix Pig — modified for bomb disposal duties.
  • Turret Pig — Has the machine gun from the Shortland armored vehicle installed for operation in the Armagh area.
[edit]
  • Pig rear view
    Pig rear view
  • The interior of a Humber Pig seen from the rear
    The interior of a Humber Pig seen from the rear
  • Humber pig unrestored driving cabin
    Humber pig unrestored driving cabin
  • Humber Hornet
    Humber Hornet

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Humber Pig

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Pig (FV1611) was a lightly armoured 4x4 developed in the by the British manufacturer , based on the FV1600 1-ton cargo chassis with added welded steel plating for basic ballistic protection. Designed primarily for internal security and rather than , it featured a of two plus capacity for six to eight passengers, with thickness of 6-7 mm sufficient to resist small-calibre fire and fragments but vulnerable to rounds. Over 1,700 units were produced, entering service around and remaining in use until the early 1990s, most notably by the and during patrols in amid , where its mobility in urban settings supported troop transport and observation duties. The vehicle's nickname derived from its boxy, utilitarian profile resembling a pig, and variants included the Mk 2 with enhanced armour sloping and the "Pig Squirt" fitted with a for crowd dispersal. Powered by a Rolls-Royce B60 4.2-litre inline-six delivering 120 horsepower, it achieved road speeds up to 64 km/h with a combat weight of about 6.5 tonnes, emphasizing reliability over speed or heavy protection in low-intensity operations.

Development and Design

Origins and Initial Production

The Humber Pig was developed in the mid-1950s as a stop-gap armored truck to provide the British Army with protected mobility for internal security and counter-insurgency roles, pending the availability of purpose-built vehicles like the Alvis Saracen. It utilized the chassis of the FV1600 series 1-ton 4x4 cargo trucks, manufactured by the Rootes Group under the Humber brand from 1952 to 1955, which offered a proven off-road platform with a Rolls-Royce B60 inline-six petrol engine. The Fighting Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (FVRDE) directed the design, incorporating bolt-on armored bodies to existing or new chassis for rapid fielding amid demands from conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency. Initial production of the FV1611 variant began around 1956, with approximately 20 pre-production prototypes assembled to test the configuration before full-scale output. Rootes supplied the chassis and mechanical components, while armored superstructures were fabricated by contractors including Sankey at and the Royal Ordnance Factories at and , enabling efficient integration without major redesign. Overall, around 1,700 units entered service through the late 1950s, prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness over heavy armor to supplement limited stocks in less intensive operational theaters.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Pig was built on the of the FV1600 series 1-ton 4x4 , utilizing an all-welded hull for its armored body. It employed a Rolls-Royce B60 inline-six with a displacement of 4.2 liters, delivering 120 horsepower. The vehicle featured a with five forward gears and one reverse, paired with 4x4 drive and independent suspension. Key technical specifications varied between the Mk 1 and Mk 2 variants, with the latter incorporating enhancements for improved protection:
SpecificationMk 1Mk 2
Weight (battle ready)4.8 tons6.5 tons
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.95 x 2.04 x 2.12 m4.95 x 2.04 x 2.12 m
Crew Capacity2 + 6-82 + 6-8
Maximum Speed64 km/h64 km/h
Operational Range400 km400 km
Armor consisted of 6-7 mm thick slab-sided or lightly sloped welded steel plates, providing resistance to fire; the Mk 2 added reinforced plates for better protection against 7.62 mm . The vehicle was typically unarmed, relying on crew-ported personal weapons through firing ports, though some examples mounted a 7.62 mm or similar in a turret. Early models had an open-top design with optional canvas covers, while later enclosures included and vision blocks for enhanced . Additional features encompassed run-flat tires (11.00 x 20) and a 24-volt electrical , but lacked amphibious capability, protection, or smoke launchers. The design prioritized rapid production and mobility over heavy armor, resulting in a rough ride that contributed to its "Pig" nickname.

Variants and Modifications

Official Military Designations

The armoured series received official designations within the British Army's FV (Fighting Vehicle) nomenclature, reflecting its origins as an armoured adaptation of the FV1600-series 1-ton 4x4 cargo chassis developed in the early . The primary designation for the personnel carrier configuration was FV1611, officially termed the Truck, 1 Ton, Armoured, 4x4, , which entered production around 1955 and saw widespread use in both general and counter-insurgency roles. Initial batches were designated FV1609 as an armoured cargo , featuring removable elements before standardization under FV1611 for improved protection. Specialized variants retained sequential FV numbers tied to their configurations:
FV DesignationDescription
FV1609Armoured cargo truck prototype, basis for early Mark I personnel carrier adaptations with canvas roof and removable windows.
FV1610Armoured cargo truck fitted for (FFW).
FV1611Standard (Mark I and later Mark II with enhanced side armour and bulletproof glazing).
FV1612 fitted for (FFW) or radio (FFR).
FV1613Armoured variant.
These designations encompassed approximately 1,700 vehicles converted or built from 1955 onward, with Mark II updates (often denoted FV1611A) adding slat armour and reinforced bumpers for urban operations. The FV series codes were managed by the Fighting Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (FVRDE), emphasizing the vehicle's interim role pending heavier armoured replacements.

Unofficial and Field Modifications

Troops operating Humber Pigs in during adapted vehicles with field modifications to counter local threats such as petrol bombs, , and improvised explosives, often using locally fabricated components due to the urgency of operational needs. These changes, distinct from factory-upgraded Mk 2 armoring, included improvised protective screens and structural reinforcements, reflecting practical responses to riot conditions and asymmetric attacks rather than standardized engineering. The "Flying Pig" designation referred to Humber Pigs fitted with fold-out metal riot screens along the sides and roof, designed to shield against thrown Molotov cocktails and debris during civil disturbances. These screens, typically extended manually from stowed positions, were a common field expedient in urban patrols from the early 1970s, enhancing survivability in high-risk areas like Belfast without requiring depot-level overhauls. Similar adaptations appeared on Royal Ulster Constabulary vehicles, where operators welded or bolted additional grille panels to deflect projectiles. Another adaptation, the "Holy Pig," incorporated a rooftop observation hatch enclosed by a perspex screen, allowing a crew member to monitor surroundings elevated above street level while protected from small-arms fire or thrown objects; the design evoked a , hence the informal name. This modification, observed in deployments around the mid-1970s, prioritized visibility for commanders in contested neighborhoods over full enclosure. The "Kremlin Pig" featured wire-mesh or added to vulnerable sides and the front bumper, specifically to detonate incoming rocket-propelled grenades prematurely and mitigate shaped-charge penetration, a response to IRA use of Soviet RPG-7s from the late onward. Frontal reinforcements included heavy bull bars, locally dubbed "Paddy's pushers," for ramming through and without stalling the engine. These were often workshop-applied using salvaged , prioritizing rapid deployment over ballistic . Additional field tweaks included external antenna mounts for radio inside the armored compartment and roof covers to reduce internal heat buildup during prolonged patrols, though these were less standardized and varied by unit. Such modifications extended the Pigs' utility into the but highlighted the vehicle's evolution amid evolving insurgent tactics.

Operational History

Early Service in the British Army

The , designated initially as the FV1609 armoured , entered service with the in 1953 as a 4x4 intended for internal security duties and as a temporary supplement to heavier APCs like the , which was still scaling up production. Approximately 1,700 units were ultimately manufactured starting from the early , with the chassis derived from the commercial FV1600 1-ton cargo and armored bodywork added by firms such as Joseph Sankey & Sons. Its design prioritized mobility and ease of maintenance over heavy protection, featuring an open-topped hull with optional canvas covers, a 5.7-liter producing around 105 horsepower, and capacity for a driver plus up to eight troops or a .30-caliber mounting. In its early years, the Pig was deployed primarily for riot control and patrol operations in overseas garrisons facing low-intensity threats, including counter-insurgency efforts in during the campaign of the mid- and in amid unrest in the late and early . These roles leveraged its wheeled agility on roads and urban terrain, where it transported sections while providing ballistic protection against small arms and debris from improvised explosives. The vehicle's rough ride—earning it the "Pig" from crews—stemmed from its stiff suspension and high ground clearance, but it proved reliable in hot climates and required minimal logistical support compared to tracked alternatives. By the mid-1960s, the British Army's doctrinal shift toward with tracked vehicles like the reduced the Pig's frontline utility in conventional units, relegating it to reserve formations and aid-to-civil-power scenarios. Surplus examples were stored or transferred, though its simplicity facilitated field repairs and conversions, such as adding wire mesh screens against petrol bombs. This early phase highlighted the Pig's effectiveness as an economical interim solution for asymmetric threats, informing later adaptations despite inherent vulnerabilities like exposure to overhead fire.

Use by the Royal Ulster Constabulary

The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) received the first production Pigs in late 1958, employing them primarily as armoured patrol vehicles to enhance officer mobility and protection amid rising civil unrest in . These early models, designated FV1609, featured a lightly armoured body on the FV1601 1-ton , with 6-7 mm steel plating capable of resisting small-arms fire typical of threats. The RUC's adoption preceded widespread use, serving as a for refinements that later informed military variants. In service, the Pigs formed the backbone of RUC armoured operations, transporting up to eight officers for street patrols, checkpoint duties, and rapid response to disturbances. Lacking integral armament beyond crew-issued firearms, they emphasized defensive mobility over offensive capability, with open-top designs allowing quick dismounts while the slat-sided deflected low-velocity projectiles. RUC vehicles were typically painted in Admiralty Standard Grey for low visibility, distinguishing them from later olive-drab schemes, and included modifications like removable rear roofs for ventilation in urban environments. By early 1970, the RUC phased out the Humber Pig, transitioning to more specialized vehicles such as the amid escalating violence during . Approximately ten units, including nine FV1609 tenders, were in RUC inventory, providing critical early protection before army reinforcements assumed primary counter-insurgency roles in 1969. Their withdrawal reflected limitations in speed and firepower against improvised explosives, though they proved effective against rifle-caliber threats in the pre-1969 policing context.

Deployment During the Troubles

The Humber Pig was deployed extensively by the British Army in Northern Ireland as the Troubles escalated in the late 1960s, serving as a primary vehicle for internal security operations. With the intensification of violence in 1969, there arose an urgent demand for wheeled armored personnel carriers suitable for urban patrols and rapid response, leading to the reactivation and modification of existing Pig stocks. A total of 487 Humber Pigs were committed to service in Ulster, with particularly heavy utilization from September 1972 to July 1973 amid heightened IRA activity and direct rule imposition. These vehicles facilitated troop transport, foot patrols, and , forming the backbone of mobile operations for units including paratroopers facing improvised explosive devices, small arms fire, and civil unrest. To counter evolving threats such as armor-piercing rounds and rocket-propelled grenades, many Pigs underwent upgrades to the Mk II configuration in the , incorporating additional steel plating, reinforced hulls weighing up to 6.5 tons, and specialized variants like the "Squirt Pig" equipped with water cannons for crowd dispersal or the "Flying Pig" with overhead protection. Such modifications enhanced ballistic resistance but were constrained by the vehicle's original , limiting speed and maneuverability in rugged terrain. Humber Pigs featured prominently in key incidents, including Bloody Sunday on 30 January 1972 in Derry, where soldiers sheltered behind the armored doors of their vehicles during the confrontation that resulted in 13 civilian deaths and 15 injuries. Despite vulnerabilities to roadside bombs and high-explosive attacks, the Pigs provided essential protection against small-arms fire and petrol bombs, enabling sustained presence on hostile streets throughout the conflict's peak years. Deployment persisted into the early , gradually supplanted by more modern armored vehicles as the security situation evolved.

Effectiveness and Reception

Achievements in Counter-Insurgency

The Humber Pig's primary achievement in counter-insurgency lay in its facilitation of persistent urban patrols and rapid intervention by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and units during , where its compact 4x4 chassis and light armor enabled navigation of narrow streets unsuitable for heavier vehicles like the . This mobility allowed security forces to project presence and disrupt insurgent activities in densely populated areas, deterring ambushes and bombings through visibility and quick response times. Over 1,700 units were produced, with approximately 487 deployed specifically in from the late onward, forming the operational backbone for RUC patrols against Provisional IRA threats. Modifications such as the Mk II variant's additional internal armor plating and the "Flying Pig" screens enhanced survivability against small-arms fire, petrol bombs, and low-velocity projectiles, enabling crews to withstand sustained attacks during suppression and checkpoint duties. These adaptations supported broader counter-insurgency tactics, including cordon-and-search operations, by providing baseline that preserved personnel while minimizing the vehicle's intimidating profile compared to tracked armor. In documented cases, such as strikes, Humber Pigs absorbed blasts without crew fatalities, underscoring their role in mitigating casualties in asymmetric . The vehicle's simplicity and low maintenance requirements further contributed to its effectiveness, allowing field repairs under operational stress and sustained deployment without the logistical burdens of more complex systems. This reliability underpinned the RUC's ability to maintain continuity amid escalating violence, with Pigs integral to operations that neutralized threats through persistent policing rather than overwhelming . British military analyses of later credited such light armored trucks with enabling adaptive tactics that shifted insurgency dynamics toward state control in contested urban zones.

Criticisms and Operational Limitations

The Humber Pig's armor, typically 6-7 mm thick welded plates, provided protection primarily against and shrapnel from improvised explosives but was inadequate against higher-velocity rounds, armor-piercing , or rocket-propelled grenades commonly encountered in counter-insurgency operations. Early variants featured an open-top design, exposing crews to , weather, and thrown objects, while later enclosed models retained narrow vision slits that restricted and increased vulnerability to close-range ambushes. During in , instances of roadside bombs penetrating or disabling vehicles highlighted these ballistic shortcomings, with at least one documented case resulting in the commander's death from blast effects. Mechanical reliability emerged as a persistent issue, particularly after up-armoring in the 1970s to counter escalating threats, which overloaded the original truck not designed for such weight—leading to frequent failures in rear axles, suspension components, and stations. The joints in upgraded models proved unreliable due to retaining spring failures in the joint knuckles, contributing to ; veteran reports indicate up to 80 vehicles sidelined at peak periods in for related repairs. Birfield joints on axles also suffered from durability problems under heavy loads, exacerbating maintenance demands in field conditions. Performance limitations stemmed from the 120 hp Rolls-Royce B60 engine's low power-to-weight ratio, capping top speed at approximately 64 km/h on roads and rendering the vehicle sluggish off-road, with added armor in Mk 2 variants further straining acceleration, braking, and fuel efficiency. As a stopgap measure originally intended for rear-echelon patrols until more robust vehicles like the entered service, the Pig's lack of features such as sealing, amphibious capability, or integrated crowd-control equipment made it ill-suited for sustained high-intensity operations, prompting criticism from military analysts for its ad hoc adaptations in prolonged conflict zones. These factors contributed to high operational costs and crew fatigue, though its low profile and maneuverability offered some tactical advantages in urban environments.

Legacy and Preservation

Phasing Out and Replacement

The Humber Pig was withdrawn from service in the early 1970s after approximately a decade of use primarily for and patrol duties in . British Army units, however, retained the vehicle longer, employing it extensively during until gradual phase-out in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as more modern armored platforms became available. Replacement efforts focused on vehicles with enhanced ballistic protection, crew comfort, and operational flexibility. The primary successor in counter-insurgency roles was the AT105 Saxon wheeled armored personnel carrier, introduced in the early 1980s and deployed to by the mid-1980s, which addressed limitations such as the Pig's open-top design and vulnerability to small-arms fire. For police forces like the RUC (later PSNI), lighter armored variants, including the Tangi, supplemented and eventually supplanted heavier APCs like the Pig for urban patrols. By the 1990s, the Pig's obsolescence due to outdated armor and mechanical components had rendered it unsuitable for evolving threats, leading to its full retirement across forces.

Modern Preservation Efforts

Preserved Humber Pigs are maintained by various military museums and collections, ensuring the vehicle's historical significance in counter-insurgency operations is documented. The Airborne Assault Museum at houses an FV1611 Humber Pig, highlighting its use by and in . The displays an FV1611A Humber Pig Mk 2, a 4x4 armoured variant employed for duties. Similarly, the preserves a 1953 Humber 1-ton 4x4 Pig Squirt, which entered service that year and remained in storage until 1972 before restoration. Private preservation efforts include restorations by enthusiast groups and individuals. The Friends of the Military Museum undertook restoration of a 1955 Humber 1-ton 'Pig' as part of their vehicle projects. Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) North Lancs & branch has been involved in restoring a Pig alongside related armoured vehicles. In 2024, a well-preserved 1955 Humber Pig MKII Armoured Radio Truck was offered for sale on for £12,995, demonstrating ongoing private interest in acquiring and maintaining these vehicles. Recent acquisitions underscore active preservation. In July 2025, Armourgeddon Tank Driving Centre & Museum received a particularly well-preserved Humber Pig for display and potential operational use in their collection. By August 2025, the same museum returned their Humber Pig from a public show, reintegrating it into exhibits to educate visitors on its role in British military history. Enthusiast communities, such as the Humber Pig owners' group on Facebook, facilitate shared knowledge on restorations, modifications, and maintenance using period-correct parts. These efforts collectively prevent the loss of operational examples, allowing for demonstrations and historical analysis.

References

  1. https://tank-afv.com/coldwar/UK/Humber-Pig.php
  2. https://warwheels.net/humberpigindex.html
  3. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/70000148
  4. https://paradata.org.uk/content/4663837-humber-pig
  5. https://tanksales.co.uk/vehicles/humber-pig/
  6. https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1998-09-64-1
  7. https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2023/03/diminishing-returns-the-british-army-and-its-vehicles-the-fifties/
  8. https://www.armyvehicles.dk/humberpig.htm
  9. https://www.khakicorpsimports.com/cat-wheel-pig.htm
  10. https://www.gunmart.net/militaria/military-vehicles/military-vehicles-humber
  11. https://www.keymilitary.com/article/pigs-and-hornets
  12. http://www.brindale.co.uk/ach/prv_site/external_links/military.htm
  13. https://russellphillips.uk/afv-alphabet-p-pig/
  14. https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/64198-humber-pig/
  15. https://www.arrse.co.uk/community/threads/humber-one-ton-armoured-a-k-a-the-pig-restoration.76064/
  16. https://www.keymilitary.com/article/rollers-rickshaws
  17. https://www.forcesnews.com/military-life/northern-ireland/bloody-sunday-what-happened-northern-ireland-1972-and-why-it-still
  18. https://www.scribd.com/document/373216667/The-Development-of-the-British-Approach-to-IEDD-in-NI
  19. https://hmvf.co.uk/topic/8194-incident-in-northern-ireland/
  20. https://warwheels.net/images/humberpiginapokearticleelliott.pdf
  21. https://www.forum.militarylightweight.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=7010
  22. https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/british-army-medium-weight-capability/the-seventies/
  23. https://archive.armorama.com/forums/152987-page=1/index.htm
  24. https://www.friendsofthealdershotmilitarymuseum.org.uk/projects.008.html
  25. http://www.southcumbrianorthlancsmvt.org.uk/new_Humber.htm
  26. https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/30408753/armoured-truck-historic-conflict-gun-turret/
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-MUe2WYvBE
  28. https://www.facebook.com/ArmourgeddonTankPaintballBattles/videos/our-humber-pig-is-back-from-the-show-and-ready-to-be-put-back-in-our-military-mu/1373748547021864/
  29. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2263041053731669/
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