Mowag Piranha
MOWAG Piranha | |
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![]() Irish Army Piranha IIIH MRV armed with a 30 mm autocannon | |
Place of origin | Switzerland |
Service history | |
Used by | see Operators |
Production history | |
Designer | MOWAG Motor Car Factory, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland |
Manufacturer | MOWAG |
Produced | 1972–present |
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] |
Armor | quick-mount selection, including defense against RPG, IED, NBC |
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 | hydropneumatic 6×6, 8×8, or 10x10 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 and Belgian Armies have selected the Piranha IIIC 8×8. Belgium converted to an all-wheeled force, and replaced all their M113s, AIFVs and Leopard 1s with 268 Piranha IIIC in 7 variants.[2][3]
Piranha derivatives have been manufactured under license by General Dynamics (Canada), BAE Systems Land Systems (UK), Cardoen and FAMAE (Chile), and in the USA. The 8×8 LAV-25 family in service with the USMC was derived from the AVGP variants of the Piranha 6x6 built by GM Defense (Canada).[4] The Australian Defence Force also had its own modified version of the LAV-25 8×8, known as the ASLAV Type I (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 and 30 tons, was announced as the provisional winner of the British Army's FRES program on 8 May 2008.[5] 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 are struggling with budget constraints.[6]
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 | 1974–present |
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 105 mm 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 I 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 | 1972–present |
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 sold a license to manufacture this machine to Chile 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 35 mm 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 |
With the continuous evolution of the Piranha family due to increasing demands, and the projected development of the Mowag Shark as a 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.
Family tree
- Piranha I
- Piranha II
- Desert Piranha
- Piranha III
- Piranha IIIC
- Piranha IIIH
- Piranha IV
- Piranha V
Operators
Piranha I
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Pirahna_1_operators.png/300px-Pirahna_1_operators.png)
Australian Army – 257 ASLAV[7]
Chilean army – 240 Piraña I 6×6 and 125 Piraña I 8×8.
Ghana Army – 63 Piranha I 4×4,6×6 and 8×8.[8][9]
Nigerian Army – between 60 and 140.[10]
Swiss Army – 310 Piranha TOW, including 40 transformed into ambulance (Armament Program 2005, delivered in 2006–2007)[11] and 160 converted in command vhc with M153 Protector (Armament Program 2006, delivered in 2008–2010)[12]
Piranha II
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Pirahna_2_operators.png/300px-Pirahna_2_operators.png)
Royal Army of Oman – 174 Piranha II in 7 versions.[8]
Qatar Armed Forces – 40 Piranha II 8×8 built under licence by former British firm Alvis PLC. (36 CCTS-90 tank hunter with a Belgian Cockerill 90 mm gun[13] and 4 ARVs-recovery).[10] Used during the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen.[14]
Saudi Arabian National Guard – 1,117 LAV/Piranha II in 10 versions; another 132 ordered.[8]
Swedish Army – 44 Piranha II 10×10 including 27 Armoured Sensor Vehicle and 17 Armoured Command Vehicle (7.62 mm machine gun) and 10 Piranha II 8×8 Armoured Escort Vehicle ordered in 1997
Swiss Army – over 500 Piranha IIC (APC93 8×8), including command version (Kdo Pz 93+)
Piranha III
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Pirahna_3_operators.png/300px-Pirahna_3_operators.png)
Belgian Army – 242 Piranha IIIC 8×8 in 7 versions ordered.[15][16][17][18][19][20][21]
Botswana Defence Force – 45 Piranha IIIC.[8]
Brazilian Marine Corps – 30 Piranha IIIC in 3 versions.[22]
Danish Army – 18 Piranha IIIH, and 115 Piranha IIIC; all fitted with the Lemur 12.7mm OHW.[8]
Irish Army – 80 Piranha IIIH in 6 versions.[8]
Romanian Land Forces – 43 Piranha IIIC.[23]
Spanish Navy Marines – 39 Piranha IIIC in 3 versions.[8]
Swedish Army – 33 Piranha IIIC.[8]
Swiss Army – ? Piranha IIIC, including 56 communication and Radio Access Point vhc[24] and 12 NBC detection vehicles (vhc expl ABC / ABC Aufkl Fz).[25]
Piranha V
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Pirahna_5_operators.png/300px-Pirahna_5_operators.png)
Danish Army – In the process of acquiring 309 units. The first were delivered in May 2017, with all expected to be in use by 2023.[26][27]
Monégasque Carabiniers – Two Piranha V units.[28]
Romanian Land Forces – 30 units will be produced at GDELS-Mowag's facilities in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland and delivered in 2018. Another 197 units will be produced in Romania, at Uzina Mecanica Bucharest.[29]
Spanish Army – Five units were acquired in 2015 as prototypes for the VBMR program.
Spanish Navy Marines – An undetermined number of Piranha V with 120 mm guns will replace the M60A3 in service.[30]
Former operators
Canadian Army – 491 AVGP.
Armed Forces of Liberia – 10 Piranha I 4×4.[31] Saw service during the Second Liberian Civil War.[32]
Sierra Leone Army – about 10 Piranha I 6×6[10] (Non operational)
Notes and references
- ^ Christopher Chant. Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware.
- ^ "Voertuigen". mil.be.
- ^ "Belgium Selects Piranha IIIs $850M APC Contract, Controversies Ensue". archive.org. 10 September 2015.
- ^ http://tanknutdave.com/the-canadian-lav-iii-8x8-ifv/
- ^ "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". defensenews.com.
- ^ "Defence Materiel Organisation". defence.gov.au.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "UN Register of Conventional Arms – UNODA". disarmament.un.org.
- ^ Ghana Armed Forces Archived 2008-04-02 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c "The Wheeled Piranha Fighting Vehicle Family - TankNutDave.com". tanknutdave.com.
- ^ Template:FrVéhicule sanitaire Piranha I, 6×6 (transformation du chasseur de chars), Message concernant l’acquisition de matériel d’armement – Programme d’armement 2005, p.26, 2005.
- ^ Template:FrVéhicule de commandement/transformation de chasseurs de chars auxquels il est renoncé Archived 2016-03-05 at the Wayback Machine, Message concernant l’acquisition de matériel d’armement – Programme d’armement 2006, p.21, 2006.
- ^ Mowag Piranha, tanks-encyclopedia.com
- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (February 2016). The Military Balance 2016. Vol. 116. Routlegde. p. 315. ISBN 9781857438352.
- ^ "PIRANHA Ambulance". www.mil.be.
- ^ "PIRANHA CP". www.mil.be.
- ^ "PIRANHA DF30". www.mil.be.
- ^ "PIRANHA DF90". www.mil.be.
- ^ "PIRANHA FUS". www.mil.be.
- ^ "PIRANHA GENIE". www.mil.be.
- ^ "PIRANHA Recovery". www.mil.be.
- ^ General Dynamics awarded Order for 18 PIRANHA IIIC 8x8 Vehicles from Brazilian Marines Archived 2011-09-25 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". www.janes.com.
- ^ Template:FrAccroissement de la capacité de l’infrastructure de télécommunications Archived 2016-03-05 at the Wayback Machine, Message concernant l’acquisition de matériel d’armement – Programme d’armement 2007, p.22, 2007.
- ^ Template:FrLe programme d'armement 2008, Armée suisse Archived 2011-08-13 at the Wayback Machine, p.9, 2008 on Armament Program – armasuisse
- ^ "309 New Armored Vehicles". Forsvaret.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 11 December 2015.
- ^ Tomkins, Richard (19 May 2017). "First Piranhas delivered to Danish military". United Press International. Archived from the original on 21 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
- ^ Giletta, Jacques (2005). Les Gardes Personnelles des Princes de Monaco (1st ed.). Taurus Editions. ISBN 2 912976-04-9.
- ^ Adamowski, Jaroslaw (13 October 2017). "Romania-General Dynamics agree to locally manufacture Piranha armored vehicle". Defense News. Warsaw. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
- ^ "La Infantería de Marina apostará por el VCR 8 x 8 para sustitución del M60 A3 TTS". Ejércitos. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- ^ "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
- ^ "Fighting in northern Liberia". 6 March 2001 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
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)
- General Dynamics European Land Systems product page for Piranha 3
- General Dynamics European Land Systems product page for Piranha 5
- Swissmotor.ch – Neue Radpanzergeneration bei MOWAG – Der PIRANHA III
- Soldf.com – Piranha III 10×Armoured Sensor Vehicle
- DanskPanser.dk – Danish Piranha IIIC
- DanskPanser.dk – Danish Piranha IIIH
- War Wheels – Canadian Bison
- Military Today – Canadian Bison