- Yes
- No
Royal Thai Army’s Type 21 (Late) “WERA”: Wooden Environmentally Recyclable Armor… again? Yea.
Hi and welcome to my 105th suggestion, which is about the Thai Type 21 Scorpion with some modifications - and yes, the Thai did it again - hope you like it. 
First of all:
- 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
- Disclaimer: The designation “WERA” is my “own creation” and meant to make easier to differate this variant from the standard M60A3 TTS
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 “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 Royal Thai Army’s Type 21 light tanks were modernized starting in 2012 with SELEX Galileo’s STAWS thermal sight system, providing 24-hour day/night combat capability. The 2011 contract covered 42 systems and included integration of a new fire control system for improved direct-fire accuracy.
In 2013, the original engines were replaced with Cummins diesel units, improving mobility and reliability. Together, these upgrades significantly extended the operational relevance and life time of the remaining Type 21 fleet.
The Type 21 (Late) “WERA” Overall
The Type 21 (Late) aka FV101 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, replaced by a new Cummins diesel engine, now producing 190 HP. The top speed is around 80 km/h, thanks to just 8 tons weight - though, this may be slightly increased by ~700kg thanks to “special additional armor” we can see on the Type 21 (Late) behind the Monk. The newly added “Target Acquisition and Weapon Sight” (STAWS) thermal sight, made by SELEX Galileo, may also add round about another ~90 kg.
The aluminum armor is 12.7 mm thick and sloped outwards, giving an average effective thickness of 25 mm. The Type 21 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 of the FV101.
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
DEFENSE STUDIES: SELEX Galileo Wins EUR 4.3M Contract to Provide Thermal Sight Systems for RTA Scorpions
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
