FV102 Striker

   The FV102 Striker anti-tank missile carrier is a member of the British CVR (T) family of tracked armored vehicles, produced by Alvis Vehicles. The FV102 is a version of the FV101 Scorpion light tank. It's primary role is to defeat enemy armor. The first production vehicles were delivered in 1975. These anti-tank missile carriers are employed by anti-tank guided missile batteries and reconnaissance regiments.

   The FV102 Striker is fitted with Swingfire anti-tank wire guided missiles. The name of the missile comes from the ability to make a rapid turn of up to 90° after firing. This missile has a HEAT warhead and an effective range of 4 km. It penetrates up to 800 mm of armor. Missile is controlled either by a direct optic or thermal sight. Missiles can be launched remotely from the vehicle. A special optical sight with a 100 m cable allows the crew to engage enemy targets from a safe cover. Missiles were originally controlled by a joystick controller. Later the FV102s were updated with semi-automatic control systems. Five Swingfire missiles are carried in the tilt-up launcher at the rear of the hull and are ready to use. A full set of reload missiles is stored inside the hull. Missiles are reloaded manually from outside the vehicle.

   There is a secondary 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted over the commander's hatch and used for self-defense. Vehicle carries 3 000 rounds of ammunition for this machine gun. It also has two banks of four smoke grenade dischargers.

   A number of light alloys were used to make this vehicle. The FV102 has an aluminum armor hull with spaced high-hardness steel armor. Interior is lined with a spall liner. A front-mounted engine provides additional protection for the crew. Front armor of this vehicle protects against 14.5-mm rounds, fired from 200 m range. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. There is also an NBC protection system.

   This ATGM carrier has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   Initially the FV102 was powered by the Jaguar 4.2-liter petrol engine. It was a standard car engine, however it's power was down-rated from 265 hp to 195 hp for longer service life. This engine was chosen because it was commercially available and had high power-to-weight ratio. Later it was replaced with the Cummins BTA 5.9-liter diesel engine, which had better fuel economy. Both engines had similar and performance. The chassis and suspension of the Striker are shared with all other members of the CVR (T) family. Vehicle can be fitted with floatation kit in order to make it amphibious. On water it is propelled by spinning it's tracks. The Striker is airportable.

   About 120 of the Strikers were in service in 1991. Since then this has been gradually reduced. In 2005 the Swingfire was oficially replaced with the Javelin anti-tank missiles to meet the new requirements and it is now the main anti-tank missile, used by the British Army.

   A part of this article and some images were sent us by SAVO UKROPINA

   Thank you Savo!

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