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Stormer Air defence (Blazer-25/30)
Vehicle design history:
Ever the versatile platform, The Stormer CVR(t) could be configured for various roles and tasks, from dedicated mine layers to armoured ambulances. Most will be familiar with the FV4333 Stormer, and its powerful star streak missiles, but may not be familiar with its more obscure cousin the Blazer-25/30. The Blazer was an attempt to drum up orders for a dedicated Air defence variant of the Stormer, fitted with the General Electric 25 mm/30 mm Modular Weapon System.
This two-man turret system would be equipped with multiple vehicles during the mid-80s, including the M113, M3, v-300 commando, M551 Sheridan and of course the Stormer CVR(t). The main armament of this configuration was a GE 25mm GAU-12/u or 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon, supplemented by a pair of Stinger SAM missiles, along with a 7.62 GPMG and 2 banks of 4 smoke dischargers for local protection. For target acquisition, the Stormer was equipped with an ESD RA-20 S surveillance radar mounted to the rear of the turret, along with a FLIR/laser sighting system mated to a digital fire-control computer. In addition to this, the Stormer variant also possessed the standard hull-mounted smoke discharges as was common with the Alvis proof of concept vehicles of the time, many of which I have already suggested.
This vehicle was demonstrated in the UK on multiple occasions, the first being BAEE 1984, though like many of the Alvis Proof of concepts offered for sale at this time, there was little interest both local and export, resulting in it being like many of the Stormer variants relegated to history as a footnote in this interesting family of vehicles.
Vehicle specification:
Mass 10.216t
Length 5.27 m
Width 2.76 m
Height 2.49 m
Crew 3
Main Armament 1 x 25mm GAU-12/U cannon (250 rounds ready to fire 250 in reserve) or 30mm GAU-13/A cannon (500 rounds ready to fire)
Secondary Armament 1 x 7.62 GPMG
16 x smoke dischargers
Engine Perkins 6-litre, 6-cylinder diesel 250 hp (186 kW)
Power/weight 24.4 hp/tonne
Transmission David Brown T300
Suspension Torsion bar
Operational range 400 miles, 650 km
Maximum speed 50 mph,650 km
80 km/h
Additional historical photos:
Sources:
- GE Blazer air defence turrets | Secret Projects Forum (Forum talking about the turret system)
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(Excerpt taken from Janes IDR)
