Shot-land S 55 APC The Shorland S 55 APC is the latest in a line of wheeled APCs dating back to 1973, all produced by Short Brothers and utilising the basic chassis and automotive components of the longestablished Land Rover. The Shorland S 55 is based on the chassis of the Land Rover Defender 110, allied to an armoured body which closely follows the outlines of the Land Rover original to the extent that some 85 per cent of the automotive components are commercially available Land Rover parts. Power steering is provided and the suspension is modified to cater for the increased weights involved. Intended primarily as an internal security (IS) vehicle for police and paramilitary units, the Shorland S 55 is also employed operationally by military forces and has been exported to over 20 countries, some of whom utilise Shorlands for long range or road patrols in disputed areas, The armour provides protection against 7.62 mm AP projectiles while the glass-reinforced underside is proof against most land mines.
For extra protection the roof and bonnet areas are ridged to allow petrol bombs to roll off. All windscreens and side windows are bullet resistant while the six occupants in the rear are provided with small vision blocks and firing ports. The driver and commander enter through armoured side doors; the troop compartment has a two-piece rear door. On some Shorlands the roof hatch over the commander can be used to mount a 7.62 mmMG. Smoke dischargers are often standard Shorland S 55 APC
UK and some vehicles have provision for riot agent projectors. Fire retardant internal trim is provided on most models while a spare wheel is often carried on the roof, Other vehicles in the Shorland range include the S 52 armoured car, the S 53 air defence vehicle, and the S 54, described as an anti-hijack vehicle, If required a 107 hp diesel engine can be fitted in place of the usual Land Rover V-8 petrol unit.
