Piranha Family of Vehicles

The Piranha III 4×4, an early model of the Piranha series developed by MOWAG (now part of General Dynamics), was no longer in active service in most countries. Originally designed in the 1970s as a lighter reconnaissance and police vehicle, this 4×4 model was primarily used by nations such as Liberia, with some versions tested for police and reconnaissance roles by Switzerland. However, as the Piranha line evolved, demand shifted toward the larger 6×6, 8×8, and 10×10 variants, which offered more versatility and better protection, leading to the broader adoption of the 8×8 configuration in many armed forces worldwide.

The Piranha had sloping hull sides and a severely sloped glacis. The driver sat at the front left of the hull with the engine to his right. The troop compartment was at the rear of the hull with entry and exit through two rear doors that opened outward. There were also two outward‑opening roof hatches.

No longer in service.

Initial operational capability (IOC) was attained in 1976.

The Piranha (4 x 4) was last reported in service in Liberia in 1998.

General Dynamics European Land Systems (MOWAG), Kreuzlingen, Switzerland

 CREW
   Total                   driver + 9 troops

 WEIGHTS
   Combat                  17,200 lb (7,800 kg)
   Unloaded                14,770 lb (6,700 kg)

 DIMENSIONS
   Length
      hull                 17 ft  5 in (5.32 m)
   Width                    8 ft  2 in (2.50 m)
   Height                   6 ft  1 in (1.85 m)
   Wheelbase                7 ft 11 in (2.42 m)
   Ground clearance         1 ft  8 in (500 mm)

 PROPULSION
   Engine                  1 x Detroit 6V-53 318-cu in (5.21 L) liquid-
                              cooled, 2-stroke, V6 diesel
   Power                   216 hp at 2,800 rpm
   Power-to-weight ratio
                           27.70 hp/metric ton
   Suspension              4 x 4 (4-wheel drive, 2-wheel steering) coil
                              spring on front axle and torsion bar on rear,
                              hydraulic shock absorbers at all wheel stations

 PERFORMANCE
   Speed
      road                 60 mph (100 km/h)
      water                 6 mph ( 10 km/h); propeller-driven
   Range                   430 mi (  700 km)
   Obstacle
      vertical             1 ft 8 in (0.50 m)
   Fording                 amphibious
   Gradient                70 percent

 ARMAMENT
                           various armament options including:
                           remote-control 7.62-mm machine guns;
                           Oerlikon 20-mm GAD-AOA turret
                           12.7-mm M2 HB machine gun

 PROTECTION
   NBC                     yes

Options were available for the type of engine installed on the Piranha family of APCs, including German MTU 6V183TE22 (400 hp at 2,300 rpm) and ZF Ecomat 6 hp 600 automatic transmission. Also:

Swedish Scania DSJ9-48A (400 hp at 2,300 rpm) and ZF Ecomat 6 hp 600 automatic transmission.

U.S. Caterpillar 3126 (350 hp at 2,500 rpm) and Allison MD 3066P automatic transmission.

British Cummins 6CTAA8.3-T350 (350 hp at 2,200 rpm) and Allison MD 3066P automatic transmission.

U.S. Detroit Diesel 6V53TA (350 hp at 2800 rpm) and Allison MD 3560P automatic transmission.