Country of origin |
United Kingdom |
Entered service |
1973 |
Crew |
3 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
7.93 t |
Length |
4.4 m |
Width |
2.2 m |
Height |
2.1 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
76.2 mm rifled |
Machine guns |
1 x 7.62 mm |
Elevation range |
- 10 to + 35 degrees |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
45 rounds |
Machine guns |
3 000 rounds |
Mobility |
Engine |
Perkins diesel |
Engine power |
195 hp |
Maximum road speed |
87 km/h |
Maximum amphibious speed |
6.4 km/h |
Range |
640 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.5 m |
Trench |
2 m |
Fording |
1 m |
Fording (with preparation) |
Amphibious |
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The FV101
Scorpion light tank, or armored reconnaissance vehicle by British
classification, was developed in the late 60s. It is a part of the
tracked combat vehicle CVR (T) family. The FV101 Scorpion entered
service with the Royal Army in 1973. It replaced the Saladin armored
car. A total of 1241 Scorpions were
built. For a long period of time it was the main vehicle in armored
reconnaissance regiments. In 1994 this vehicle was withdrawn from active service with
the Royal army, but it still operational with export customers.
Vehicle is
armed with L23A1 76 mm rifled gun. It fires HESH, HE, smoke and
canister rounds. There is also a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. There
was a
small batch of 32 vehicles fitted with a more powerful 90 mm main gun.
One of the
main requirements for the FV101 was to make this light tank
airportable. That's why a number of light alloys were used building
this tank. The Scorpion has a welded hull ant turret, made of
aluminum alloy armor. Only removeable armor sheets over the engine
and transmission are made of steel armor. Vehicle has a front-mounted engine,
which provides additional
protection for the crew. Front arc provides protection against 14.5 mm
rounds, fired from 200 meter range. All-round protection is
against 7.62 mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. This tank
relies on its speed in order to avoid being hit.
The FV101
has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
Initial
production FV101 Scorpion light tanks were powered by the Jaguar
4.2-liter petrol engine. It was a standard car engine, however its
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 replace with Perkins diesel
engine, which had better fuel economy. Both engines had similar
horsepower rating.
The FV101 light tank can be fitted with floatation kit, which makes
this vehicle amphibious. On water it is propelled by its
tracks.
Variants
FV102
Striker ATGW carrier fitted with
Swingfire ATGMs.
FV103
Spartan armored personnel carrier.
FV104 Samaritan armored ambulance.
FV105
Sultan
command vehicle.
FV106
Samson
recovery vehicle.
FV107
Scimitar armored reconnaissance vehicle. It took some of the
Scorpion roles, when it was finally withdrawn from service.
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