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As part of the UK MoD's
CVR(T)
rationalisation programme both the tracked Scorpion
with its 76mm gun and the wheeled Fox with its 30mm Rarden Cannon were
withdrawn from service and a hybrid vehicle - Sabre was produced.
Essentially Sabre consisted of the older Scorpion (light tank)
chassis fitted with the turret of a wheeled Fox reconnaissance
vehicle. We believe that about 136 Sabre vehicles were in
service and the vehicle was in service with the Reconnaissance Platoons of Armoured and
Mechanised Infantry Battalions. The vehicle had a similar profile to
that of Scimitar but with the turret roof slightly lower and a
co-axial chain gun instead of the GPMG.
Modifications carried out by 34 Base Workshops in Donnington included redesigned smoke grenade
dischargers, replacement of the 7.62 MG with a 7.62mm Chain Gun, new
light clusters and additional side bins. Domed hatches have also improved
headroom for both commander and gunner.
The Sabre was withdrawn from service in 2004.
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Sabre Specifications |
| Crew |
3
|
| Weight |
8.13 tonnes
|
| Length |
4.7m
|
|
Width |
2.24m
|
|
Height |
2.17m
|
| Armament |
1 x 30mm
L 21 Rarden Cannon
1 x
7.62 chain gun
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|
Engine |
Cummins BTA 5.9 diesel |
|
Maximum Speed |
80km/h |
|
Ammunition |
160 x 30 mm APEP
and HE plus 3,000 x 7.62 mm rounds |
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