The Dennis Javelin (later known as the Alexander Dennis Javelin) was an underfloor-engined bus and coach chassis manufactured by Dennis and later Alexander Dennis. It was unveiled in 1986 and acted more or less as a modern replacement for the discontinued Bedford Y series.[1][2] It also supplanted the heavier Dennis Dorchester.

Dennis Javelin
Safeguard Coaches Plaxton Premiere bodied Dennis Javelin in January 2009
Overview
ManufacturerDennis
Alexander Dennis
Production1986-2010
Body and chassis
Doors1
Floor typeStep entrance
Powertrain
EngineCummins C series
Cummins ISBe
TransmissionZF
Dimensions
Length8.5 m (27 ft 10+58 in)
10 m (32 ft 9+34 in)
11 m (36 ft 1+18 in)
12 m (39 ft 4+12 in)
Chronology
PredecessorDennis Lancet

While proving a success, it has never matched its nearest rival, the likewise heavier Volvo B10M, but has had much more success than Dennis's previous coaching industry attempts: The Falcon V, the Lancet and Dorchester. Over 2,000 were produced, with 500 purchased by the Ministry of Defence.[3]

Exports

edit

In 1996, Australian operator Fearne's Coaches, Wagga Wagga took delivery of four MotorCoach Australia bodied Javelins.[4] New Zealand operator Ritchies Coachlines took delivery of nine Designline and Kiwi Bus Builders bodied Javelins between 1999 and 2005.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ Low flying Javelin Commercial Motor 17 September 1981 pages 58-61
  2. ^ Javelin bus breaks out Commercial Motor 24 March 1988
  3. ^ Britain's Buses. Vol. 6. Key Publishing. 2021. p. 19. ISBN 978 1 802820 096.
  4. ^ Fearne's Investments Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  5. ^ Ritchie's Transport Holdings Australian Bus Fleet Lists
edit

  Media related to Dennis Javelin at Wikimedia Commons