Mowag MR 8

The MOWAG MR8-01 (Wotan) is an armored personnel carriers.[1]

MOWAG MR8-01 Wotan
MOWAG Wotan at Military Museum Full
Place of originSwitzerland
Service history
Used byGermany
Production history
DesignerMOWAG motor car factory Kreuzlingen
ManufacturerBussing Henschel in Germany
Produced1963
No. builtapprox. 700
VariantsSW1 , SW2
Specifications
Mass8,500 kg (18,700 lb)
Crew4: driver, commander +2 passengers in the rear area
Main
armament
depending on version = SW1 no, SW2 20mm automatic cannon, mortars
EngineV8 Chrysler 6 cylinder gasoline engine
161 kW
TransmissionZF transmission, 5 forward gears, 1 reverse
Suspension4x4 wheeled
Operational
range
400 km (250 mi)
Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph)on road,42 km/h (26 mph)off road.12 km/h (7 mph) water

History

Named as special car (SW1 and SW2) was the WOTAN from 1963 onward introduced by the Bundesgrenzschutz (West German border guard, later Bundespolizei). They were built by Bussing Henschel in Germany, approximately 700 nos. The SW 1 was referred to as Special Car 1. It did not have any armaments.

The Special Car 2 was similar to the special SW1, however, it had a turret with armament: 20 mm automatic cannon or a machine gun MG 1/2 of SW 2b. Other options include a mortar vehicle that was built but found no buyers. The Wotan that was built and tested as a prototype by the Federal Border Guard (BGS) is now in the Military Museum Full.[2][3]

Design

The vehicle had a small turning radius, and was equipped with 2-axle steering. The arrangement of the engine installed in the rear right allowed the crew to park the vehicle and exit from the side and rear.

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 auto-cannon, 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.

References
  1. "Mowag MR 8 4". mycity-military.com.
  2. Militärmuseum Full Switzerland
  3. Marcus Bauer, Nutzfahrzeuge der MOWAG Motorwagenfabrik AG, Fachpresse Goldach, Hudson & Company, 1996 ISBN 9783857380563
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