The Sabre is a variation of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), featuring the turret from the wheeled Fox armoured reconnaissance vehicle mounted on the hull of the tracked FV101 Scorpion. It was introduced into British Army service in 1995 and withdrawn in 2004.
Alvis Sabre at a glance
| Concept | turret of the wheeled Fox on the hull of the tracked FV101 Scorpion |
|---|---|
| Purpose | a cheaper alternative to the 30 mm FV107 Scimitar, with a slightly lower-profile turret |
| In service | introduced 1995; withdrawn from British Army service in 2004 |
| Armament | 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun; smoke grenade dischargers |
| Replacement plan | TRACER programme, which the UK and the US left in 2001 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alvis Sabre
This British hybrid vehicle was introduced as a less expensive way of producing a vehicle similar to the 30 mm cannon-armed FV107 Scimitar tracked reconnaissance vehicle, with a slightly lower-profile turret. It entered service in 1995. During initial combat exercises several flaws were identified, in particular that the vehicle lacked defensive capabilities, and the turret was modified as a result.
The UK started the Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER) to replace the Sabre and Scimitar, and the US joined in 1996; in 2001 both dropped out of the programme. The marriage of the Fox turret and the Scorpion chassis was not successful, and the Sabre was withdrawn from British Army service in 2004.
Design and features
- Hybrid design: the Fox turret on the Scorpion hull.
- Weakness: insufficient defensive capabilities in its first exercises.
Alvis Sabre versions
- Sabre: the only version.
More Alvis vehicles are in our Alvis collection, for example the Scorpion whose hull it uses and the Stormer.
Alvis Sabre questions and answers
What is the Sabre?
A British reconnaissance vehicle with a Fox turret on a Scorpion hull.
When was it in service?
From 1995 until its withdrawal in 2004.
Why was it introduced?
As a cheaper alternative to the 30 mm Scimitar.
Sources
- Sabre (tank), English Wikipedia: development and service
