IT would be a funny old way to run a war if your only aircraft were fighters.

There would be no way to get men into to field except by having paratroopers stand on the wings which plays havoc with a chap's short back and sides.

Heavy equipment would take days of smart motorway nonsense to drive to the front and unless more research is put into the inflatable tank the chances are the whole show could be over before the artillery reached Scratchwood Services.

What every conflict thrives on is heavy lifters for men and machinery.

Good old birds like the Hercules which can transport an adequate supply of oven chips and Mars bars.

At RAF Leyland a circular runway was built so that these planes could take off in any direction for shorter delivery time.

So it is with multi-purpose vehicles. All very well having a seven seat large crossover with all the luxury and trimmings, lovely if the last row of seats folds flat or performance puts you with the big boys but there is a time when only a wide bodied ark will do.

No, it is not a big market. You have one hell of a family to need eight seats but corporate transport calls for something like this and people I know who like a bit of wild camping, living out a a cool box and Primus couldn't keep their sticky fingers away from the model now cleared for landing, the Peugeot Traveller Allure BlueHDi 180 eight-speed automatic.

It does not feel like a van or drive like one and on an overnight in the Lakes had no problem with the narrow lane thanks to a high seating position and keeping to our own side of the road. A tip for tourists - pull-ins are for pulling into.

Powered by a 2.0-litre 177bhp diesel, this is surprisingly quick at 8.8 seconds to 62mph and promises to return 40mpg.

Thanks to considerable sound deadening this a refined MPV. It is fully leatheredup and has electric sliding doors for ease of entry and a split opening If there is one thing which gives the game away it is a last century handbrake and dial-a-setting gear change.

A word of warning, it is a climb and a half to the front seats, you may have to break out the crampons.

There is a decent amount of kit at Allure level, bearing in mind the primary purpose being functionality. Sat nav is standard along with voice recognition and a head up display, keyless entry and dark as night privacy glass.

Seats are heated and electric, the front pair get a massage function.

All models come with admirable levels of safety equipment including the flavour of the month speed limiter.

This one had the PSA grip control system which would have its benefits in poor weather.

With the seats up there is not a lot of space for luggage but folding them introduces you to the world of cave dwellers.

A natural habitat for the Traveller is motorway. It gobbles it up without fuss or fatigue.

All models come with a mass of storage and dining in equipment.

At this level the the bill is £44,000 for a long version which gives the full compliment of seats. This very much reflects the niche nature of the Taveller and I you need one you will see beyond that.

Now, cabin crew, if we can have doors to automatic we'll be on our way.