Scorpion (FV 101)
Scorpion (FV101): Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle
Statistics
Main Gun: 76mm L23A1 low-velocity
Ammunition Stowage: 10 ready/30 stowed
Default Ammunition 'A': 8/28 L29 HESH, 1/1 L33A1 Canister, 1/1 L32A5 WP
Coaxial machine gun: 7.62 mm L43A1 machine gun
Ammunition Stowage: 200 ready/3400 stowed
Default Ammunition: 200/3400 7.62mm NATO
Grenade Dischargers: Grenades
Ammunition Stowage: 1 ready/2 stowed
Default Ammunition: 1/2 Smoke
Armour protection:
Frontal Turret Armour: Light, Aluminum. Protected against 7.62mm AP
Frontal Hull Armour:Light, Aluminum. Protected against 14.5mm AP
Combat Weight: 8 tonnes
Length: 4.4m
Width: 2.2m
Height: 2.102m
Engine Power: 190hp Cummins BTA 5.9 liter diesel
Top Speed: 72.5kph
General
Developed by Alvis Limited for the British Army in the late 1960s to meet a requirement for an armoured reconnaissance, fire support, and anti-tank vehicle, the FV 101 Scorpion is the initial member of the Combat Vehicle, Reconnaissance (Tracked) [CVR-T] family. Formally entering service in 1972, other members of the CVR-T family include: the Striker ATGW carrier (FV102), Spartan APC (FV103), Samaritan Armoured Ambulance (FV104), Sultan Armoured Command Vehicle (FV105), Samson Armoured Recovery Vehicle (FV106), and Scimitar Reconnaissance Vehicle (FV107).
Small, light, fast, and easily air transportable by C-130, the Scorpion features an all welded aluminum hull and turret. Early versions were powered by a militarized Jaguar 4.2 liter petrol engine, but in most production versions this has been replaced by either the Cummins BTA 5.9 liter, or Perkins Phaser 200 series diesel engines, and although initially amphibious with moderate preparation, that capability has since been removed. Basic armament consists of a 76mm L23A1 cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial L43A1 machine gun, and two groups of four 66mm smoke grenade launchers on either side of the turret. Traverse and elevation for the 76mm is manual, with the gun loaded from the left by the vehicle commander. Image intensification sights are provided to the gunner and driver, along with 1-10x day optics for both the commander and gunner. As with all British combat vehicles, the Scorpion is equipped to operate in an NBC environment for extended periods.
The Scorpion, along with the 30mm Rarden armed FV 107 Scimitar and Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Wheeled) Fox vehicles, formed the primary reconnaissance assets for UK mechanized and armoured formations throughout the 1970's and 80's. Retired from British service in 1995, the Scorpion was produced in relatively large numbers, and is still in use by nearly a score of nations in various capacities and weapon fits.
Thermal Signature
