Mowag MR 8
| MOWAG MR8-01 Wotan | |
|---|---|
|
MOWAG Wotan at Military Museum Full | |
| Place of origin | Switzerland |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Designer | MOWAG motor car factory Kreuzlingen |
| Manufacturer | Bussing Henschel in Germany |
| Produced | 1963 |
| Number built | approx. 700 |
| Variants | SW1 , SW2 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 8,500 kg (18,700 lb) |
| Crew | 4: driver, commander +2 passengers in the rear area |
|
| |
Main armament | depending on version = SW1 no, SW2 20mm automatic cannon, mortars |
| Engine |
V8 Chrysler 6 cylinder gasoline engine 161 kW |
| Transmission | ZF transmission, 5 forward gears, 1 reverse |
| Suspension | 4x4 wheeled |
Operational range | 400 km (250 mi) |
| Speed | 80 km/h (50 mph)on road,42 km/h (26 mph)off road.12 km/h (7 mph) water |
The MOWAG MR8-01 (Wotan) is a armored personnel carriers.
History and Development
Equipped with 2-axle steering, the vehicle is able to drive a very small turning circle. The arrangement of the engine installed in the rear right is very special and allows the crew to leave the vehicle at the side and rear. Named as special car (SW1 and SW2) was the WOTAN from 1963 on introduced by the Bundesgrenzschutz (West German bordar guard. later Bundespolizei). They were built by Bussing Henschel in Germany, in approximately 700 pieces. The SW 1 was referred too as Special Car 1. It have no own armament. The Special Car 2 was similar to the special SW1, however, had a turret with armament: 20 mm automatic cannon or a machine gun MG 1/2 of SW 2b. There are other options such as a mortar vehicles which was built but found no buyers. Built as a prototype the Wotan who was tested by the Federal Border Guard (BGS) is now in the Military Museum Full.[1][2]
Variants
- MR 8 "SW1": initially known as Kfz91. Armoured personnel carrier model.
- MR 8 "SW2": initially known as the Kfz91. As described.
- MR 8-09: equipped with a 20mm autocannon, with four smoke discharges on either side of the turret. Similar to the SW2.
- MR 8-20: unguided rocket and ATGM variant, with provision for twin 8 cm missile launchers.
- MR 8-23: heavy fire support and tank hunter vehicle with 90mm medium-pressure gun.
- MR 9-32: 120mm mortar carrier.
Gallery
MR 8 outside Federal Chancellery in Bonn, 1975