(Mcv-80)

In 1990 began serial production of machines artillery observers MAOV wiTh the crew of 6 people, worked on the instructions of command of the Royal Artillery. Externally MAOV differs from BMP number of antennas, but it is equipped wiTh a dummy gun. In the stern of the tower frame mounted on a special radar reconnaissance of ground targets “Torn” EMI MSTAR. In the troop compartment at the individual seats are three crew members and is located radio and radar reconnaissance artillery positions BATES “Marconi Systems.” MAOV equipped wiTh an inertial navigation system and topographic location. Simultaneously MAOV commenced production and supply in the Field Artillery mobile artillery command posts – car battery commander.

It should be emphasized that a broad family of rental equipment “Warrior” means of observation and communication corresponds to the desire of NATO armies to continuous improvement of the “C3″ (Communications, Command and Control).

In late 1982, GKN has demonstrated self-propelled anti-tank systems of second-generation “Hot” – Tower of MCV-80 was replaced by a low-profile of single CNT wiTh a tower made by installing four ATGM “Hot” and the sight, in the case was laying for 14 ATGM. Setting allowed pointing vertically from -18 ° to 23 °. Work on this car soon stopped. The same happened wiTh the installation on the chassis of MCV-80 SAMs “Rapier”, “Roland” and “Starstrik wiTh ZSU 30-mm cannon CBF” Saber “the French company Thompson and several other cars.

Experimental and the car was left ARS-90 – version of “Warrior” wiTh a shorter body, pyatikatkovym chassis and single machine gun turret.

In the experimental version of the self-propelled mortar on the chassis of MCV-80 The intention was enclosed tower wiTh 81-mm or 120-mm mortars.

In mid-1984 was represented by experienced car-tank destroyer MCV-AT – chassis warriors have established a tower CM-90 Belgian firm Cockerill wiTh 90-mm cannon MkIII, 7,62 mm coaxial machine gun, MSA LRS-5 wiTh a digital ballistic computer and two-scene stabilization system “Cadillac Gage Textron. In another tower, Cockerill, S-25 mounted 25-mm gun KVV “Oerlikon” rate of 170 or 800 rounds per minute, 7.62-mm machine gun and the stabilizer, GKN also showed chassis “Warrior” with the American system of anti-LRAT on the lifting platform .

In 1988, as a light tank offered a so-called “low-profile Warrior” wiTh the height of the roof of the shell 1,6 m. This machine is calculated on the installation of the tower wiTh a 105-mm gun. It is seen as the English version of the chassis system ADATS.

Ambulance had no tower, but in a larger building could accommodate several seating and lying wounded. The machine supplies featuring a stretched chassis, body with a stern ramp and a platform for loading crane.

Special warriors Engineering “carried a complete set of replacement equipment – jet extended charge mine” Amy Ranger, mounted mine sweep “Royal Ordnans Bar, telescopic rod wiTh swivel mount for drill or bucket. In the commander’s cupola mounted machine gun. This car has remained a pilot, but by order of Army Staff “Pearson Industries has developed two types of hanging devices for full-time warriors” as engineering – mine plow sweep SMP and blade UDK-2.

The first BMP warriors in May 1987, received 1 st Battalion Grenadier Guards, stationed in the town of Munster (Germany). A year later, BMP entered service the 1 st Battalion Stafordshirskogo Prince of Wales Regiment, in January 1989 and – 1 Battalion Royal Scots Regiment in September – the 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment fuzilernogo in January of 1990 – 2 Battalion Royal British regiment. In addition, in late 1987 machines “Warrior” was equipped wiTh a company of demonstration Battalion Infantry School in Warminster.

Together wiTh the rearmament was going to rename “mehbatalonov on the tracks” in the “armored infantry” (Armoured Infantry). Originally planned to equip the entire battalion of cars on the chassis of MCV-80, and 14 infantry fighting vehicles in each company (9 line of command and 5), a repair and a repair and recovery. However, the full translation of the battalions of warriors failed due to financial constraints and the desire to make maximum use of old equipment. As a result of the BCH was in technical terms rather “colorful” – 46 BMP warriors, 6 special “Warrior”, 38 “Troudzhen and 15 vehicles, miscellaneous family” Scorpion “. “Troudzheny” continued to serve as a self-propelled mortars, carriers ATGM, healTh and intelligence-connected machines.

MCV-80 Warrior although increased protection and firepower of the infantry, but did not affect the traditional British principle: “The infantry fighting on your feet!” Therefore, in contrast to its Germanic and American counterparts the British commander of BMP in battle usually dismounts along wiTh troops. In the attack on the tanks was assigned the task of fighting wiTh tanks, gun emplacements and counter enemy units, on the infantry – the destruction of anti-tank weapons and troops, using tanks to overcome the minefields and obstacles. Effects of infantry on the machines intended only if the defeat of the enemy tactical nuclear weapons. In defense, infantry fighting vehicles were positioned so as to allow the support units from the depTh of standard weapons fire.

Combat debut MCV-80 Warrior took place during the Gulf War. Of all the members of the coalition United Kingdom had the most extensive experience wiTh armored vehicles in desert conditions, accumulated since the time of the first world. It is worTh noting that the British had once threw his troops into the area under the same over-in 1961, in order to prevent the seizure of Kuwait. September 14, 1990 was announced shipment from Germany to Saudi Arabia of 7 Armored Brigade, which consisted of two tank regiments, armed wiTh tanks, “Challenger,” and one of the BCH – 1 st Battalion Stafordshirskogo Regiment, equipped wiTh a BMP “Warrior” was one of the first and passed the most comprehensive training, including courses in teaching union in Canada. November 22 in the Gulf region in addition sent a 4-Armored Brigade (two BCH-1-Th of the Royal Scottish Regiment and the 3rd Royal fuzilernogo, one tank regiment). Of these units formed the 1 st British Armored Division to participate in hostilities, designated in Britain as “Operation Granby.” To enhance the BCH they were subjected to a temporary reorganization. The number of warriors in each increased to 69 – the additional unit is replaced by “Troudzhen” in anti-tank platoons and “Spartan platoon AIR mortar batteries. On the basis of the battalions were formed task forces. Thus, based on 2 stafordshirskih mouTh, company “B” and a company of Scottish dragoons “C” Irish Hussars was formed Stafordshirskaya group, and company “A” stafordshirtsev turned into a tactical group of Scottish dragoons. As part of the regimental and battalion groups formed negotiable battle groups.

Total in Saudi Arabia, arrived about 300 BMP warriors all six modifications. Here they are equipped wiTh complete invoice armor schemes chobhem “developed by” Vickers Defense Systems “and to ensure protection from vehicles and heavy fragments from an RPG-7. On the side having hung frame to which the bolts fastened six armor. These panels, in turn, were attached to baskets for spare parts, Jerry cans wiTh water, spare truck. Additional panels on the upper and lower frontal sheets were placed only in front of the place of the driver. The right to the bottom front of the compartment mounted box-pocket for spare parts and cans of oil. In addition, the frontal sheet moved boxes of spare parts of the hull sides. The additional booking weighed about 2.5 tons – supply of engine power allows an increase in weight of the BMP without noticeable loss of tactical mobility (power density decreased from 23.4 to 21.1 hp / t). Installation of the crew takes 3-4 hours. Such equipment was used later in 1992 and in Bosnia.

BMP, which received the code name “Warrior Desert Storm, featured, and other innovations. Linear machines supplied with satellite navigation system – its receiver was placed on the turret roof hatches between the commander and gunner. To overcome the large ditches on advanced machines stacked bystrosbrasyvaemye fascines connected from a small diameter plastic pipes. In the case of chemical weapons by Iraq troop compartment roof collapsed stacked anti-gas case, and the crew and infantry, supplied the means of individual protection. Major work on the modernization warriors carried GKN. The firm, as well as “Perkins” and “Piklington” formed and sent to Saudi Arabia’s own team of specialists to keep cars in good condition. Companies NGL and “Galley” designed for “Warrior conditioners, but their production too late – the operation was over too quickly.

In preparation for the operation and during the fighting revealed that fluctuations in the transparent fuel tank caused a landing like a sea-sickness, which is why many of the crew paints the entire tank.

British troops, along wiTh the U.S. 7 Th Corps launched an offensive on the night of February 25, 1991 (day “G 1″). British 1-I brtd cause divisive attack along the Kuwait-Iraq border. Until February 28 British infantry divisions to the “Warrior” are largely dominated by “cleaning” enemy position and capture him. Dominated action dismounted orders wiTh the support of 120-mm tank guns and 30-mm guns BMP. According to the practice landing exercises BMP after speshivaniya had to be scattered into the line. But the capture of Iraqi positions British infantrymen preferred to take shelter behind their cars as long as possible, slowly moving along wiTh it to the enemy, the good he did not engage in an intense fire and was not widely used antitank weapons. In general, the fighting had not been particularly tense – the crews do not forget about a five hour tea. Official British reports on the application of armored vehicles in this operation is surprisingly reminiscent of the U.S. – the British have a “95-percent readiness” of their infantry fighting vehicles, to justify itself on the choice of caliber main armament and the loss of all three cars. Moreover, losses were incurred from the fire of his – a “Warrior” damaged 120-mm HE projectile Challenger, two covered wiTh the crew and landing troops SD “Mayverik” wiTh the United States Air Force A-10 (killing 10 people).

In 1992, the warriors appeared in Yugoslavia. Britain sent a part of UN forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a battalion group based on the 1 st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Six months later she was replaced by 1 st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, The Prince of Wales. At the same time, Bosnia had been moved 45 “warriors” from the number of the “Tempest in the wilderness” for the purpose of verification in other climatic conditions. Since the overhead of additional elements frontal reservations closed regular towing earrings, they were reinforced tow hook with a lock, which proved very useful on mountain roads.

Due to changes in the political environment and the reduction of British forces in continental Europe, the cost of the program “Warrior” again cut. Under the plan, “British Army 90 years, the number of infantry battalions was reduced from 55 to 40. Instead of 13 on the BMP re-equipped wiTh 8 battalions, two in the 4 Th, 7 Th and 20 Th Armored Brigade, members of the “European Corps, and one each in the 1 st and 19 th brigades in the metropolis. As a result, the end of 1994 were only 787 cars, of which – 387 linear BMP (including three to make up for losses in the Gulf), 84 commanders, 19 cars artillery observers, 103 MCRV, 39 MRV (R), 52 OPV, and and 105 machines wiTh ATGM Milan.

Even during the preparation for Operation Desert Storm, October 22, 1990 GKN has received an order to equip warriors ATGM Milan (since 1979 is available in the UK). The first version of “Warrior-Milan” was ready in a week, but in Saudi Arabia such machines did not have time to appear. PTRC on chassis Troudzhen “during the fighting showed a lack of tactical mobility in support of tanks and APCs. Therefore, in 1991 the Ministry of Defense has issued an additional order for “Warrior-AC Milan in order to bring their number to 100.

On this machine ATGM mounted on a rotary pin on the roof of the tower on the right, but in the troop compartment is frame-laying for the ATGM. To start PTUR commander pops out of the hatch, and reloading is performed through the upper hatch of the landing department. Installed on ATGM thermal sight “Mira-2 can be used by the crew as a surveillance device – itself BMP staff thermal imaging device does not have. Installing AC Milan at the “Warrior” recalls Germanic “Marder” 1A1, but in the tactical plan they have significant difference. If the Germans supplied ATGM linear BMP, the British released the “Warrior-Milan-only anti-tank platoon in the companies fire support BCH.

After the Gulf War in 1991, the program MCV-80, finally, officially incorporated specialized car carrier ATGM. For her, developed a single tower, which hinged on the sides of reinforced PU ATGM “Toy”. “Desert Storm” has revived interest in and to the self-propelled mortar on the chassis BMP.

In full accordance wiTh the traditions of the British military industry developed many export options BMP. In 1993, GKN, stressing the “success in the Persian Gulf,” actively promote “Warrior” in France, Norway, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE. For the Middle East meant the so-called “Desert Warrior” ( “Desert Warrior” – not to be confused wiTh the “Warrior Desert Storm”), in the construction of which was made 27 changes from the linear BMP. The main one – the new double-steel tower of the American firm “Wine Library TV Systems”, similar to the tower wheeled combat vehicle LAV-25 U.S. Marines. In the tower in a single mask set 25-mm automatic gun “Bushmaster” and 7.62-mm machine gun M240S. Elevation to 60 °, declination -8 ° commander has a periscope sight M36E1 and seven observation units for the M27 circular view, gunner – M36E1 sight and one block M27. M36E1 includes daytime TV, the night of the amplifier type and channel review. At customer M36E1 sight can be replaced by other brands, including DIM36 wiTh a laser rangefinder and thermal “Wine Library TV”, or supplemented by a thermal imaging system HIRE “Hughes wiTh binocular or monitor. Drives turning tower and vertical guidance – electric, duplicated mechanics. Stabilizer allows “Desert Warrior, in contrast to the base machine, conduct aimed fire on the move. On the tower can be installed eight smoke grenade M243, M240 machine gun anti-aircraft gun and, by special order, single IP ATGM “Toy” on the sides. In the case BMP implemented embrasures wiTh ball facilities for weapons of assault – two in the sides and one in the rear doors. Accordingly mounted inspection units and devices for sucking the powder gases. On the roof of the tower is available receiver warning system for laser irradiation. In FVU included a special air conditioner.

Improved exhaust of the engine covered by a special cover (in front of the shell on the right). The forward and aft wings are reinforced wiTh additional tracks, reduce the formation of dust cloud while driving. “Desert Warrior” can be equipped wiTh different types of radio stations, and in version BRM – Radar reconnaissance of ground targets.

In 1992, the “Desert Warrior” was tested in Kuwait and a year later, GKN has signed a contract to supply the country 250 BMP (at the same time, Kuwait has bought and the Soviet BMP-2) equipped with a PU ATGM “Toy” and an additional set of reservations, despite the fact that it closes the pistol ports.

In Turkey, presented a hybrid option, wiTh loopholes in the case, but wiTh a full-tower. Modification of the “Arctic Warrior”, proposes the Nordic countries, in general, analogous to the “Desert Warrior”, but has no attachment to PU ATGM “Toy”. Instead of air-conditioner equipped wiTh a special diesel engine plant for heating inhabited volume.

MCV-80 Warrior “became the basis for a number of search engine development. Thus, “Defense Risech Eydzhensi” has developed a program VERDI (Vehicle Electronics Research Defence Initiative), whose purpose was to demonstrate the possibilities of complex integration of modern computer systems, electronic sensors and communications systems in the design of combat vehicles. The new MSA includes a central processor, a commander’s sight wiTh thermal vision channel and laser rangefinder, and installed in the workplace the same monitors and controls (a small keyboard and joystick) enables each member of the crew to assume any role and to receive the necessary information. The mask gun mounted camera wiTh image output on monitors of the crew, and in the turret of a telescopic rod (for observation because of the shelter) – Night vision devices wiTh thermal imaging and amplifying channels. VERDI has two navigation systems – inertial and satellite. These changes were accompanied by forcing the engine by installing a gas turbine.

In 1992, work began on the program VERDI-2, linked wiTh the creation of machine intelligence TRACER (Tactical Reconnaissance Armored Combat Equipment Requirement) to replace the light tank “Scorpion” and the BRM “Simitar. In the car VERDI-2/TRACER two crew members are close behind MTO and have multifunctional displays and television monitors front view. The main armament – an automatic gun – set to “unmanned” tower, along the sides of which, moreover, are available to 4 PU UR “Starstrik. On the roof of reinforced rotating receiver passive warning system for air hazard ADAD. The machine is equipped wiTh satellite communications and satellite navigation. Foreign experts include programs VERDI-2/TRACER among the most interesting and promising. It is assumed that partner TRACER is an easy car to the chassis “Stormer” firm “Alvis”, equipped with radar, television cameras and communications.

Because of the reduction of the costs of developing the next generation of combat vehicles produced a set of activities to extend the life of MCV-80 Warrior in the British Army. In particular, considering options set to “Warrior” 45-mm automatic cannon.