Commando Scout
Overview
Commando Scout
Indonesian army Commando Scout fitted with one man turret with two 7.62mm machine guns.
Source: Indonesian Ministry of Defence -
© Copyright lies with original owner
1977 (prototype)
Indonesia
Description
Introduction
The Commando Scout is a late Cold War era reconnaissance vehicle of US origin. It was developed for Cadillac Gage for export sales. The vehicle is derived from the highly successful V-150 Commando range of armored personnel and weapons carriers. However, the Commando Scout was exported in far more limited numbers.
Design
The Commando Scout is based on the wheelbase of the V-150 Commando. The silhouette has been reduced significantly in order to make the Scout less detectable on the battlefield. The driver sits on the front left and the engine is to his right. The small rear compartment can seat two people when fitted with roof hatches. Furthermore, a range of one man turrets were offered. With only the twin machine gun turret produced for Indonesia.
Firepower
The Commando Scout can be fitted with a range of armament. Indonesia acquired the Scout with a one man twin 7.62mm machine gun turret. In Egyptian service a pintle mounted 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is fitted.
Protection
Cadloy armor is employed on the Commando Scout to protect the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters all around. Smoke grenade launchers are optional and an NBC system is absent.
Mobility
The wheeled chassis provides good mobility on road and reasonable mobility in the field. The Cummins V-6 diesel engine allows for a road speed of 96 km/h and a range of over 1.200 km on road. This makes the Commando Scout faster than the V-150 Commando, but it no longer has amphibious capability.
Users
The Commando Scout was acquired by Indonesia and Egypt. A total of 140 vehicles was produced. Press photos indicate that both nations still operate these vehicles.
Media
Commando Scout
Forward view of a column of Commando Scout vehicles in service with Egypt.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Commando Scout
A column of Commando Scout vehicles in service with Egypt.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Commando Scout
Right side view of an open roof Commando Scout with 12.7mm M2HB machine gun in service with Egypt.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Commando Scout
Rear view of a Commando Scout in service with the Egyptian army.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Commando Scout
Commando Scout seen during trials in the USA.
Source: Dave Haugh
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Commando Scout
Rear view of Commando Scout showing the large rear hatch.
Source: Dave Haugh
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Commando Scout
Close-up of the one main turret with two 7.62mm machine guns on the Commando Scout.
Source: Dave Haugh
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Related articles
V-150 Commando
The Commando Scout is based on the chassis and automotive components of the larger hull V-150 Commando.