Once seen, a nuclear warhead convoy is easily recognisable and unlike anything else on the roads. There is a multiplicity of escort vehicles, often spread out over several miles, and travelling at up to 55mph.
The best way to tell if you have seen a nuclear weapons convoy is to compare it to our recent videos here
A warhead convoy contains:
- Warhead load carriers (enormous, plain dark green trucks)
- Ministry of Defence Police escort vehicles
- Military support vehicles to deal with accidents or breakdowns
The warhead carriers are 44 tons, seven axle, articulated dark green trucks made by Mercedes-Benz. They are military green with the rear trailer covered by a fitted canvas.
These trucks are known as TCHD’s, short for Truck Cargo Heavy Duty.
Usual Convoy Configuration
- There could be a number of motorcycle outriders who will change position throughout the convoy as they stop traffic on side roads (*these outriders do not normally accompany the Convoy along motorways).
- Mercedes vans with large blue and yellow checkered stripes carrying the convoy commander and escort commander will be in front and behind.
- There are usually between 3 and 5 warhead carriers. Mercedes vans travel immediately in front and behind each carrier. The fire engine will follow, sometimes at a distance.
- The three support vehicles of Mobile Workshop & trailer, Breakdown Truck, and Support Coach travel some distance behind the main convoy. If the carriers are held up then these vehicles will wait several miles behind.
- All vehicles travel with lights on even in daytime.
