Examine individual changes

'{{Unreliable sources|date=December 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} {{Use British English|date=January 2017}} {{Infobox weapon | name = FV107 Scimitar | image = File:Scimitar Light Tank MOD 45149231.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = Scimitar performing a firepower demonstration on Salisbury Plain | origin = [[United Kingdom]] | type = [[Reconnaissance vehicle]] <!-- Type selection -->| is_vehicle = yes | is_UK = yes <!-- General specifications -->| weight = 7.8 [[tonnes]] | length = 4.9 m | width = 2.2 m | height = 2.1 m | diameter = | crew = 3 | manufacturer = [[Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd|Alvis]] / [[BAE Systems Land & Armaments]] | number = over 600 (for UK)<ref>{{citation |author=Staff Writer |title=Alvis FV107 Scimitar: Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle (1971) |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=188 |website=Military Factory |access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref> | service = | wars = * [[Falklands War]] * [[Gulf War]] * [[Bosnian War]] * [[Kosovo War]] * [[Iraq War]] * [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] * [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->| armour = aluminium armour | primary_armament = 30 mm L21 [[RARDEN]] cannon<br> A.P.D.S. (Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot). H.E. (High Explosive). D.S.R.R. (Discarding Sabot Reduced Range) (training) Prac. (H.E. Practice) (training) | secondary_armament = [[Weapon mount#Coaxial|Coaxial]] 7.62 mm [[L7 (machine gun)|L37A1 MG]] | engine = [[Cummins]] BTA 5.9 diesel | engine_power = 190 hp (142 kW) | pw_ratio = | suspension = Torsion bar | vehicle_range = 450 km | speed = 50&nbsp;mph (80.5&nbsp;km/h) | guidance = | drive = tracked, with {{cvt|14|lb/in2|kg/cm2}} [[ground pressure]] }} The '''FV107 Scimitar''' is an armoured [[Continuous track|tracked]] military [[reconnaissance vehicle]] (sometimes classed as a [[light tank]]) formerly used by the [[British Army]], until it was retired from active service in April 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |author=<!--not stated--> |editor-last=Goldthorpe |editor-first=Sarah |date=April 2023 |title=SCIMITAR BOWS OUT |url=https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=f63f776a-8efe-42ba-93c6-e72f2a9f2707 |work=[[Soldier Magazine]] |page=13 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|UK Ministry of Defence]] |access-date=2023-07-15}}</ref> It was manufactured by [[Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd|Alvis]] in [[Coventry]]. It is very similar to the [[FV101 Scorpion]], but mounts a high-velocity 30&nbsp;mm L21 [[RARDEN]] [[cannon]] instead of a low-velocity 76&nbsp;mm gun. It was issued to Royal Armoured Corps armoured regiments in the reconnaissance role. Each regiment originally had a close reconnaissance squadron of five troops, each containing eight FV107 Scimitars. Each Main Battle Tank Regiment also employed eight Scimitars in the close reconnaissance role. ==Development== The FV107 Scimitar is one of the [[CVR(T)]] series of vehicles. The first prototype was completed in 1971.<ref name="Foss" /> After being accepted for service in 1973, deliveries to Belgium and the UK commenced in 1974.<ref name="Foss" /> Initially, the engine was the [[Jaguar XK6 engine#4.2-litre|Jaguar J60 4.2-litre]] 6-cylinder [[petrol]] engine, the same as used by several [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguar cars]]. This was replaced by a [[Cummins]] BTA 5.9 [[diesel engine]] in British Army Scimitars under the CVR(T) Life Extension Program (LEP). The UK initiated the [[Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement]] (TRACER) to replace the [[Sabre (tank)|Sabre]] and Scimitar.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baumgardner |first1=Neil |title=Britain Seeking Information On Off-The-Shelf Vehicles For FRES Program |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/217294908 |access-date=17 February 2022 |work=Defense Daily International |date=8 June 2001|id={{ProQuest|217294908}} }}</ref> In 1996 the U.S. joined in on the project.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S., U.K. Sign Letter of Intent for Work on Future Scout Vehicle |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43979553 |access-date=8 February 2022 |work=Inside the Army |issue=42 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=21 October 1996 |volume=8 |page=5|jstor=43979553 }}</ref> In 2001, both the UK and U.S. dropped out of the joint programme.<ref name="Canceled">{{cite news |last1=Winograd |first1=Erin Q. |title=But Technology Will Not Be Abandoned: British, U.S. Officials Announce an End to Joint Future Scout Program |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24819092 |access-date=8 February 2022 |work=Inside the Army |issue=42 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=22 October 2001 |volume=13 |pages=1, 9–11|jstor=24819092 }}</ref> As of 2023, the Scimitar's intended replacement in British service is a variant of the [[General Dynamics Ajax|Ajax]] fitted with a [[CTA International|CT40]] cannon.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tong |first1=Michael |title=British Army vehicle procurement: headlights at the end of the tunnel? |url=https://www.iiss.org/en/online-analysis/military-balance/2019/09/british-army-armoured-vehicle-procurement/ |access-date=16 July 2023 |work=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=6 September 2019}}</ref> The Scimitar was retired from British service in 2023. The [[Warrior tracked armoured vehicle|Warrior]] is being used as a temporary stop-gap, until Ajax reaches initial operating capability.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2023-03-21 |title=Troubled Ajax payments resume, gets new in-service date |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/troubled-ajax-gets-more-money-and-new-in-service-date/ |access-date=2023-07-16 |language=en-GB}}</ref> == Scimitar Mk II == Following a risk mitigation programme, in December 2010 a contract was awarded for the development, testing and management of an upgraded Scimitar.<ref>{{Cite journal|last = Foss|first = Christopher|date = 2015|title = On the mend: British Army looks to refreshed AFVs|url = http://www.janes360.com/images/assets/586/53586/British_Army_looks_to_refreshed_AFVs.pdf|journal = Jane's International Defence Review}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> This was undertaken by the Vehicles Military & Technical Services team, BAE Systems Telford, which co-ordinated the build of 50 vehicles at the nearby DSG (Defence Support Group), Donnington, to be completed in early 2012. The Scimitar Mark 2 combat vehicle is one of five enhanced CVR(T) types.<ref>{{Cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Up-armoured vehicles begin Afghanistan operations |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/up-armoured-vehicles-begin-afghanistan-operations |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|UK Ministry of Defence]] |date=2011-09-15 |access-date=2024-07-13}}</ref> It was created in early 2010, and continues in service.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.armyrecognition.com/united_kingdom_british_army_light_armoured_vehicle/scimitar_mk_2_mk2_mark_ii_cvrt_technical_data_sheet_description_information_specifications_pictures.html |title = CVRT Scimitar Mk 2 Mark 2 Light reconnaissance armoured vehicle |website = www.armyrecognition.com |access-date = 21 March 2016 |archive-date = 18 October 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161018131654/http://www.armyrecognition.com/united_kingdom_british_army_light_armoured_vehicle/scimitar_mk_2_mk2_mark_ii_cvrt_technical_data_sheet_description_information_specifications_pictures.html |url-status = dead}}</ref> The Scimitar Mk II was: * Rehulled to give better mine-blast protection for troops * Improved armour fitted to enhance resistance to blasts and ballistic threats * Provide mine-protected (suspended and piston-mounted) seating in every crew position * Improve available space and improve crew conditions * Mitigate repairs while reducing maintenance and life-cycle costs, and extend in-service life. The resulting vehicles have since been re-engined with a Cummins BTA 5.9 litre diesel engine and David Brown TN15E+ automatic gearbox.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehicle/related/76124/CVRT_Scimitar_.htm|title = Whitham Specialist Vehicles Limited|last = Gelley|first = David|date = 21 March 2016|website = www.mod-sales.com|publisher = Whitham Specialist Vehicles Limited|access-date = 21 March 2016}}</ref> In addition to providing power for an air conditioning system, the new more fuel-efficient engine extends the vehicle's operational range, while the re-designed internal layout allows better-protected fuel tanks to be repositioned for reduced vulnerability to blast and ballistic threats. The new engine and transmission package promised straightforward servicing and support for the Mk II during its in-service life, refurbished dampers simultaneously improving crew comfort - and hence reducing fatigue - while extending the life of vehicle components and maintaining the tactical mobility of the original vehicle despite an increase to an operation weight of c12,000&nbsp;kg. BAE Systems have proposed improved road wheels, new conventional metal tracks with guaranteed mileage (which could reduce the vehicle's running costs) and continuous 'rubber' band tracks, which significantly decrease both vibration and noise, allowing crew to operate more effectively and for longer, even in the harshest environments, while reducing the vehicle's acoustic signature. ==Combat use== [[File:Overturned CVR(T) on Murrell Bridge in Falklands.jpg|thumb|alt=Two British soldiers stand in a shallow river, examining an overturned vehicle. Two other soldiers watch from the riverbank.|An overturned CVR(T) by the [[Murrell River]].]] Two troops from B Squadron, [[Blues and Royals]] served in the [[Falklands War]]. One troop was equipped with four Scorpions, the other with four Scimitars. These [[Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)|CVR(T)]]s were the only armoured vehicles used in action by the British Army during the conflict. At least one Scimitar was seriously damaged by an Argentinian landmine, but the crew were unscathed, and the vehicle was salvaged by a [[CH-47 Chinook|Chinook HC.1]] helicopter<ref>Andrew Jones, "British Armor in the Falklands", ''ARMOR'', March 1983 pp. 26–27</ref> and soon brought back into service by the attached [[REME]] section. Scorpions and Scimitars also provided air defence support; one Scimitar claimed to have shot down an Argentinian [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk|Skyhawk]] fighter-bomber with its 30&nbsp;mm cannon.<ref name="scorpion 1972-1994">{{cite book |last=Foss |first=Christopher |last2=Dunstan |first2=Simon |last3=Sarson |first3=Peter |date=1995 |chapter=The CVR(T) in British Service |title=Scorpion Reconnaissance Vehicle 1972–1994 |url= |location= |publisher=Osprey Publishing Ltd |pages=19-24 |isbn=1-85532-390-7}}</ref> The 1st (British) Armoured Division, the British component of the coalition's ground forces in the [[Gulf War|First Gulf War]], included a medium reconnaissance regiment that used Scimitars and other CVR(T) vehicles. This regiment initially was composed of the three constituent squadrons of 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers (16/5L), reinforced by a fourth squadron from [[1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards]] (QDG). On 26 February 1991, the regiment fought [[direct fire|direct-fire]] engagements with Iraqi units while calling in air and artillery strikes to support an attack by the division's 7th Armoured Brigade.<ref name="scorpion 1972-1994"/> A troop of Scimitars engaged and knocked out Iraqi [[T-62]]s, penetrating their frontal armour with [[sabot rounds]]. One Scimitar was engaged and hit by an Iraqi T-55 and the penetrating round passed through the thin aluminium armour without injuring the crew.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-02-11 |title=The Scimitar CVR(T) |url=https://1420kh.co.uk/the-scimitar-cvrt/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Lancashire's Own Cavalry Regiment |language=en-US}}</ref> Scimitars of C Squadron, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, were used in the [[Battle of Al Faw (2003)|Battle of Al Faw]] in the opening days of the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]. Plans for an amphibious landing by Scimitars were abandoned due to extensive [[land mine|mining]] of the beaches; instead, they crossed into Iraq by land. In Afghanistan, during [[Operation Herrick]], Scimitars were deployed either in standard troop organisations or as part of [[Jackal (vehicle)|Jackal]] composite troops, in which role they provided additional firepower to complement the Jackal's high mobility.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}} ==Additional specifications== [[File:FV107 Scimitar COLD WINTER '87.JPEG|thumb|right|The Scimitar in arctic conditions in 1987.]] * Ground clearance: 0.35 m * Main armament: 30&nbsp;mm [[RARDEN|L21 RARDEN]] cannon. (Fires at up to 90 rounds per minute) * Ammunition types: ** [[High Explosive Incendiary]] (HEI) ** [[High Explosive]] (HE) ** [[Armour Piercing]] (AP) ** APSE (Armour Piercing Secondary Effects) ** [[Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot-Tracer]] (APDS-T) * Additional defence: 2 × 4-barrel smoke launchers. * Ammunition stores: ** [[30 mm caliber|30 mm]] – 165 rounds ** [[7.62×51 NATO|7.62 mm]] – 2,000 rounds * As with all British armoured vehicles, Scimitar is equipped with a forced air system, so the crew could lock down in a [[CBRN]] environment. For this reason, the vehicle is equipped with a boiling vessel (or "BV"), to cook and make hot drinks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/lsm/dhmg/scorpion.html |title=Doug's 'HEAVY METAL' GALLERY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226164508/http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/lsm/dhmg/scorpion.html |archive-date=26 December 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ==Operators== ===Current operators=== [[File:FV107 CVR(T) Scimitar.png|thumb|FV107 Scimitar in desert camouflage]] * '''{{LVA}}''' – 123 units In September 2014, [[Latvia]] signed a contract with Great Britain for the purchase of 123 Scimitars as part of the [[Latvian National Armed Forces]] infantry brigade mechanization program.<ref>{{Cite press release |author=<!--not stated--> |title = Latvian army purchases UK armoured combat vehicles |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/latvian-army-purchases-uk-armoured-combat-vehicles |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|UK Ministry of Defence]] |date=2014-09-04 |access-date=2024-07-13}}</ref> * '''{{UKR}}''' – 23 units In August 2023, 23 Scimitar MK IIs were delivered to Ukraine by Great Britain to repel the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=A Cuppa For Conquest: UK Military Aid To Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/07/a-cuppa-for-conquest-uk-military-aid-to.html |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Oryx}}</ref> * {{HND}} 3.<ref name="Foss" >{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011–2012 |publisher=Janes Information Group |location=Surrey |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-71062-960-9 |page=764 |edition=32nd |chapter= Armoured Fighting Vehicle Families |url=https://archive.org/details/janesarmourartil0000unse}}</ref> * {{NGA}} 5.<ref>{{cite tech report |last1=Kinnan |first1=Colonel Christopher J. |last2=Gordon |first2=Colonel Daniel B. |last3=Delong |first3=Colonel Mark D. |last4=Jaquish |first4=Colonel Douglas W. |last5=McAllum |first5=Colonel Robert S. |date=February 2011 |chapter=Appendix C: Nigerian Military Forces |title=Failed State: Nigeria-A Case Study |url=https://media.defense.gov/2017/May/05/2001743001/-1/-1/0/OP_0067_KINNAN_ET_AL_FAILED_STATE_2030.PDF |institution=Center for Strategy and Technology at [[USAF Air War College]] |number=Occasional Paper No. 67 |page=119 |isbn=978-1-58566-203-6 |access-date=11 May 2024}}</ref> Apparently acquired from Jordan.<ref name="Nigeria">{{cite news |last1=Lionel |first1=Ekene |title=Nigerian Army acquires ex-Jordanian FV-107 Scimitars |url=https://www.military.africa/2022/07/nigerian-army-acquires-ex-jordanian-fv-107-scimitars/ |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=Military Africa |date=12 July 2022}}</ref> * {{JOR}} <ref name="Nigeria"/> ===Former operators=== * '''{{UK}}''' – 325 units<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.european-defence.co.uk/uk_army06.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114070132/http://www.european-defence.co.uk/uk_army06.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-14 |title= UK Defence: British Army estimated operational armoured vehicle fleet |access-date=2008-01-09 |date=January 2008 |publisher=european-defence.co.uk}}</ref> The Scimitar was used by the three [[formation reconnaissance regiment]]s of the [[British Army]]. After the [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010|Strategic Defence and Security Review in 2010]], some regiments' Challenger 2 tanks were replaced with CVR(T) Scimitars.{{refn|{{cite report |author=British Army |author-link=British Army |date=July 2013 |title=Transforming the British Army: An Update - July 2013 |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/Army2020_Report.pdf |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|UK Ministry of Defence]] |page=24 |access-date=12 July 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203030236/http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/Army2020_Report.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2013 |quote=In the Reaction Force, Challenger 2 will deliver the armoured capability, with Armoured Cavalry Regiments continuing with Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)) until the delivery of Scout Specialist Vehicle (SV).}}{{efn|The two regiments "reduced" from armoured regiments to armoured cavalry are the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.}}}} The Scimitar was retired from active service in April 2023.<ref name=":0" /> * '''{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]]''' – 153 units,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.cz/mo/obrana_a_strategie/2-2003eng/ondrejka.pdf |title=Belgian armed forces: trends in development |access-date=2008-01-09 |last=Ondrejka |first=Jan |author2=Stojar, Richard |date=2004 |publisher=[[Military of the Czech Republic|Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041227040100/http://www.army.cz/mo/obrana_a_strategie/2-2003eng/ondrejka.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2004 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> withdrawn from active service in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.be/def/doc/viewdoc.asp?LAN=fr&FILE=&ID=568 |title=La Défense au rapport |language=fr |access-date=2008-01-09 |date=January 2006 |work=page 55 |publisher=Belgian Ministry of Defence |archive-date=31 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731141137/http://www.mil.be/def/doc/viewdoc.asp?LAN=fr&FILE=&ID=568 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ==See also== * [[CVR(T)]] – Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) family of vehicles. * [[M3 Bradley|M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle]] – similar role ==Notes== {{notelist-la}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==Further reading== {{Commons category|FV107 Scimitar}} * [http://www.armyrecognition.com/europe/Angleterre/vehicules_legers/Scimitar/Scimitar_Angleterre_diaporama.htm ArmyRecognition Scimitar pictures] * [http://armour.ws/fv107-scimitar/ FV107 Scimitar] * [https://rokuth.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/the-old-made-new-cvrt-mkii-scimitar-mk2/ Scimitar MkII] * [https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/33823/20110927desider_41_Oct2011WebU.pdf DESider Magazine (Defence Equipment and Support) MOD Issue 41 October 2011] {{ModernUKAFVsNav | style= wide }} {{Modern AFV}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Fv107 Scimitar}} [[Category:Reconnaissance vehicles of the Cold War]] [[Category:Reconnaissance vehicles of the post–Cold War period]] [[Category:Reconnaissance vehicles of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]] [[Category:Tracked reconnaissance vehicles]] [[Category:Alvis vehicles]]'