The FV101 Scorpion is a British armoured reconnaissance vehicle and light tank manufactured by Alvis. It was the lead vehicle and fire-support type in the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), CVR(T), family of seven armoured vehicles, entered British Army service in 1973 and was withdrawn in 1994. More than 3,000 were produced.
Alvis Scorpion at a glance
| Service | introduced 1973, withdrawn 1994 by the British Army |
|---|---|
| Produced | more than 3,000 |
| Role | armoured reconnaissance vehicle and light tank; lead vehicle of the CVR(T) family |
| Hull | aluminium alloy, to keep the vehicle air-portable |
| Prototypes | 30 CVR(T) prototypes ordered in 1967; P1–P17 were the Scorpion prototypes |
| Acceptance | May 1970, first contract for 275 vehicles, later 313 |
| Record | fastest production tank, 82.23 km/h (51.10 mph), QinetiQ test track in Chertsey, 26 January 2002 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alvis Scorpion
The CVR(T) family of vehicles came from a British Army requirement for an armoured fighting vehicle that could be rapidly airlifted to trouble spots. The Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance was supposed to carry both a gun and an anti-tank missile, but it was not possible to design an air-portable vehicle to that specification, and the limits on both size and weight led to the use of an aluminium alloy hull.
In 1967 Alvis was awarded the contract to produce 30 CVR(T) prototypes. Vehicles P1–P17, the Scorpion prototypes, were delivered on time and within budget. After extensive hot and cold weather trials in Norway, Australia, Abu Dhabi and Canada, the Scorpion was accepted by the British Army in May 1970, with a contract for 275 that later rose to 313 vehicles. The Scorpion held the Guinness world record for the fastest production tank, 82.23 km/h, recorded on 26 January 2002.
Design and features
- Hull: aluminium alloy, chosen for air transport.
- Family: lead vehicle of seven CVR(T) types, which also led to the Stormer and the Sabre.
Alvis Scorpion versions
- FV101 Scorpion: the fire-support vehicle.
- Other CVR(T) types: Scimitar, Spartan and others; see also the Stormer and the Sabre.
More Alvis vehicles are in our Alvis collection, for example the Stormer, the Sabre and the Saladin.
Alvis Scorpion questions and answers
What is the FV101 Scorpion?
A British armoured reconnaissance vehicle and light tank made by Alvis, the lead vehicle of the CVR(T) family.
How many were built?
More than 3,000.
What record does it hold?
The fastest production tank: 82.23 km/h on 26 January 2002.
Why is its hull made of aluminium?
To keep it light enough to be air-portable.
Sources
- FV101 Scorpion, English Wikipedia: history and record
