AAD 2018: SVI MAX3 4x4 armored vehicle fitted with Thales Scorpion 81 mm mortar.

At AAD 2018, the International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, South African defense Company SVI showcases its new MAX3 light armored vehicle in mortar configuration fitted with the Thales Scorpion 81 mm self-contained direct and indirect automated mortar.

SVI Max3 4x4 armored vehicle fitted with Thales Scorpion 81 mm self-contained direct and indirect automated mortar at AAD 2018, International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. September 2018. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The MAX3 4x4 armored vehicle in mortar configuration is divided in three main compartments with the engine at the front, the crew cabin in the middle with two doors on each side and a cargo at the rear fitted with the Thales Scorpion 81 mm self-contained direct and indirect automated mortar. For its self-protection, the roof of the vehicle is fitted with a Reutech Rogue LITE remotely operated weapon station armed with one 12.7mm heavy machine gun.

The MAX3 driveline is based on Toyota Land Cruiser, it can be powered by a V6 petrol, inline six diesel or a V8 diesel engine.

The Scorpion is an integrated automated mobile mortar platform, capable of target acquisition, onboard fire control, and automatic laying of the mortar tube.

Mounted on a single palletized platform, it fires from the back of a vehicle in less than 15 seconds. This is made possible through ballistics calculations, orientation methods and recoil absorption.

The 81mm Scorpion mortar system can operate in day or night conditions. It boasts direct and indirect fire capabilities with high accuracy (pointing and positioning), improved responsiveness and rapid target switching (shoot, shift, shoot).It has a high first round hit probability and is digitally connected to the battlefield.

The 81mm Scorpion mortar can be networked together into a fire group to provide an highly effective force multiplier.