Mowag Piranha: Difference between revisions
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* [http://www.warwheels.net/LAVbisonAPCindex.html War Wheels - Canadian Bison] |
* [http://www.warwheels.net/LAVbisonAPCindex.html War Wheels - Canadian Bison] |
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* [http://www.military-today.com/apc/bison.htm Military Today - Canadian Bison] |
* [http://www.military-today.com/apc/bison.htm Military Today - Canadian Bison] |
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* [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/piranha/] |
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{{Modern IFV and APC}} |
{{Modern IFV and APC}} |
Revision as of 07:03, 7 March 2015
MOWAG Piranha | |
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![]() Irish Army Piranha IIIH APC (armed with 12.7 mm HMG), on the streets of Dublin for the 2006 Easter Military Parade. | |
Place of origin | Switzerland |
Service history | |
Used by | see Operators |
Production history | |
Designer | MOWAG Motor Car Factory, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland |
Manufacturer | MOWAG |
Produced | since 1972 |
Variants | Tank Destroyer, C3 Command Vehicle, Medevac, APC, police vehicle, Pioneer & Construction Vehicle |
Specifications | |
Mass | From 9,300 kg (20,500 lb) |
Length | 6.25 to 7.45 m |
Width | 2.5 to 2.66 m |
Height | 1.8 to 1.98 |
Crew | 3+5; driver, commander, gunner + 5 passengers[1] |
Main armament | 1 × 12.7 mm MG turret, or MOWAG apex mount, grenade launcher, or TOW anti-tank missile. |
Engine | diesel engine 202 kW 275hp |
Transmission | Allison MT-653 automatic 6-speed planetary gearbox |
Suspension | 8×8 wheeled, tyres 13.00 × 20 run-flat (insert) |
Fuel capacity | 300 l |
Operational range | 780 km (485 mi) |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph), water 10 km/h (6 mph) |
Steering system | 1 and 2 axle |
The MOWAG Piranha is a family of armoured fighting vehicles designed by the Swiss company MOWAG (since April 2010 the name has changed to General Dynamics European Land Systems – Mowag GmbH).
Five generations of vehicles have been produced, manufactured by Mowag or under licence by other companies, and variants are in service with military forces throughout the world.
Variants
Piranhas are available in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, and 10×10 wheel versions. There are several variants within these versions, giving different degrees of armour protection and several kinds of turret, for use in a variety of roles. Piranha derivatives have been assigned roles as troop transports, command vehicles, fire support vehicles, tank trainers, and police vehicles.
Piranhas are used by the Swiss Army. Swiss-built Piranha derivatives have been exported to Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Romania, Spain, and Belgium. The Romanian Army and the Belgian Army have selected the Piranha IIIC 8x8. Belgium has decided to convert to all wheeled vehicles, simultaneously removing the current main battle armoured transporter TAB and Leopard 1 battle tanks from the inventory. In total 242 vehicles will be delivered, of which 104 are options.[clarification needed]
Piranha derivatives have been manufactured under licence by General Dynamics (Canada), BAE Systems Land Systems (UK), Komatsu (Japan), Cardoen and FAMAE (Chile), and in the USA. The 8x8 US Army Stryker vehicle is derived from the Canadian LAV III which in turn is based on the Piranha, as is the LAV-25 family in service with the USMC. The Australian Defence Force also has its own modified version of the Piranha I 8x8 known as the ASLAV (Australian Light Armoured Vehicle). The ASLAV is operated by two cavalry regiments (the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment) and is used in the armoured reconnaissance and armoured personnel carrier roles.
Some variants, like the United States Marine Corps's Light Armored Vehicle-25 (LAV-25) and its derivatives, are equipped with propellers for amphibious use, though their swimming capability is restricted to sheltered waters.
A new Piranha V version, weighing in between 25 to 30 tons, was announced as the provisional winner of the British Army's FRES program on 8 May 2008.[2] However, this was withdrawn [clarification needed] seven months later and bidding has started again.[citation needed]
General Dynamics European Land Systems launched their new Piranha Class 5 at EUROSATORY 2010 on 15 June and it is reported that the British MoD are showing renewed interest but struggle with budget constraints.[3]
MOWAG Piranha 4×4 IB
MOWAG Piranha IB 4×4 | |
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MOWAG Piranha IB 4×4 | |
Place of origin | Switzerland |
Production history | |
Designer | MOWAG Motor Car Factory, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland |
Manufacturer | MOWAG |
Produced | since 1974 |
Variants | Armt, recon |
Specifications | |
Mass | 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) |
Length | 5.40m |
Width | 2.5m |
Height | 1.85m / |
Crew | 7: driver, commander, gunner + 4 more people |
Main armament | 1× 12.7 mm MG in the turret or wildcat AAA with 2×30mm gun, or TSE 5000 Crotale, or ADATS, or Rheinmetal 105mm Canon |
Engine | Chrysler Chrysler V8 gasoline engine 360-1 Displacement 6,780 cm³ 125 kW |
Transmission | NP 540 Chrysler mechanics transmission, 5 forward gears, 1 reverse gear |
Suspension | 4×4 wheeled, tyres 13.00 × 20 run-flat (insert) |
Fuel capacity | 200 l |
Operational range | 700 km (41l/100km) |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph), water 10 km/h (6 mph) |
Steering system | 1 axle |
The MOWAG Piranha 4×4 IB was an armored personnel carrier.
To complete the Piranha 1 Family of 1974, the Piranha 4×4 IB was designed as a light vehicle with the purpose of a rapid reconnaissance and attack vehicle. It could take part in amphibious operations thanks to twin propellers. and could operate in NBC contaminated areas. The Piranha 4×4 was also designed to meet police needs. In addition, the MOWAG Grenadier and Mowag Spy sub-versions were also developed. The prototype of the Piranha 4×4 IB went through numerous tests and received different equipment and different engines. Due to the rapid technological developments and adjustments to requirements for military vehicles no Piranha with gasoline engine was sold. The prototype is now in the Full Military Museum.
MOWAG Piranha IB 6×6
MOWAG Piranha IB 6×6 | |
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![]() MOWAG Piranha IB 6×6 Swiss Army | |
Place of origin | Switzerland |
Service history | |
Used by | Switzerland, Canada, United Nations |
Production history | |
Designer | MOWAG Motor Car Factory, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland |
Manufacturer | MOWAG |
Produced | since 1972 |
Variants | Tank Destroyer, C3 Command Vehicle Medevac, APC, Police vehicle |
Specifications | |
Mass | 9,300 kg (20,500 lb) |
Length | 6.25m |
Width | 2.66m |
Height | 1.985m / 2.17m |
Crew | 7: driver, commander, gunner + 4 more people |
Main armament | 1× 12.7 mm MG turret or MOWAG apex mount, or grenade launcher, TOW anti-tank missile, or Mephisto ATM. |
Engine | Chrysler V8 petrol engine HT 413 Displacement 6,780 cm³ 147 kW |
Transmission | Allison MT-40 Automatic 6-speed planetary gearbox |
Suspension | 6×6 wheeled, tyres 13.00 × 20 run-flat (insert) |
Fuel capacity | 200 l |
Operational range | 500 km (41l/100km) |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph), water 10 km/h (6 mph) |
Steering system | 1 axle or 1 and 2 axle |
The first Piranha prototype ever built was the 6×6 IB in 1972. It can be seen as a milestone for the Piranha series due to various technical innovation like (at the time) modern designed drive with independent suspension, compact power unit in the right front and (as an amphibian drive) being powered by two propellers. This prototype was demonstrated with different engines and features for potential customers such as the Canadian Army who locally produced them as the AVGP. Switzerland has sold a license to manufacture this machine Pinochet's military junta in 1983. In the Swiss Army the Piranha 6×6 is used as an ambulance, C3 command vehicle and together with the BGM-71 TOW as a Tank Destroyer. The prototype is along with an ambulance Piranha 6×6 on display in the Full Military Museum.
MOWAG Piranha IIIC 10×10
MOWAG Piranha IIIC 10×10 | |
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MOWAG Piranha IIIC 10×10 at Military Museum Full | |
Place of origin | Switzerland |
Service history | |
Used by | Sweden |
Production history | |
Designer | MOWAG Motor Car Factory, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland |
Manufacturer | MOWAG |
Produced | 1994 |
Variants | Tank, C3 Command Vehicle. |
Specifications | |
Mass | 18,000 kg (40,000 lb) |
Length | 7.45m |
Width | 2.66m |
Height | 1.98m / 2.17m |
Crew | 3: driver, commander, gunner |
Main armament | turret Oerlikon GDD BOE with 35mm automatic cannon KDE |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm coaxial MG FN MAG and 6 × Nebelwurfbecher 76mm |
Engine | Detroit Diesel V6, V6 53TA 350 hp |
Transmission | Allison MD 3560 P-automatic transmission, 6 forward gears, 1 reverse |
Suspension | 10×10 wheeled, tyres 13.00 × 20 run-flat (insert) |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
Steering system | 1 and 2 axle |
The MOWAG Piranha IIIC 10×10 is a MOWAG wheeled tank.
With the continuous evolution of the Piranha family due to increasing demands, and the projected development of the Mowag Shark as heavy weapons carrier, the Piranha design reached the limit of its payload capacity. The Piranha 10×10 (built in 1994), was an attempt to expand the payload, using a 5th axle of the same type as used in the smaller Piranha models. The Piranha 10×10 was designed as a heavy weapons carrier, but only a small number were built for Sweden as the LIRKA command tank and Kapris radar carrier. The Piranha IIIC 10×10 marked an important development from the Piranha IIIC 8×8. The Piranha IIIC 10×10 prototype was used in various tests, including in Sweden, and now stands in the Schweizerisches Militärmuseum Full.
Operators
- Piranha I
Australian Army – 257 ASLAV[4]
Canadian Army – 491 AVGP.[5]
Chilean army – 240 Piraña I 6×6 and 125 Piraña I 8×8.
Ghana Army – 63 Piranha I.[6][7][8]
Armed Forces of Liberia – 10 Piranha I.[9] Saw service during the Second Liberian Civil War.[10]
U.S. Marine Corps
Swiss Army – 100 Piranha TOW
- Piranha II
Canadian Army – 199 Bison.[11]
Royal Army of Oman – 174 Piranha II in 7 versions.[6]
Saudi Arabian National Guard – 1,117 LAV/Piranha II in 10 versions; another 132 ordered.[6]
Swiss Army – 500 APC93 8×8
- Piranha III
Belgian Army – 242 Piranha IIIC 8×8 in 7 versions ordered.[12]
Botswana Defence Force – 45 Piranha IIIC.[6]
Brazilian Marine Corps – 30 Piranha IIIC.[13]
Canadian Army – 651 LAV III.[14]
Danish Army – 18 Piranha IIIH, and 115 Piranha IIIC; all fitted with the Lemur 12.7mm OHW.[6]
Irish Army – 80 Piranha IIIH in 6 versions.[6]
Romanian Land Forces – 33 Piranha IIIC.[15]
Spanish Navy Marines – 39 Piranha IIIC.[6]
Swedish Army – 33 Piranha IIIC.[6]
- Piranha V
Monégasque Carabiniers – 2 Piranha V.[16]
Family tree
- Piranha I
- Piranha II
- Piranha III
- Piranha IV
- Piranha V
Comparable vehicles
- AMX 10 RC
- Boxer
- DefTech AV8
- Otokar Arma
- Nexter VBCI
- Pandur II
- Pandur I
- FNSS Pars
- LAV 600
- LAV III
- Lazar 2
- Stryker
- NZLAV
- Mobile Gun System
- ASLAV
- LAV-25
- Lazar 2
- BTR-80
- BTR-90
- Patria Pasi aka Sisu Pasi
- Patria AMV
- KTO Rosomak
- Pindad Panser
- Al-Fahd
Gallery
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Mobile Gun System; derivative of the Piranha, mounting a 105 mm tank gun
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Canadian Forces LAV III
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The LAV-25 has two M240 machine guns and a 25 mm autocannon
Notes and references
- ^ Christopher Chant. Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware.
- ^ "Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future"". United Kingdom Ministry of Defense. June 8, 2007. Retrieved July 4, 2007.
- ^ GD Rolls Out Piranha 5 Once Slated for Britain – Eurosatory 2010 - Defense News Show Scout
- ^ Defence Materiel Organisation
- ^ http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/english/11_6_3.asp
- ^ a b c d e f g h http://disarmament.un.org/UN_REGISTER.nsf
- ^ Ghana Armed Forces
- ^ Procurement: Iraq Buys What It Knows
- ^ "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
- ^ Fighting in Northern Liberia
- ^ http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/english/11_6_3.asp
- ^ http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/armoured/mowag/press12.html
- ^ General Dynamics awarded Order for 18 PIRANHA IIIC 8x8 Vehicles from Brazilian Marines
- ^ http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/english/11_6_3.asp
- ^ http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jaa/jaa_a052.html
- ^ Giletta, Jacques (2005). Les Gardes Personnelles des Princes de Monaco (1st ed.). Taurus Editions. ISBN 2 912976-04-9.
Notes
- ^ Chilean built 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 in different configurations for the Chilean Army.
Bibliography
- Foss, Christopher F. Jane's Armour and Artillery 1987–88. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1987. ISBN 0-7106-0849-7.
- Marcus Bauer, Nutzfahrzeuge der MOWAG Motorwagenfabrik AG, Fachpresse Goldach, Hudson & Company, 1996 ISBN 9783857380563
- Military Museum Full
- Ruedi Baumann: „Alles“ was MOWAG schon bewegt hat - Auf Umwegen zum Welterfolg. SwissMoto. Bildpress Zuerich BPZ
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)