1044

EXTREMELY RARE BRITISH FV102 STRIKER ATGM CARRIER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE BRITISH FV102 STRIKER ATGM CARRIER.

The FV102 Striker is a British member of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance, Tracked classification “CVR(T)” designed as an Anti-Tank Guided Missile “ATGM” carrier, specifically for the Swingfire Guided Missile System. There were a total of only 48 ordered in this configuration, & we believe this is the only example to be imported into the United States. Each FV102 Striker is originally loaded with 5 missiles, ready for immediate deployment in the launcher, and 5 more on board for reloading. The Striker Swingfire anti-tank guided missile launcher is boxed on the rear of the body. When needed, the launch box is elevated 35-degrees and the missiles are fired over the front of the vehicle. They are wire-guided missiles where the gunner has to keep his sights on the target and and control it with a small joystick. It is fitted with eight smoke grenade dischargers, in two clusters of four, on each side. It is fitted with a turret and mount for a 7.62mm L7 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), the British variant of the Belgian FN MAG. It could be operated directly, or remotely, under cover, from inside of the Striker through a solenoid trigger mechanism and linkage to control traverse and elevation. Its ammunition capacity was 3000 rounds. The FV102 carries a crew of 3, with speed and agility being a top priority. The Striker engines were initially a Jaguar 4.2 liter burning gasoline, and producing approximately 190 horsepower. Later in production the engines were replaced with a Cummings 5.9 liter diesel. Armor is aluminum instead of steel, for lighter weight and mobility, allowing a top speed of 50Mph with a range of 300 miles, and still providing protection from small arms fire and fragmentation. The striker first entered service in 1976 with the Royal Artillery Anti-tank Guided Missile Batteries, later being fielded by the British during Operation Iraqi Freedom, following Saddam Hussein’s ordered invasion of Kuwait. SPECIFICATIONS (As Originally Delivered from Manufacturer): Weight: 9.1-tons (8,346-kg). Length: 15' 8” (4.8-m). Width: 7' 4” (2.40-m). Height: 7' 6” (2.28-m). Crew: 3. Armor: Welded aluminum up to .5” (13-mm) thick. Weapons: Primary: 5x Swingfire anti-tank guided missile launcher boxes. Secondary: 1x 7.62-mm L7 GPMG. Ammunition: 10x Swingfire missiles including 5 in the launchers and 5 reloads. 3,000x 7.62-mm. Engine: Jaguar J60 4.2-liter 6-cylinder gasoline, 190-hp.Power/weight: 20.8-hp/ton. Fuel Capacity: 92-USG (350-l). Range: 300-miles (483-km). Speed: 50-mph (80-km/h). CONDITION: this vehicle appears to be in unrestored, original condition. The exterior paint is coverage is complete and consistent with full coverage. It appears to be an original British Dark Green/Black camouflage. The wheels and tracks appear to be in very good shape. It starts and moves as it should in the short time we've unloaded it and moved it around the yard. Some exterior mirrors, smoke grenade launchers and some lights are present, though launchers have been pinned per US State Department criteria. The Swingfire mount & mechanism appears complete, as well as the GPMG mount and turret. No LMG or other ordnance included w/ this lot. PROVENANCE: The Littlefield Collection. This was part of the 2014 sale in Portola Valley, California. (02-17438/JZ). $40,000-60,000.