(
UK) The UK yesterday signed a £3.5 billion deal for 586 vehicles to replace the ageing
Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR (T)) fleet which it has been using in the light armour role for almost 40 years. Out go the
Spartan,
Sultan and
Scimitar and in comes the Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development Specialist Vehicle (
ASCOD SV).
Based on the successful Austrian and Spanish
light armoured fighting vehicle designed by General Dynamics, the Pizarro (as it is known in Spain) and the Ulan (as it is known in Austria) is a 28 tonne Infantry Fighting Vehicle (
IFV) which entered service in 2002. Sporting a 30mm stabilised cannon, steel armour, which provides protection against 14.5mm armour-piercing incendiary rounds over the forward 60° arc and complete against 7.62mm weapon attack, it is designed to allow infantry to support armour on the battlefield. Aka 'Battlefield taxis.'
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| Austrian Ulan |
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| Spanish Pizarro |
Well, as mentioned, the British are looking at finally replacing their CVR (T) vehicles which, while they have given
sterling service, are getting a little long in the tooth. However, their requirements are a little different from their European mainland allies. Which is why the British version is going to be 4 tonnes heavier (34 tonnes) and come with a
40mm cannon.
(Most light vehicles are now designed to survive 30mm cannon hits.) It will have the latest in situation awareness equipment, be fully wired to accommodate the modern digital battlefield and will be fitted with a silent Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for use when the vehicle isn't moving. The Brits will (in this tranch) be using their version of the ASCOD (SV) primarily in the armoured reconnaissance role, which is why they are going to call the vehicle...
Scout. As you can see from the concept pictures below and the picture of the first pre-production prototype, it's a slightly different beast from its parents. The Scout is expected to enter service next year.
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| Scout Recce Vehicle |
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| Scout Recce Vehicle |
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| Pre-production SCOUT Specialist Vehicle prototype |
