Gecko Models 1/35 CVR(T) Scimitar 2 (TES) - 35GM051

The British Army's FV107 Scimitar is an armoured tracked military reconnaissance vehicle (sometimes known as a light tank).

Alvis, based in Coventry, created it.

It is remarkably similar to the FV101 Scorpion, except instead of a 76 mm gun, it has a high-velocity 30 mm L21 RARDEN cannon.

In the reconnaissance duty, it was issued to Royal Armoured Corps armoured regiments.

Originally, each regiment had a five- troop close reconnaissance squadron with eight FV107 Scimitars.

In addition, each Main Battle Tank Regiment used eight Scimitars for close reconnaissance.

Following a risk mitigation programme, a contract for the development, testing, and management of an updated Scimitar was awarded in December 2010.

This was done by BAE Systems Telford's Vehicles Military & Technical Services division, which coordinated the construction of 50 vehicles at the nearby DSG (Defence Support Group) Donnington, which was expected to be completed in early 2012.

The Scimitar Mark 2 is one of five upgraded CVR(T) combat vehicles.

-The Scimitar Mk II had the following features:
-Rehulled to provide troops better mine-blast protection.
-Armour that is more resistant to blasts and ballistic threats has been improved.
-In every crew station, provide mine-protected (suspended and piston-mounted) seating.
-Increase the amount of accessible space and improve the working conditions of the team.
-Reduce maintenance and life-cycle expenses while extending in-service life to avoid costly repairs.

The resulting vehicles were re-engineered using a Cummins BTA 5.9 litre diesel engine and a David Brown TN15E+ automatic transmission.

[4] The new, more fuel-efficient engine not only provides power for the air conditioning system, but it also expands the vehicle's operational range, while the redesigned interior arrangement enables for better-protected fuel tanks to be placed for reduced exposure to explosion and ballistic threats.

The new engine and transmission package promised simple servicing and support for the Mk II during its in-service life, with refurbished dampers simultaneously improving crew comfort - and thus reducing fatigue - while extending the life of vehicle components and maintaining the original vehicle's tactical mobility despite an increase to an operation weight of c12,000 kg.

Improved road wheels, new conventional metal tracks with guaranteed mileage (which could lower the vehicle's operating costs), and continuous 'rubber' band tracks, which reduce both vibration and noise, allowing crews to operate more effectively and for longer, even in the harshest environments, while lowering the vehicle's acoustic signature, were all proposed by BAE Systems.