SNATCH History

The Snatch is based on the Land Rover Heavy Duty Chassis, a militarised version of the DEFENDER 110 (similar to the Land Rover WOLF). It was originally procured for use in Northern Ireland by the British Army. and was first introduced in 1992.

Officially designated, Truck Utility Medium (TUM) with Vehicle Protection Kit (VPK), the vehicle is more widely known by its informal title, the "SNATCH", even in official documentation. It is believed to have acquired the name from its use in the Troubles, when it was the preferred vehicle for "snatch squads" used in raids to capture suspects.

The "SNATCH" was the first factory modified Land Rover to be used in Northern Ireland, replacing a series of ad hoc conversions including protected Airportable Land Rover (Land Rover 1/2 ton Lightweight) and 109" (known as the "piglet", being a smaller version of the Humber Pig armoured personnel carrier) then widely used by British Forces in Northern Ireland.^[5]

Manufactured as the CAMAC CAV 100 by NP Aerospace, the "SNATCH" conversion was developed with the aid of Ricardo, and is fitted with CAMAC composite armour to offer the crew protection against kinetic energy projectiles and, to a very limited degree, against explosive devices. Its rated kerb weight (without crew and weapons) is 3,050 kg.