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Alvis FV101 Scorpion - Royal Thai Army’s Tracked Reco
Hi and welcome to my 43th suggestion, which is about the Thai FV101 Scorpion, hope you like it.
First of all:
- This is a suggestion for a Vehicle we could see in game at some point in the Future , that doesn´t mean next Patch or somewhere in the near Future
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Basic Background
Initially, the “armored reconnaissance vehicle” was designed to carry both artillery and anti-tank missiles, but it was not possible to design an air-launched vehicle to that specification. Due to size and weight limitations, an aluminum alloy was used for the hull and a car engine was used for propulsion. Anti-tank capabilities were given to the dedicated vehicle Stryker, but later Scorpion in the role of fire support it was planned to use a 76 mm gun.
In 1967, Alvis received a contract to produce 30 of his CVR(T) prototypes. Scorpion prototype vehicles P1-P17 were delivered on time and within budget. After extensive hot and cold testing in Norway, Australia, Abu Dhabi and Canada, the Scorpion was accepted into the British Army in May 1970 and a contract was awarded for 275 vehicles, which was later increased to 313 vehicles, with the first production samples completed in 1972. Alvis built over 3,000 Scorpion vehicles for the British Army, Royal Air Force regiments, and the export market.
Purchased in England and stationed in Thailand since 1978 as a “Type 21 light-tank” with the cavalry reconnaissance units, the FV101 Scorpion played an important role in border defense during the Thai-Lao border war.
The FV101 Scorpion Overall
The Scorpion is armed with a 76mm L23A1 cannon capable of firing high explosive, HESH, smoke and cartridge ammunition, as well as a 7.62 mm coaxial L7 GPMG (carrying 3,000 rounds). Two smoke grenade launchers, one on each side of the turret are also available.
The original engine was the Jaguar J60 Mk 100b 4.2 liter petrol engine, which was later replaced by a Cummins or Perkins diesel engine. The top speed is around 80 km/h, thanks to just 8 tons weight.
The aluminum armor is 12.7 mm thick and sloped outwards, giving an average effective thickness of 25 mm. The FV101 provides all-round protection from shrapnel and 7.62 mm bullets, while the heavily sloped front area is resistant to 14.5 mm bullets from 200 m away. However, the initial manufacture of aluminum armor resulted in failure over time due to “stress corrosion cracking” (SCC), which seriously affected all early models.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
THAIDEFENSE-NEWS: Scorpion - Royal Thai Army
Army Guide
https://www.militarytoday.com/tanks/fv101_scorpion.htm
Scorpion | Weaponsystems.net
Book / Other:
Thailand Royal Army Weapon Systems Handbook Volume 1 - IPB USA 2009
List of Suggestions of ASEAN region