ERC-90 F4 Sagaie

   The ERC-90 (Engin de Reconnaissance Cannon) was developed by Panhard as a private venture in the mid 70's. First production vehicle was completed in 1979. Although the ERC range was developed specially for export, it was also adopted by the French Army, first vehicles were delivered in 1983. French Army took delivery of 192 vehicles, that are used by marine and airborne reconnaissance units. Export operators of the ERC-90 F4 Sagaie (Dart) and it's variants are Argentina, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Gabon, Mexico and Niger.

   Hull and turret of the ERC-90 is welded from steel armor. It provides protection against small arms fire only.

   The Sagaie used by the French Army is fitted with the GIAT TS 90 turret, mounting the F4 gun. Vehicle with this turret is sometimes referred as the ERC-1 Sagaie.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. Another 7.62-mm anti-aircraft MG was optional.

   Vehicle is powered by Peugeot V6 petrol engine, developing 155 hp. The ERC-90 F4 Sagaie shares many automotive components with the Panhard VCR armored personnel carrier, developed at the same time. The center road wheel each side is normally raised to increase speed when traveling on flat surfaced roads. The ERC-90 is fully amphibious without preparation. On water it is propelled by it's wheels, although waterjets were available as an option. The ERC-90 can be airdropped.

Variants

   ERC-90 F4 Sagaie TTB 190, fitted with the SAMM 90-mm TTB 190 turret;

   ERC-90 F4 Sagaie 2, slightly larger with two engines and improved turret;

   ERC-90 F1 Lynx, also referred as the ERC-1 Lynx, fitted with Hispano-Suiza Lynx 90-mm turret as on AML armored car;

   EMC-91 fire support vehicle, armed with 81-mm mortar in the Hispano-Suiza EMC turret. It is also referred as the EMC-81. However this artillery system was not accepted to service;

   ERC-60-20 fire support vehicle, armed with 60-mm mortar and 20-mm cannon in the Hispano-Suiza 60-20 Serval turret;

   ERC-20, anti-aircraft variant, armed with twin 20-mm cannons.