FV107 Scimitar is an armoured reconnaissance
vehicle (sometimes classed as a light tank) used by the British Army.
It is very similar to the FV101 Scorpion but mounts a high velocity 30
mm L21 RARDEN cannon instead of a 76 mm cannon.
The Scimitar is an ideal reconnaissance vehicle, mobile and fast with
good communications and excellent viewing equipment.
The vehicle’s
small size and low ground pressure make it extremely useful where the
terrain is hostile and movement difficult. The
Scimitar can be operated by a crew of 3 men and it can reach a top
speed of almost 90 km/h.
The main Scimitar armament consists of a 30mm (L21 RARDEN) cannon. The
cannon can fire a range of projectiles, which include: incendiary,
high explosive and armour piercing projectiles. The cannon can reach a
fire rate of 50 rounds per hour and over 165 rounds can be stored. The
cannon can be fired in single shot or automatic modes when mounted
together with the co-axial General Purpose machine Gun (GPMG).
The secondary armament consists of a 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun,
which provides a rapid fire rate of 125 rounds per minute. The vehicle
can store over 2000 rounds of 7.62 ammunition. Smoke grenade launchers
can be installed in order to launch the necessary smoke screens.
SCIMITAR Specifications |
Type |
Light reconnaissance tank |
Manufacturer |
BAe Land
Systems |
Armament |
1 x
30mm Rarden L21 Gun
1 x 7.62mm Machine
Gun
2 x 4 barrel smoke
dischargers |
Engine |
BTA 5.9 Cummins diesel |
Engine Power |
190bhp |
Fuel Capacity |
423 litres |
Max Road Speed |
80km/h |
Weight loaded |
8,000kg |
Length |
4.9m |
Height |
2.096m |
Width |
2.2m |
Ground Clearance |
0.35m |
Road Range |
644km |
Crew |
3 |
Ammunition Capacity |
30mm - 160 rounds
7.62mm - 3,000
rounds |
Main Armament Elevation |
- 10 degrees to + 35 degrees |
Performance |
Max speed 80km/h |