Warrior Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The Warrior Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) was developed to enhance the mobility, protection, and firepower of British mechanized infantry units. Entering service in the late 1980s, it has been a cornerstone of the British Army’s combat vehicle fleet. Manufactured by GKN Sankey (now part of BAE Systems Land & Armaments), the Warrior was designed to replace the older FV432 series and to provide a more versatile and survivable platform for various battlefield roles.

Warrior Design and Features:

• Structure and Armor:
  The Warrior features a welded aluminum hull with additional composite and steel armor for improved protection. The base armor offers protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, while upgrade packages, including reactive armor, can be added to protect against more significant threats such as IEDs and RPGs. The vehicle has a V-shaped hull to deflect blast energy away from the crew compartment.
• Armament:
  The main armament of the Warrior is a 30mm L21A1 RARDEN cannon, designed for engaging lightly armored targets, infantry, and soft-skinned vehicles. It has a semi-automatic loading system with a three-round clip and can fire both armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds. The vehicle also carries a 7.62mm L94A1 coaxial machine gun for additional firepower. Smoke grenade launchers are mounted on the turret for concealment.
• Mobility:
  Powered by a Perkins CV8 TCA diesel engine delivering 550 horsepower, the Warrior can reach a top speed of 75 km/h on roads and has an operational range of approximately 660 km. It is equipped with a torsion bar suspension system that provides good cross-country mobility, allowing it to traverse difficult terrain and obstacles. The vehicle can ford water up to 1.2 meters deep without preparation.
• Crew and Capacity:
  The vehicle is operated by a crew of three: a driver, a gunner, and a commander. It can transport up to seven fully equipped infantry soldiers in its rear compartment. The troops have access to a rear exit ramp, which enables rapid dismounting and mounting under combat conditions. The Warrior’s spacious interior is designed for quick deployment and easy communication between the crew and dismounted infantry.
• Variants:
  The Warrior family includes several specialized variants tailored for different battlefield roles:
  • FV510 Infantry Section Vehicle: Standard version for troop transport.
  • FV511 Infantry Command Vehicle: Equipped with additional communication equipment for command and control.
  • FV512 Mechanized Combat Repair Vehicle (MCRV): Provides field repair capabilities.
  • FV513 Mechanized Recovery Vehicle (MRV): Equipped for vehicle recovery and repair.
  • FV514 Artillery Observation Post Vehicle (OPV): Used for artillery fire support and target acquisition.
  • FV515 Battery Command Vehicle: Command and control platform for artillery units.

Warrior AIFV Performance and Capabilities:

• Firepower:
  The 30mm RARDEN cannon is highly effective against light vehicles and fortified positions. It allows for precise targeting at distances of up to 1,500 meters. The Warrior’s manual feed system, although slower than fully automatic systems, allows the selection of different ammunition types, enhancing tactical flexibility.
• Protection:
  The Warrior provides excellent protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, with add-on armor available for improved defense against anti-tank weapons and mines. The vehicle’s design incorporates features to reduce damage from mines and IEDs, making it suitable for modern asymmetric warfare.
• Mobility:
  With its powerful engine and advanced suspension, the Warrior is capable of maintaining high speeds across rough terrain. Its ability to operate in various environments, from urban settings to open fields, makes it a versatile asset in mechanized operations.
• Modernization and Upgrades:
  Over its service life, the Warrior has undergone several upgrade programs to enhance its combat effectiveness. These include the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), which adds new armor, a more powerful engine, digital electronic architecture, and an improved turret with a fully stabilized 40mm CTA International CT40 cannon.

Warrior Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle Specifications