FV102 Striker CVR(T) – Swingfire Missile Carrier
The FV102 Striker is a distinctive and rare sight in the world of armored fighting vehicles, with only 350 produced, and we’re proud to feature one in our collection at The Armed Forces Museum. Built on the versatile CVR(T) (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)) chassis, the Striker was designed as a dedicated anti-tank guided missile platform, capable of delivering a powerful punch from a concealed position.
A History of Precision and Power
Developed in the early 1970s, the FV102 Striker entered service with the British Army as part of its mobile anti-tank response force. Unlike its reconnaissance-based CVR(T) siblings such as the Scimitar and Spartan, the Striker was equipped with the Swingfire missile system, a wire-guided missile capable of being launched from cover and steered toward its target mid-flight. The vehicle featured a five-tube launcher mounted on the rear hull, which could be elevated when in action and stowed flat while on the move.
Key to the Striker’s effectiveness was its ability to fire while hidden and then relocate quickly – what’s known in military tactics as “shoot and scoot.” Crewed by a team of four to five, the Striker played an important role in NATO’s defense plans during the Cold War, acting as a deterrent against advancing enemy armor.
Technical Specifications
- Role: Anti-tank missile carrier
- Crew: 3 (commander, driver, gunner)
- Armament: 5 × Swingfire anti-tank guided missiles (with 5 more reloads inside)
- Engine: Jaguar J60 4.2-litre 6-cylinder petrol (shared across CVR(T) family)
- Speed: Up to 80 km/h (50 mph) on road
- Weight: Approx. 8.1 tonnes
- Armor: Aluminum alloy, providing protection against small arms and shell splinters
The Striker at The Armed Forces Museum
Our FV102 Striker is currently operational and has some light restoration ahead, we are preserving its unique features while making it ready for public display and mobile demonstrations. While no longer in active military service, vehicles like this remain a testament to British innovation in armored warfare during the latter half of the 20th century.
We aim to showcase the Striker in a historically accurate configuration alongside other members of the CVR(T) family.