UK
FV101 Scorpion Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)
Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide

Scimitar/Scorpion
GENERAL DATA
 Scorpion
Country of OriginUK
RoleReconnaissance vehicle, light tank
Date Of Introduction1972
Crew3
Combat Weight8.9 tons (8.07 mt)
Ground Pressure5.12 psi (0.36 kg/cm²)
Length, Overall 15.72 ft (4.79 m)
Width, Overall 7.35 ft (2.24 m)
Height, Overall 6.89 ft (2.10 m)
Ground Clearance14 in (356 mm)
PERFORMANCE
 Scorpion
Engine190 hp (142 kw) gasoline
Range404 miles (650 km)
Road Speed50 mph (80 km/h)
Cross Country Speed?
Swim Speed2.5 mph (4 km/h).  3.7 mph (6 km/h) with propeller
Fording Depth3.51 ft (1.07 m).  Amphibious with flotation screen
PROTECTION
 Scorpion
ArmorTurret front: Against 14.5mm projectiles
Applique ArmorN/A
Explosive Reactive ArmorN/A
Active Protective SystemN/A
NBC Protection SystemYes
Smoke EquipmentFour smoke grenade launchers on each side of turret
ARMAMENT
Scorpion
Type Mount Typical Ammo Load
76mm L23A1 rifled gun Turret 40.
HESH, HE, Cannister
7.62mm L8A1 machine gun Coaxial to main gun 3,600
FIRE CONTROL
 Scorpion
Fire Control System?
Main Gun StabilizationN/A
RangefinderLaser
Infrared SearchlightYes

NOTES

A British upgrade program includes a diesel engine, thermal sights, and secure communications. The Tank Laser Sight and Avimo LV10 Day/Night laser range finder sight can accept a thermal channel. Thermal sights are available for use on the tank.

VARIANTS

Scorpion
1972. Original production model. See data above.
GTA 17-2-8: Scorpion
Scorpion 90
Variant with a 90mm Cockerill Mk III gun.
Saber
Modernized reconnaissance vehicle.
Samaritan
Armored ambulance.
Scimitar
Armored reconnaissance vehicle.
Spartan
Armored personnel carrier or Milan ATGM launcher.
Spartan
Stormer
Modernized APC.
Striker
Armored Swingfire ATGM launcher vehicle.
Striker

Scorpion Photos - Click on image sample to see full size image.

Defenselink website: Scorpion
British Royal Marine Scorpion
Combined Joint Task Force Exercise '96
Camp Lejeune, N.C.
11-MAY-1996
U.S. DoD Photo by Lance Cpl. R.L. Kugler Jr.
1024x719, 206K, JPEG

Last updated:  14-AUG-2006: Added more Scorpion art.
Copyright ©2004-2006 Gary W. Cooke
To the best of my knowledge all military data and images presented in these pages are UNCLASSIFIED, NON-SENSITIVE, and approved for public release.

Sources:
GTA 17-2-8 Armored Vehicle Recognition, February 1977.
OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide.
U.S. DoD Defenselink website.