Reconnaissance vehicles
Reconnaissance troops are an essential element in the gathering of battlefield intelligence. They are trained in the art of information gathering by stealth, both from vehicles and on foot, providing information 24-hours a day to commanders in all weather conditions.
Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Track) - Scimitar
Overview
The Scimitar armoured fighting vehicle's exceptionally low ground pressure and small size make it useful where the terrain is hostile and movement is difficult.
Scimitar carries a 30mm Rarden cannon for self-defence. It is used by reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps and 'recce' elements of the armoured infantry.
Armament
Main armament
1 x 30mm L21 Rarden cannon
Secondary armament
Co-axial 7.62mm GPMG
Secondary armament
Smoke grenades
Dimensions
Length
4.90m
Width
2.24m
Height
2.10m
Specifications
Crew
3
Maximum speed
50 mph (80 kph)
Engine
Cummins BTA 5.9, 190hp diesel engine
Spartan & CVR(T) vehicles
Overview
The Spartan is a very small armoured personnel carrier, it can carry four men in addition to the crew of three. It is used to carry small specialised groups such as reconnaissance teams, air defence sections and mortar fire controllers.
Samaritan, Sultan and Samson are also CVR(T) vehicles: Samaritan is an ambulance vehicle, Sultan an armoured command vehicle and Sampson an armoured recovery vehicle.
Dimensions
Length
5.16m
Width
2.48m
Height
2.63m
Specifications
Main armament
1 x 7.62mm GPMG
Maximum speed
60 mph (96 kph)
Engine
Bedford 164 bhp 600 6-cylinder diesel
Jackal 2
Overview
Jackal 2 is a high mobility weapons platform, with a unique air-bag suspension system allowing rapid movement across varying terrain.
It is designed to protect personnel against roadside explosions and mine attacks (the chassis is heavier than its predecessor to give additional protection). Jackal 2 is armed with a General Purpose Machine Gun for crew protection and can carry either a Heavy Machine Gun or a Grenade Machine Gun as the main weapons system in the fire support role.
The gun ring has been moved forward to give a 360 degree sweep of fire. Jackal 2 is closely related to the new Coyote tactical support vehicle, which is a six-wheel, Jackal-based armoured vehicle.
Dimensions
Length
5.39m
Width
2.00m
Height
1.97m
Specifications
Crew
2 + 1
Maximum speed
50 mph (80 kph)
Manufacturer
SC Group; Babcock
Footage of the Jackal 2
FUCHS
Overview
The FUCHS (German for Fox) is a six-wheeled, all-wheel drive, armoured vehicle equipped with automatic systems and sensors for detecting nuclear radiation, as well as CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) agents and other toxic substances. Its primary role is Area Survey and Reconnaissance (AS&R), providing CBRN assurance to movement corridors on the battlefield.
The British Army's fleet of FUCHS AS&R vehicles is operated by the Warminster-based Falcon Squadron. Falcon Squadron is manned by soldiers of the Royal Tank Regiment but sits in 28 Regiment, Royal Engineers.
Dimensions
Length
6.8 m (22 ft 4 in)
Width
2.98 m (9 ft 9 in)
Height
2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Specifications
Crew
4
Range
500 mi (800km)
Speed
65 mph (105 kph), 6.2 mph in water
Coyote TSV (light)
Overview
The Coyote tactical support vehicle, (TSV) light, is based on a 6x6 derivative of the Jackal 2 and supports the go-anywhere, high-mobility Jackals across harsh terrain.
The extra two wheels gives a heavier vehicle, which can act in support of the Jackal 2 to transport supplies and equipment over similar terrain.
The Coyote, which has similar protection systems, armament and propulsion to the Jackal 2, can carry also an extra crew member compared to the original Jackal vehicle.
Dimensions
Length
7.04m
Width
2.00m
Height
1.89m
Specifications
Crew
4 to 5
Maximum speed
75 mph (120 kph)
Manufacturer
SC Group