FV101 Scorpion
In service 1973 - 1994 in UK service; still in use elsewhere
The aluminium-hulled Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) that gave British recce regiments speed, air-portability and a 76 mm gun - and fought in the Falklands.
Built byAlvis
Development history
Alvis designed the CVR(T) family around a low weight limit so that two vehicles could fit in a single transport aircraft, using an all-aluminium hull and a Jaguar car engine. The Scorpion carried a 76 mm gun firing HESH and smoke, enough for reconnaissance work and light support without pretending to fight tanks. In 1982 Scorpions and the Scimitar variant were landed in the Falklands, where their very low ground pressure let them cross boggy terrain that defeated everything else; they supported the advance on Port Stanley. Scorpions also served in the Gulf in 1991. Britain withdrew the 76 mm version in 1994 but the family soldiered on, and exported vehicles remain in service in several countries.
Variants
One canonical record, 3 recorded variants.
FV101 Scorpion
1973Base reconnaissance vehicle with the 76 mm L23A1 gun.
FV107 Scimitar
1974Same hull with a 30 mm RARDEN cannon for reconnaissance by stealth.
Scorpion 90
1981Export version with a 90 mm Cockerill gun; Malaysia, Indonesia, Venezuela.
Notable actions
- Falklands War
- Gulf War