Pansarbandvagn 302 APC, Sweden

MOWAG Piranha

The MOWAG Piranha is perhaps the most diverse of all vehicles in the wheeled APC/IFV category for not only is it produced in 4 x 4, 6 x 6 , 8 x8 and 10 x 10 forms but it is also licence-produced in at least three countries and has been manufactured to suit a whole host of armoured vehicles roles and retirements.

Close derivatives such as the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV - qv) and Canadian Bison (qv) are based directly on the MOWAG Piranha which was originally developed as a private venture in Switzerland during the early 1970s. Since then the type has sold widely to about 11 countries with sales from some of the licence-producers (Canada (General Motors), Chile (FAMAE) and the United Kingdom (GKN Defence)) adding to that total,

The Swiss Army purchased 6x6 and 8 x8 examples, as have many others, although to date the 4 x4 models have had only relatively limited sales success.

All configurations follow a common outline and there are many components shared by all models. The well-shaped

Switzerland

steel hull has the engine well forward next to the driver while the main troop compartment is to the rear.

A wide variety of turrets or external weapon stations, including some for ATGWs, can be installed centrally on the hull roof.

The larger models can mount gun turrets with up to 90 mm guns while the 1 0 x 10 model, first seen in 1994, can accommodate a 105 mm tank gun turret. The 8 x 8 models can also accommodate a 105 mm gun turret, with one model having a 120 mm breechloaded mortar in a traversing turret (most models can carry 81 or 120 mm mortars internally).

Lighter models can tow 120 mm mortars or air defence missile system trailers such as those for the British Aerospace Jemas system. There are also recovery vehicle models, command posts, internal security (IS) and multiple rocket launchers (MRL).

Well over 2,700 Piranhas of all types have been manufactured in Switzerland alone,

MOWAG Piranha

Specification

(6x6) Crew: 2 Seating: up to 12 Weight: (combat) 10,500 kg Length: 5.97 m Width: 2.5m Height: 1.85 m Ground clearance: 0.5 m Track: 2 . 2m Max speed: (road) 100 km/h Fuel capacity: 200 litres Range: 600 km Fording: amphibious Vertical obstacle: 0.5m Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T diesel Power output: 300 hp Suspension: independent Armament: See text Variants: Many, see text

An 8 x 8 model ofthe Piranha APC armed with an externally mounted 12.7 mmMG.