MOWAG Piranha

   The MOWAG Piranha is perhaps the most diverse of all vehicles in the wheeled APC/IFV category for not only is it produced in 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 and 10x10 forms but it is also license-produced in at least three countries and has been manufactured to suit a whole host of armored vehicles roles and requirements.

   Close derivatives such as the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and Canadian Bison are based directly on the MOWAG Piranha which was originally developed as a private venture in Switzerland during the early 1970s. Since then the type has sold widely to about 11 countries with sales from some of the license-producers (Canada (General Motors), Chile (FAMAE) and the United Kingdom (GKN Defence)) adding to that total. Well over 2 700 Piranhas of all types have been manufactured in Switzerland alone.

   The Swiss Army purchased 6x6 and 8x8 examples as have many others, although the 4x4 models have had only relatively limited sales success.

   All configurations follow a common outline and there are many components shared by all models. The well-shaped steel hull has the engine well forward next to the driver while the main troop compartment is to the rear. The Piranha was designed as a state-of-the-art wheeled armored vehicle, capable of operating in terrain conditions, that would stop many existing wheeled armored vehicles.

   The Piranhas could be armed with a wide variety of weapons, ranging from simple machine gun turrets to elaborate turrets with large caliber guns. It can be also fitted with external weapon stations, including some for ATGWs, can be installed centrally on the hull roof.

   The larger models can mount gun turrets with up to 90-mm guns while the 10x10 model, first seen in 1994, can accommodate a 105-mm tank gun turret. The 8x8 models can also accommodate a 105-mm gun turret, with one model having a 120-mm breech-loaded mortar in a traversing turret (most models can carry 81 or 120-mm mortars internally).

   Lighter models can tow 120-mm mortars or air defense missile system trailers such as those for the British Aerospace Jernas system. There are also recovery vehicle models, command posts, internal security (IS) and multiple rocket launchers (MRL).