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Scorpion


FV101 | CVR(T)


Overview


Scorpion

Irish defense force Scorpion light tank in the field.
Source: Irish Defence Forces - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Light tank
Entered service
1973
Status
In service
Development
1967 - 1970
Developer
United Kingdom
Production
1972 - late 1980's
1969 - 1970 (prototypes)
Producer
United Kingdom
Number produced
1.241
Designations
CVR(T) - Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked
FV101
Notable users
United Kingdom
Nigeria
Thailand

Description


Introduction

The Scorpion is a late Cold War era light tank of UK origin. It was the main vehicle of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) program and was accepted for service in 1973. In British service the Scorpion was called the FV101.

Design

The Scorpion has a similar layout to other CVR(T) vehicles. The crew of three consists of a commander, driver and gunner. The driver is seated on the left with the engine to his right. The other crewmembers are seated in the turret which is mounted at the rear of the vehicle.

Firepower

The Scorpion is fitted with the low velocity 76mm Royal Ordnance L23A1 cannon. A total of 40 rounds are carried. An L43A1 version of the MAG medium machine gun is fitted as a coaxial weapon. The Scorpion 90 was designed for export sales and is fitted with a 90mm Cockerill cannon.

Protection

The aluminum armor provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. Over the frontal arc it protects against 14.5mm rounds. A total of six smoke grenade launchers are fitted. The small silhouette of the Scorpion makes it more difficult to detect and a smaller target.

Mobility

The Scorpion is a very mobile vehicle. Due to its light weight it has a very high road speed for a tracked vehicle. A Cummins 190hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The Scorpion is amphibious, being propelled in the water by its tracks.

Users

The main user of the Scorpion was the UK. In British service the Scorpion was used as a reconnaissance and fire support vehicle. The Scorpion has been exported to more than a dozen nations with well over 1.200 Scorpions having been produced.

Details


Facts Scorpion
General
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Light tank
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
8.0 t combat load
Length
4.79 m
Width
2.23 m
Height
2.10 m
Main armament
Type
76mm L23A1
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
40
Elevation
-10° to +35°, manual
Traverse
360°, manual
Stabilizer
No
Coaxial armament
Type
7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
3.000
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Ground pressure
0.36 kg/cm²
Track width
0.43 m
Track on ground
1.7 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
Jaguar J60 No 1 Mk 100B
Engine type
6-cylinder petrol
Power output
190 hp at 4.750 rpm
Transmission
TN15, 7 forward, 7 rear
Fuel
423 L
Mobility
Speed
80 km/h
9 km/h afloat
Range
640 km
Turn radius
Pivot
Power to weight ratio
23.5 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.35 m
Wall
0.5 m
Trench
2.0 m
Gradient
60 %
Fording
Amphibious with preparation
1.1 m unprepared
Protection
Armor type
Aluminum
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x4 66mm smoke grenade launcher

Media


Related articles


Saladin

In UK military service the Scorpion replaced the older Saladin reconnaissance vehicle. This 6x6 vehicle was also armed with a 76mm cannon.

Scorpion 90

For export sales the improved Scorpion 90 was developed. This features a 90mm Cockerill gun, improved fire control system and more fuel economic diesel engine.