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The Scimitar Mk 2 is a new upgrade version of the standard version of the British CVRT Scimitar. Throughout the vehicle's life. BAE Systems has supported, enhanced and upgraded the family, allowing its operators to retain the upper hand on the battlefield. Protection and firepower enhancements have seen the vehicle weight increase from 8,000 to 12,250 kg. At the same time, performance upgrades have maintained a balance with mobility as well as boosting capability in harsh environments. Contract award for CVR(T) Mk 2 was in December 2010, following an earlier risk mitigation programme. The upgrade was developed, tested and managed by the Vehicles Military & Technical Services team at BAE Systems’ Telford site. The team also co-ordinated vehicle build at the nearby DSG (Defence Support Group), Donnington facility. All 50 vehicles will be delivered by early 2012. The Scimitar Mark 2 combat vehicle is one of five enhanced Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) ([CVR(T)] types that began service in Helmand (Afghanistan) recently.
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| Armament |
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The armament is basically the same as for the standard version of CVRT Scimtar. The Scimitar Mk 2 is a 30 mm L21 RARDEN cannon. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxially to the left of the main armament and four 66 mm smoke grenade dischargers are mounted either side of the front of the turret. The main armament, coaxial machine gun and smoke grenade dischargers are electrically operated, with the main armament and coaxial machine gun having manual overriding control.
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| Design and protection |
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The Scimitar Mk 2 were rehulled to give better mine-blast protection for troops, and improved armour was added for enhanced resistance to blasts and ballistics, as well as new mine-blast protection seating in every position in every variant. The new aluminium hull is designed with mine blast protection in mind. Its design mitigates common repairs that were required to the previous model, and it incorporates an extended out-ofservice date, reducing maintenance and lifecycle costs. The new hull also features an increased space envelope, improving crew conditions.
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| Mobility |
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The Scimtar Mk 2 is now motorized with anew Diesel engine. The dieselisation package involves swapping out the original petrol engine for a Cummins BTA 5.9 litre diesel engine. This maintains the outstanding tactical mobility of the CVR(T) while creating a platform which will be practical and straightforward to support for its entire extended lifespan. The new engine is more fuel-efficient, boosting the operational range of the vehicle. The gearbox is also upgraded to a David Brown TN15E+ automatic gearbox. David Brown also manufactures the transmission systems for vehicles including the Challenger 2, Titan and Trojan. BAE Systems takes complete responsibility for the integration of both the engine and the gearbox. The torsion bar suspension either side consists of five rubber-tyred aluminium roadwheels with the drive sprocket at the front and the idler at the rear. BAE Systems can now offer new metal tracks with guaranteed mileage, along with improved road wheels. These upgrades substantially reduce the vehicle's running costs. BAE Systems offers the option of rubber band tracks which have been proven to decrease vibration and noise. This reduces fatigue, allowing crew to operate more effectively and for longer, even in the harshest environments. The Scimitar Mk 2 is also equipped with refurbish dampers, which has a positive impact on the life of other vehicle components.
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| Accessories |
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The upgraded power pack allows the engine to power an air conditioning system which incorporates spot cooling and drivers' cooling vests. At the same time, night vision and enhanced radio power management increase situational awareness around- the-clock.
Capability Enhancement also involves a number of upgrades to the vehicle's protection, taking it to an intermediate level. These include:
- Ceramic ballistic armour: for KE threats
- Bar armour around the hull to increase protection against RPG attacks
- Mine blast protection and electronic countermeasures agaisnt IDED, mounted at the top of the turret and to the front of the hull.
The new seating hangs from the roof of the vehicle and sits on a piston, rather than sitting on the floor. This dramatically decreases the effect of mine blasts from beneath. In addition, the redesigned fuel tanks are protected against blasts, reducing the risk of damage and fire. Targets of all types can be more swiftly engaged thanks to a turret powered solution.
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| Specifications |
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Armament
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One 30 mm cannon and one coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.
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Country users
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United Kingdom
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Designer Country
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United Kingdom
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Accessories
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Air conditionning, blast attenuating seat, electronic counter measure infrastructure, night fighting sights
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Crew
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3
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Armor
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Protection against small arms ans shell splinters, IED armour protection, bar armour against RPG
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Weight
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13,000 kg
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Speed
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90 km/h maximum road speed
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Range
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? km
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Dimensions
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Length, ? m; Width, ? m; Height, ? m
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