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FV107 Scimitar
The FV107 Scimitar is a light tracked armored vehicle that has been one of the key platforms of British armored units since it was adopted in 1971. This vehicle can rightly be called a light reconnaissance tank, as it combines compactness, high maneuverability, and powerful armament for performing operational tasks.
Main characteristics of the FV107 Scimitar
The FV107 has a combat weight of about 8 tons and a crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver-mechanic). The vehicle's dimensions are:
length – 4900 mm,
width – 2240 mm,
height – 2100 mm.
The armored vehicle is equipped with a 190 hp Cummins diesel engine, which allows it to reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and cover a distance of over 600 km without refueling. The ground clearance of 350 mm provides excellent cross-country ability even in difficult conditions.
The main armament is a 30 mm L21A1 RARDEN cannon, capable of hitting not only enemy armored vehicles, but also low-flying helicopters. Additionally, a 7.62 mm machine gun and smoke grenade launchers (8 units) are installed. The ammunition load for the cannon is 160 shells, and for the machine gun, up to 3,000 rounds.
Combat use of the FV 107 Scythe
The Scythe has distinguished itself in several conflicts. The vehicle first saw combat during the Falklands War and was later actively used in the Gulf War. Thanks to its 30 mm cannon, Scimitar crews successfully engaged even medium T-62 tanks, confirming the effectiveness of this platform.
The hull is made of aluminum armor, which protects against small arms fire and shell fragments. Despite this, the level of protection is considered limited for modern realities, which makes the vehicle's main advantages its speed, maneuverability, and firing accuracy.
The hull is made of aluminum armor, which protects against small arms fire and shell fragments. Despite this, the level of protection is considered limited for modern realities, which makes the vehicle's main advantages its speed, maneuverability, and firing accuracy.
In the 2010s, the British Army launched a major modernization program, which resulted in the Scimitar Mk II. The new version received:
reinforced anti-mine underbody,
updated armor against modern threats,
explosion-proof seats for the crew,
more economical Cummins BTA 5.9 diesel engine, aggregated with automatic transmission.
The combat weight of the updated model increased to 12 tons, but it retained its high mobility.
Prospects for Ukraine
In 2023, information appeared about the preparation of the transfer of 24 FV107 Scimitar units for the needs of the Armed Forces. In the summer of 2024, the British Ministry of Defense officially confirmed the deliveries, but there was still no extensive information about their use in open sources.
These vehicles could be useful for Ukrainian units due to their speed, compactness, and armament. Although the FV 107 does not have powerful armor, it is capable of performing reconnaissance, infantry escort, and light enemy vehicle combat tasks. It is known that some units have been converted to a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun, which increases the practical rate of fire compared to the standard RARDEN cannon.
A distinctive feature of the RARDEN cannon is its magazine loading system, with only three shells per magazine. This significantly reduces the rate of fire (about 90 rounds/min), while the BMP-2 can fire up to 550 rounds. That is why installing the KPVT was a rational decision: the smaller caliber is compensated for by a higher rate of fire, better ammunition, and ease of maintenance.
The British Army is now gradually decommissioning its Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles in preparation for their complete replacement with the Ajax platform. This opens up opportunities for Ukraine to obtain additional FV Scimitars as military aid or components.
Effective use of this equipment requires high-quality maintenance. For example, BMS offers professional support related to armored vehicles and specialized military equipment.
The FV107 Scimitar is an example of the British approach to creating light armored vehicles: fast, mobile, and accurate, but not designed for direct frontal combat. For the Armed Forces of Ukraine, this vehicle could become an important element of tactical reconnaissance and mobile fire support. Given that the UK has already begun mass decommissioning of these vehicles, there is a chance to obtain more units to strengthen defense capabilities.
And for high-quality service and support of combat equipment, you can always contact the specialized BMS center, which will help ensure the smooth operation of even such unique equipment as the Scimitar.
