Engesa EE-3 Jararaca (Pit Viper)

History

The Engesa EE-3 "Jararaca" is a locally designed, developed and produced compact armored vehicle in Brazil. After World War II, the country purchased a large amount of surplus U.S. military products, some of which were used to last for a few days, while others were modernized to maintain their survivability. Over time, better solutions were needed and local companies started offering viable products. The EE-3 joins several other Engesa wheeled armoured vehicles adopted by the Brazilian army -- including the EE-9 "Cascavel" 6x6 and EE-11 "Urutu" 6x6 -- in a lineup primarily designed to replace the outgoing U.S. Manufactured M8 "Greyhound" armored vehicle.

Development of the EE-3 began in the late 1970s and mass production began in 1980.

The EE-3 features a 4x4 wheel arrangement with full suspension for off-road driving. It is a 5.8 ton design, 4.2 meters long, 2.2 meters wide and 1.6 meters high. The armored hull components are made of double-layer steel, and the standard operator consists of three people. The driver sits in the front center of the hull, with the vehicle commander center on the left.

To the commander's right are machine gun positions or light turret weapons, operated by specialized gunners. All crew positions have overhead hatches, and a large hinged door panel has been installed on the right side of the fuselage to facilitate boarding and departure.

The engine - a diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz OM 314A system rated at 120 hp - is installed in the rear compartment and helps the vehicle reach a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of up to 700 km.

The EE-3 gained some useful inherent characteristics, including large wheels, high ground clearance, and sloping armor surfaces for basic ballistic protection (against small arms and shrapnel). Standard equipment includes "run-flat" tires and a central tire pressure system (CTPS) - the latter used to adapt the drive to the terrain.

Engesa also offers some optional gear, including an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) kit and night vision goggle support. A special form of NBC Scout Vehicle also proved its worth, offering extended NBC equipment customization and notable for its raised fuselage roof.

The lightest weapon form of the EE-3 is equipped with a 7.62mm trunnion-mounted Medium Machine Gun (MMG) that can be easily swapped for a 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). Other weapons include a turret-mounted 20mm Rh202 series automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The tower is large enough to accommodate only one operator.

Other EE-3 forms support anti-tank missiles (ATGMs) (the French Milan system) and 60mm mortars (for indirect fire support services). Smoke grenade launchers - used to shield the vehicle's movement - are optional installations offered.

Small Engesa EE-3 vehicles entered the inventory of several armies, including the Brazilian army. Operators joining the use of the product are Cyprus, Ecuador, Gabon, Uruguay, Tunisia and Iraq.

It was used for rapid reconnaissance, anti-tank deterrence, patrol and security missions during its service.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

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Armor

Depends on weapon.

Changes