18 January 2001

The Alvis Vehicles Scorpion was originally developed to meet a British Army requirement for the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked). The first production units were completed in 1972 armed with a 76mm gun and powered by a Jaguar 4.2-litre petrol engine.

Since then Alvis has built more than 3,000 Scorpion vehicles for the home and export market. The latest production model is powered by a more fuel-efficient diesel engine (Cummins or Perkins) and is fitted with a Cockerill 90mm gun.

A wide range of optional equipment is available including an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, image intensification or thermal night vision equipment, a powered turret, navigation system, air-conditioning system and floatation screen, for example.

Specifications

Crew: 3

Armament: 1x 90mm gun (main); 1x 7.62mm machine gun (co-axial); 1x 7.62mm machine gun (air defence) Combat weight: 8,723kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 22.92hp/t

Power pack: Perkins diesel developing 200bhp coupled to TN15 semi-automatic transmission

Length: 5.288m

Width: 2.134m

Height: 2.102m

Max speed: 72.5km/h

Range: 756km

Airportable: C-130 Hercules

Status

Production as required. The Scorpion light tank is in service with Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Chile, Honduras, Iran, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, United Arab Emirates and the UK. This includes both 76mm and 90mm versions and variants.

Variants

Striker anti-tank guided weapon carrier; Spartan armoured personnel carrier; Stormer, based on components of CVR(T); Samson armoured recovery vehicle; Sultan command post vehicle; Samaritan armoured ambulance, Scimitar and Sabre (30mm cannon).

Manufacturer

Alvis Vehicles Ltd, Telford, England

Alvis Vehicles Scorpion (Source: Alvis Vehicles)