Built by Belgium’s Fabrique National, the Model AS 24 was an airdeliverable, motorized folding combat trike which came complete with its own trailer. In addition to operational use in the Congo, the country of Peru is said to have also used the AS 24.
Specs:
Passengers: 4 including Driver
Weight: 374 lb (170 kg)
Cargo: 770 lb (350 kg) of men and equipment.
Height: 2 ft 10 in (85 cm)
Engine: 15 hp (11 kW) Two-cylinder, two-stroke, 15 cubic inch (0.245 litres, 245cc) model FN 24
Speed: 60 mph (97 km/h)
Can you image driving that thung at 60mph? I can see how it could catch some air.
The US Army even evaluated the vehicle in 1963 but didn’t adopt it.
Although other commercial three wheelers were adopted by specialists units such as USAF CCT, eventually they were abandoned due to safety concerns of roll overs, particularly during turns.
If you want to see how to configure the AS 24 once it had successfully parachuted safely to the ground, check out this video.
Thanks to Jon S for the tip.
