Landing tricycle FN AS 24 (Belgium)

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Airborne troops need a different technique, with special requirements being placed on such machines. Technique for this type of troops should be able to parachute landing while maintaining the required characteristics. One of the most original lightweight vehicle projects for paratroopers was created in the early sixties by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal (FN). Troops were offered a landed tricycle AS 24.

Currently, FN is known primarily for its rifle weaponsproduced at several factories in Belgium and abroad. However, earlier in the list of products were present and other products. For several decades, FN motorcycles were present on the market. Over time, the production of such equipment was curtailed, but before that the Belgian engineers had time to create several interesting samples of civilian and military purposes.




Belgian paratroopers on AS 24 dj battles in the Congo. Photo G503.com


The project under the designation AS 24 was developed from the end of the fifties and was completed in 1960. The aim of the work was to create a promising light vehicle suitable for use by amphibious troops. The project was based on several main ideas. Thus, a promising transport should be distinguished by simplicity of design, use of existing serial units, show high driving performance and be able to transport both people and cargo. In addition, the new machine was to be transported by existing military transport aircraft and parachute parachuted.

The analysis of existing requirements and the use of existing experience allowed FN specialists to quickly enough form the overall look of a new assault vehicle. It was proposed to build a vehicle according to the tricycle scheme and equip the existing model with the engine. It should be noted that in the mid-thirties the Belgian company applied a similar approach in the Tricar project, but for some reason all its advantages were not fully realized. At the same time, however, at the end of the fifties there was no question of directly borrowing ideas from the old project.


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General view of one of the surviving tricycles. Photo Military1.be[/ Center]

The result of the design work was the emergence of a light transport vehicle of unusual design with a number of characteristic features. Also for sharing with the tricycle AS 24 was created an additional vehicle in the form of a towed truck. The proposed machine could be used as a transport for transporting people or goods. In addition, the use of technology as a carrier of light weapons was not excluded.

The previous design of a military tricycle from the FN company involved the use of the front of an existing motorcycle, complemented by new units in the form of a cargo platform and rear axle. In the AS 24 project, a different machine architecture was proposed, which solved the tasks, but reduced the number of ready-made units used. For example, all power elements of the structure had to be developed from scratch, although their structure was simplified as much as possible to facilitate the machine and reduce the cost of production.


Front frame, steering wheel and pedals. Photo Barnfinds.com


One of the elements that gave the FN AS 24 tricycle a recognizable appearance was the front frame, which served as the support for the front wheel and some controls. The prototype of the machine received a frame of a relatively complex shape: a unit with a horizontal bottom, rounded sides and a curved upper part was bent from a pipe of the appropriate length. Inside the frame there was a set of struts and other additional details.

Subsequently, the frame design was simplified. Its main element was an oval tubular part, to which additional pipes joined. So, in the left part of the frame, at the driver’s workplace, there was a vertical stand, to the middle of which was attached a horizontal part in the form of a semicircular tube. On the right, inside the frame was a long strut, also connected to a curved horizontal part. To the top of the frame, from the side of the crew seats, was a curved pipe with fixtures for mounting the steering column and other units.


Museum sample, front view. Photo of Wikimedia Commons


In the center of the lower frame tube there was a mount for mounting a single front wheel. Directly on the frame was installed a hub swinging around a vertical axis with a wheel bearing. The wheel was able to rotate freely. To control the machine on the course was proposed a relatively simple steering gear-rack type. The control gear was mounted on the shaft, with the help of a cardan transmission connected to the steering column. The latter was located at an angle to the vertical and rose above the frame, and was also equipped with a steering wheel. The rack mechanism provided for rotation of the wheel hub around a vertical axis. All front wheel steering mechanisms were located on the left half of the frame.

To the bottom of the front frame were attached two beams of rectangular cross section, which passed along the axis of the machine. It should be noted that these parts reached only the crew seat: this feature of the power elements was associated with the need to reduce the size of the aircraft for landing. With the help of simple devices in the form of shells and clamps, the beams of the front frame were connected to the beams of the rear part of the machine. The latter were slightly higher.


One of the options own body. Photo Military1.be


The back of the AS 24 tricycle, which housed the power plant and transmission, was also notable for its simple design. On the longitudinal beams located at the bottom of the car, there were two side frames of a rectangular shape, made of a similar metal profile. Behind the longitudinal beams were connected with a transverse part of the required width. Also in this part of the machine there were several additional beams and racks needed to install this or that equipment.

On the right side of the rear frame was placed motorcycle engine FN Type 24. It was a two-cylinder, two-cylinder engine of boxer arrangement with a displacement of 245 cc, capable of developing power up to 15 hp. Under the engine was a gearbox connected to the rear axle. The transmission of torque from the gearbox to the drive axle was carried out using a chain. The exhaust of both cylinders was discharged through a common pipe and fed to a silencer placed under the rear crossbeam of the frame. It was proposed to control the power plant with the help of three pedals placed on the lower part of the front frame and a lever at the driver’s workplace. The communication of controls with machine units was carried out with the help of several bowden cables. So, the cables from the pedals passed through the left front beam, after which they went outside and were fixed on other elements of the structure. To start the engine used lever kickstarter. The fuel tank with a capacity of 10,5 l had a cylindrical shape and was placed at the left side just above the engine.


Tricycle with trailer. Photo Barnfinds.com


The AS 24 tricycle received a rear axle with a fairly simple design. The bearings for mounting the axles of the wheels were mounted on rigid frame mounts. Any shock absorbers are not provided. Both wheels were placed on a single axis with a common drive from the engine. An interesting feature of the chassis of a promising machine was the use of three identical wheels of a characteristic appearance. Wheels with a metal disk and rubber tires of increased width were used to improve the cross-country ability. It was assumed that such a design of the wheels will increase the performance of the terrain in various landscapes. To protect the crew and cargo from splashes and dirt, all three wheels received relatively simple wings. The front was covered with a rigid metal wing of a semicircular shape, while the rear ones received a light construction from the tarpaulin and its retaining rods.


Truck loaded with trailer. Photo of Wikimedia Commons


The driver and passengers of the landing vehicle were asked to be placed on a common seat, occupying its entire width. In front of the rear longitudinal beams were placed mounting to install the bench seat with the back. Interestingly, tricycles of different series received different seats. Some cars were completed with products in the form of a metal frame with a tarpaulin stretched on it, while others received soft "sofas" with leather leatherette upholstery. Regardless of the materials, the seat could fold when the machine is in the position for landing.

According to reports, a number of Belgian cars FN AS 24 received additional funds for the transport of goods. A vertical cargo area of ​​small length could be mounted on the vertical rear frames on which one or another cargo of small size and corresponding weight could be placed. Moreover, the use of such a body required the appropriate placement of the fuel tank. Thus, vehicles whose tank is above the vertical frame pillars cannot carry the cargo area.


Trailer, rear view. You can consider the elements of the wheel chassis. Photo Barnfinds.com


As a more convenient means of transporting goods, a single-axle towed trailer was offered as simple as possible. The basis of the trailer was a frame formed by several metal profiles. In its composition there were three longitudinal and two transverse beams. Below to such power elements the wooden flooring was attached, on top of them were installed fences of a small height. Bottom on the platform were installed two parts of complex shape, which served as a support for two wheels, similar to those used on the tricycle itself. In front of the trailer there was a towing beam and a support to maintain an acceptable position in the absence of a tug. At the rear, the trailer had its own loop for attaching another similar vehicle, thanks to which one AS 24 vehicle could tow several platforms with cargo.

A light transport vehicle of a new type should have the possibility of parachute landing, which made special demands on dimensions and weight. In addition, the authors of the project have taken measures aimed at further reducing the size of the equipment during the landing. To transfer the AS 24 tricycle to the landing position, it was necessary to remove the control lever from the seat and release its own attachments. After that, the seat was folded with a hinge and placed on the rear frame. Then it was required to open the fasteners connecting the longitudinal beams, after which the front part of the car moved back. Having completed this procedure, it was possible to reduce the length of the tricycle by approximately one and a half times, which facilitated its equipping with a parachute system and subsequent discharge from military transport airplanes. After arriving at the specified location, the machine was moved to its working position: the front part was extended and secured in place, after which the seat and lever were installed.

Landing tricycle FN AS 24 (Belgium)
FN AS 24 folded. Photo Maxmatic.com


Cargo trailer could also be parsed. At the same time wheels and parts for their fastening were removed from the platform, as well as a towing beam and a support. The removed wheels and other devices were fixed on the platform. When jointly landing a tricycle with a trailer on the same platform, it was possible to arrange the machine itself. It took no more than a few minutes to transfer the equipment to the working position.

The transport machine FN AS 24 turned out to be quite compact. Its width did not exceed 1,5 m, and the height was only 85 cm. Own weight in the equipped state - 170 kg. On a tricycle itself could carry a payload mass 370 kg in the form of several soldiers or any cargo. Towed trailer allowed to carry more 250 kg. The width of the only seat of the car allowed to take on board up to four people, including the driver. However, passengers did not have to rely on special comfort, because the car had a hard seat of limited width and was not equipped with any springs. Tests have shown that the proposed tricycle can reach speeds of up to 100 km / h.


Tricycle and trailer prepared for parachute dropping. Photo Carrosserie-kayedjian.fr


In the early sixties, Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal built a new type of experimental equipment, which was soon put to the test. During the checks, the tricycles of the first version confirmed the calculated characteristics, although some features of the car needed to be improved. In particular, before the start of mass production, AS 24 received an updated front frame of a less complex shape. According to the results of improvements, the vehicle for the landing force was recommended for serial production and adoption.

Over the course of several years of serial production, FN built and delivered 460 units of the new equipment to the customer. All of these vehicles were delivered to the Belgian airborne troops. In accordance with the order of the Belgian military department, the AS 24 tricycles were produced in various configurations corresponding to a particular role. Most of the vehicles were transport vehicles for transporting soldiers and cargo. A smaller number of tricycles were equipped with mounts for installing radio stations designed to ensure proper command and control of troops. It was also proposed to use such equipment as a light mobile means of transporting machine gun crews and anti-tank missile complexes. Regardless of their role on the battlefield or in the rear, all vehicles retained the ability to be landed by landing or parachute.


The machine is on trial. Photo G503.com


In the early seventies, the FN AS 24 tricycle could be subject to an export contract. In 1973, one of the cars was handed over to the United States for testing and evaluation. The unusual vehicle passed all the necessary checks, but did not interest the potential customer. In the future, none of the foreign countries showed interest in such equipment, which is why Belgium remained its only operator.

From the moment of receipt of the first production samples, the Belgian paratroopers began active exploitation of the new technology. During the first years, it was conducted only for the purpose of personnel training and within the framework of various training events. Later on, AS 24 was used for the first time during a real armed conflict. Since the early sixties in the Congo was a civil war. In November, 1964, the so-called. The Simba rebels, who by then controlled Stanleyville, took hostage around 1800 white residents, planning to use them as a means to achieve their goals. To solve this problem, Brussels decided to use airborne troops.


All four places are occupied by fighters. Photo Schwimmwagen.free.fr


November 24 launched the operation "Red Dragon", which began with the seizure of Stanleyville airport by the battalion of paratroopers. By taking the airport, the paratroopers ensured the arrival of new units, including with heavy weapons. Armed units involved in the operation had a large number of different vehicles, including the tricycles FN AS 24. The latter were used by amphibious troops for the rapid transfer of personnel and weapons to specified areas. Operation Red Dragon ended on November 27 with partial success. Belgian paratroopers lost two people killed and 12 wounded. 24 hostage were killed by the enemy, the rest were released and taken out of the danger zone. At the same time, during the operation, the real characteristics of the three-wheeled vehicle were confirmed.

Operation of airborne tricycles lasted for several decades. Only by the end of the seventies the Belgian military department was able to begin a full-fledged replacement of such equipment with other samples. As a new light multipurpose vehicles for the landing, it was now proposed to use the cars of existing models with the required characteristics. Such machines had significant advantages over the existing tricycles, which affected the further fate of the latter.


Tricycle on the track. Photo Maxmatic.com


Over time, all FN AS 24 vehicles, once considered successful and promising vehicles, were removed from service due to the replacement of newer technology. Some of the decommissioned tricycles went for recycling, while other machines managed to avoid this fate and survive to our time. Several unusual cars are now museum pieces, and a noticeable number of tricycles are in private collections. It should be noted that the latter, due to the ease of operation and maintenance, for the most part still remain on the run and are used in various militaryhistorical events. It is noteworthy that the large number of surviving tricycles makes it possible to notice the differences between the various samples. For various reasons, the equipment was refined both during operation by the troops and after it was written off and sold. As a result, the technique differs in the placement of fuel tanks, the presence of some additional devices, as well as the condition of the units.

The goal of the FN AS 24 project was to create a light vehicle for transporting people and goods, suitable for landing in a landing and parachute way. Using existing developments and some new ideas relevant to the late fifties and early sixties, the designers of the Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal company were able to create an original sample of equipment with rather high characteristics. For a long time, these machines were actively used by the Belgian paratroopers, which can serve as confirmation of the real potential of such equipment. However, over time, the tricycles have ceased to meet the existing requirements, because of which they were replaced by newer machines of similar purpose.


On the materials of the sites:
http://maxmatic.com/
http://barnfinds.com/
http://3wheelers.com/
http://popmech.ru/
http://carrosserie-kayedjian.fr/
http://military1.be/
http://g503.com/

15 comments
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  1. +3
    6 December 2016 15: 53
    Cool stuff. good Of course, you can’t climb especially through the mud, but you can take your ass. The sound is only very peppy. smile
    1. +3
      6 December 2016 16: 08
      TARANTAS!
      I agree with the sound, we could have put the muffler in a more serious way, such as for sports cars.
      1. 0
        12 December 2016 10: 48
        VO opened the heading humorous page.
        and if you compare the transport of the Belgian airborne and our airborne forces, the question involuntarily begs, with whom are they going to fight?
    2. +2
      7 December 2016 08: 32
      For the village, it’s the most. Hay to haul. And generally an interesting machine. For the African climate. Dry and warm
      1. +1
        7 December 2016 21: 20
        for the village, our Tula Ant is the most !!! wink cheap and cheerful !!! laughing
    3. 0
      8 December 2016 01: 18
      Probably fun in the mountains)
  2. +1
    6 December 2016 17: 04
    Are they landing purely in the city on good asphalt? I don’t see any shock absorbing components on this tarantass, the topic of a light mobile trolley is interesting, but the performance seems to me to seriously let down the manufacturers.
    1. 0
      7 December 2016 00: 42
      But it will not go on asphalt - there is no differential behind. Will not be able to turn.
      For cornering, he most likely had two extreme fighters rearranging his face.
      It is interesting, however, where they got low profile arched tires. This is not lying on the road.
      And so - a cool toy.
  3. +1
    6 December 2016 18: 52
    It remains only to talk about combat bikes ...
  4. 0
    6 December 2016 20: 17
    Belgium? FN AS 24 landing tricycle?... Have you seen Belgium on a map? Look, I'm attaching a map.. Belgium on the map is even smaller than a piece of shit, but what formidable warriors there are! Belgium is the size of a pimple. Let it close its ass and stop stinking. Shut up Ipalo... https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/th
    umb / 6/67 / EU-Belgium.svg / 1024px-EU-Belgium.svg.png
    1. +13
      6 December 2016 21: 43
      Actually, to be honest, you have a strange opinion, I’d even say something dull? And if the Belgians had a couple of thousand warheads with nuclear charges, it would be interesting in your eyes, Belgium would increase in size on the map? And indeed, to be honest, Belgium it’s not very stinking, and it didn’t seem like much! The article is about a tricycle, and you carried it from your mouth, and right away to the fan ... And yet, in Belgium three street sweepers came out in the morning and swept the whole country before dinner. ..))))
    2. +1
      7 December 2016 04: 34
      Drunk or what? laughing
  5. 0
    7 December 2016 08: 16
    Somehow too budget-friendly this tarateka looks.
  6. +1
    7 December 2016 09: 17
    It would be funnier without a motor - a four-seater combat scooter.
  7. +1
    7 December 2016 13: 49
    There are no words! It makes me feel somehow ashamed for Belgium.