FV101 Scorpion

   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 In 1994 this vehicle was withdrawn from active service with the Royal army, but it still operational with export customers.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 It took some of the Scorpion roles, when it was finally withdrawn from service.