FV103 Spartan is a tracked armoured personnel carrier of the British Army. It was developed as the APC variant of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) family. The vehicle can carry up to seven personnel, including three crew members. Armed with a single machine gun, it is almost indistinguishable from the FV102 Striker in external appearance. Rather than a general personnel carrier for infantry, the Spartan has been used for moving specialist teams, such as anti-aircraft missile teams. An anti-tank variant of the Spartan armed with MILAN anti-tank missiles has been produced, named the FV120 Spartan MCT. Nearly 500 Spartans have served with the British armed forces since entering service in 1978. Replacement by newer vehicles started in 2009. Design and features The FV103 Spartan was developed during the 1970s as the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) version of the British Army's Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)) family of armoured fighting vehicles, designed by Alvis plc. The vehicle entered service with the British military in 1978. The Spartan is similar in appearance to the FV102 Striker, except for the missile launcher on the Striker. The Spartan was powered by a 4.2l XK Jaguar petrol engine. The vehicle is in length and in width. With a ground clearance of , it has a height of . As the APC variant of the CVR(T) family, the FV103 has been used by small specialized groups such as mortar fire controller teams, anti aircraft teams and also reconnaissance teams. The vehicle can carry seven personnel, in a combination of three crew members and four passengers or two crew members and five passengers. It is armed with one 7.62 mm L37A1 machine gun, and can have four smoke dischargers on each side. In addition to the APC role, it has been used as a resupply vehicle for the FV102 Striker, carrying extra Swingfire missiles. The FV103 has a combat weight of . It has a maximum speed of and has a range of . It is capable of negotiating up to 60% gradients. Variants and service An anti-tank variant of the FV103 was produced, named the FV120 Spartan MCT (Spartan with MILAN Compact Turret). The FV120 has a two-man turret, and carries thirteen MILAN Anti-Tank Light Infantry Missiles, with two in launch positions. A 'stretched Spartan' design with an extra road wheel was considered as a future replacement for the FV430, able to carry three more dismounted