- Yes
- No
Introduction
The Scorpion is an iconic British cold-war light tank, which at this point needs very little introduction, belonging to the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), or CVR(T), family. Designed to fulfill a reconnaissance role, it was envisioned as a fast, lightweight, and highly maneuverable armoured vehicle capable of operating in diverse terrain. Its original armament of a 76mm low pressure canon was suitable for engaging infantry and light targets, but was found lacking in other areas. Various export turrets, from 12.7mm command cupolas, to 90mm APFSDS slingers, were mounted on it for testing and marketing during its successful domestic and export service life.
One such turret mounted for trials was the French S530 twin-20mm self-propelled anti-air turret, manufactured by TSF. The SAMM S530 turret was developed in the early 1970s as a lightweight anti-aircraft system designed to be mounted on wheeled and tracked armored platforms, such as the Panhard AML. Initially showcased at the 1971 Satory exhibition, the S530 was intended for export, and featured dual 20 mm GIAT M621. The system lacked a radar, and was therefore clear-weather dependent and would require some serious luck to hit anything other than slow-moving planes and helicopters. The turret’s adaptability enabled its installation on vehicles both French and foreign.
Alvis marketed the project that mounted the S530 turret on the Scorpion hull, proving the adaptability of both the hull and chassis. Very little is known about this vehicle, with only 1 picture from the marketing brochure being available (if anybody has any more pictures they would be amazing to see!), but it failed to attract any serious export interest, and the two components were likely relatively swiftly parted and used for further marketing/demonstrator projects.
In game, this would provide a mobile, fast-firing, enclosed SPAA, but without a stabiliser and with only 20mm cannons it wouldn’t be amazingly effective in a ratty playstyle. It would be an easy, low-effort addition alongside the Panhard AML S530, and would be a great fit to somewhat alleviate the 5.3 - 8.3 SPAA gap in the British tree, with better ballistics than the Skink, and better mobility and protection than the Bosvark.
Specifications
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Hull
Turret
Armament
Images
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I’m only aware of the single image of this platform. If any more are exist I’d love to see them.
Sources
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Janes LBAD 1989 - 1990 (Turret and armament info)
Janes LBAD 1992 - 1993 (Turret and armament info)
Janes AFV Retrofits 1993 - 1994 (Turret and armament info)