Pvrbv 551

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Pvrbv 551
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Pvrbv 551
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Description

The Pansarvärnsrobotbandvagn 551 was a tank destroyer built by Hägglunds & Söner in Örnsköldsvik, based on the retired Ikv 102 / 103 chassis, which were phased out by the Ikv 91. Stemming from the UDES 33 prototype, the Pvrbv 551 was upgraded, adopting an elevator mechanism for the Rbs 55 ATGM launcher. This innovation allowed deployment and subsequent protection within the chassis through a top-mounted two-door hatch. The Rbs 55, Swedish designation for the BGM-71 TOW, offered a commendable range of 65 to 3000 m, enhancing the vehicle's agility as a TOW system carrier. Despite increased mobility, the integration of a Ford V6 engine, shared with the Bv 206, compromised off-road capabilities compared to the original engine. Between 1984 and 1986, 57 Pvrbv 551 units were manufactured and distributed, finding placement in Armoured and Mechanized brigades as support vehicles. Serving in the Swedish Army until the early 2000s, the Pvrbv 551 earned praise for its economical and prompt deployment, effectively fulfilling critical operational requirements.

Introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury", the pvrbv 551 is a small anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) tank destroyer used by the Swedish Army's ground units. It is equipped with the well-known BGM-71 TOW and can engage a wide spectrum of adversaries. It is critical that players use ambush tactics and limit their exposure to the enemy's line of sight during battles. The vehicle's survivability is entirely focused on rifle-calibre fire. The chassis is enclosed by armour plates ranging in thickness from 5 to 25 mm, with the front providing some protection against light machine-gun rounds. Players should try to reposition frequently since even close explosions of artillery shells can severely damage, if not destroy, the vehicle.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull25 / 10 / 5
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew4 people
Visibility93 %

The survivability of the Pvrbv 551 is entirely designed for rifle-calibre fire. The chassis is surrounded by plates varying between 5 and 25 mm of thickness, with the front angled to somewhat protect against machine-gun bullets. The Pvrbv 551 is otherwise entirely exposed to all forms of weaponry, and is expected to be kept behind cover because of this. The launcher is external, and fired by a very exposed launcher and gunner. This means the Pvrbv 551 has to put distance between itself and the opponent in order to not get knocked out immediately. Ideally, the chassis should be positioned behind cover, only exposing the launcher itself, making it more difficult for enemies to locate the vehicle.

It is recommended to avoid SPAAs and stock autocannon light tanks at all costs, as even a single 23 mm HE-I hit to the launcher or the gunner will overpressurize the entire crew.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm (20°) Top
20mm (53°) Corners
25mm (42°) Bottom
10 mm Top
10 mm Bottom
5 mm
3 mm Hatch
10 mm
Cupola 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB42 / 8 km/h
RB and SB39 / 7 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight9.7 t
Engine power
AB259 hp
RB and SB136 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB26.7 hp/t
RB and SB14.0 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 42 8 9.7 193 259 19.9 26.7
Realistic 39 7 120 136 12.37 14.02

The Pvrbv 551 features a 136 hp engine giving the vehicle a speed of 38 km/h. This is a general downgrade in comparison to the UDES 33, as the lesser horsepower makes it slower and less torque capable. The engine is also petrol, giving it a very high RPM compared to other vehicles. This makes it pretty loud, and distinct in sound compared to tanks around it. The Pvrbv 551 isn't very good in reverse either, as the transmission only has one reverse gear. The neutral steering is good however, as the missile launcher can't fully traverse. This gives it a very comfortable handling when standing still, something the Pvrbv 551 is meant for.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 434 → 5 750 Sl icon.png
RB4 950 → 6 420 Sl icon.png
SB6 183 → 8 019 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications87 300 Rp icon.png
146 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement sw.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_us_tow_2_ammo_pack
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

Rbs 55 ATGM
Ammunition8 rounds
Belt capacity1 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate7 shots/min
Vertical guidance-13° / 25°
Horizontal guidance-120° / 120°
Fire on the moveup to 5 km/h
Main article: Rbs 55

The Rbs 55 is the same ATGM launcher found on the UDES 33 but gets access to better munitions. The reload time is the same as the UDES so enemies will be able to replace their crew member quicker than your reload. It also gets less ammo, carrying only 8 rounds instead of 10. It is recommended to take a full ammo load as you will definitely run low during an extended battle. The firing angles are more restricted vertically, with only -13° compared to the UDES' -20°. It is horizontally restricted to the 4 o'clock right and 8 o'clock left positions.

However, there is one big upgrade this launcher gets compared to the UDES; the ammunition. It starts off with the potent RB 55B (I-TOW) but can upgrade to the deadly RB 55C (TOW-2). The RB 55B is a reasonable stock munition, being very similar to the ATGM used by UDES 33. However, the RB 55C variant is one of the more versatile ATGMs at its BR range. With 800 mm of penetration and immunity to jamming, it has the ability to threaten and penetrate almost all vehicles at its BR and even higher. The slightly higher velocity over default missile makes it easier to hit long range targets before they can potentially drive into cover. It's also a Tier II modification so it can be unlocked relatively fast. This makes the launcher one of the most dangerous weapons to face at any range, provided the operator can stay alive, as the gunner is exposed from the waist up on the vehicle.

Both missiles retain unexpected amount of overpressure damage, which can be used to easily knock out clearly superior tanks like the IT-1. ERA tanks also do not have bottom armour and have holes in frontal turret armour, thus can still be instantly destroyed by hitting them into very specific weak spots.

Rbs 55 ATGM Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 8 -13°/+25° ±120° N/A 22.0 30.5 37.0 40.9 43.5 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 14.9 17.5 21.3 23.5 25.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
RB 55B ATGM 630 630 630 630 630 630
RB 55C ATGM 800 800 800 800 800 800
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
RB 55B ATGM 296 3,750 19.05 0.05 0.1 2.88 80° 82° 90°
RB 55C ATGM 329 3,750 21.45 0.05 0.1 4.41 80° 82° 90°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Pvrbv 551
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
8 (+1) (+2) (+7) No
  • The 3rd rack depletes from right to left

Usage in battles

The Pvrbv 551 is very situational, as the vehicle requires a secure sightline, preferably with a lot of distance. The Pvrbv 551 can be used in close engagement, when positioned behind teammates. But this is usually at the hope that your team will tank incoming shells for you. Since the reload is slow, and the launcher unable to fire on the move, the Pvrbv 551 struggles to safely engage opponents safely without any cover. When used behind terrain, the vehicle can safely pull back after launching, and can be difficult to hit due to the small profile of the launcher.

Ideally the Pvrbv 551 should be played passively. By making use of the profile, the tank should try to stay hull-down while still maintaining a large sightline. Since the vehicle sports deadly ATGM missiles, the Pvrbv 551 rarely struggles to penetrate from the front. This allows for more creativity, as the vehicle doesn't necessarily need to rely on flanks to deal damage. The vehicle also comes with smoke grenades stock. Although a single salvo, their spread and deploy speed are great, allowing the vehicle to safely retreat without giving the opponent time to react.

Msg-info.png Since the missile is easily guided, the Pvrbv 551 works well against helicopters! The missile has to hit the target directly however, as it only detonates on impact.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • RB 55B (I-TOW) is a potent stock ATGM, penetrating 630 mm of armour
  • RB 55C (TOW-2) penetrates 800 mm of armour, has a faster velocity of 329 m/s, and is not affected by IRCMs
    • The RB 55C is a Tier II upgrade in modifications
    • Missiles deal enough overpressure damage to breach some medium tanks
  • Comes with a stock 66 mm smoke grenade launcher
  • Researchable Night Vision Device

Cons:

  • Has virtually no armour, any heavy calibre machine gun can penetrate it from the front or side
  • Gunner is exposed to artillery, aircraft strafing and machine gun fire, crew is exposed to overpressure
    • Vulnerable while firing the launcher (especially in RB, where it is more difficult to trade shots)
  • Mediocre mobility, slower than most MBTs
  • Less gun depression than its predecessor, UDES 33 (-13° instead of -20°)
  • Inherits the same Horizontal Guidance problem with its predecessor (only able to rotate the launcher to a certain angle)
  • Not effective against ERA tanks, borderline useless against tanks with hard-kill APS

History

In 1983, the Swedish military gave a contract to Hägglunds and Söner to convert Ikv 102 and Ikv 103 vehicles into Pvrbv 551 anti-tank missile carriers. The Ikv 102 and Ikv 103, infantry support vehicles mounting a 105 mm gun, had become obsolete in the past few years. At the same time, the same companies were contracted to convert Ikv 102 and Ikv 103 vehicles into Lvrbv 701 surface-to-air missile carriers. The hull of the Ikv 102/Ikv 103 was plated over, in order to extend the crew compartment the full length of the vehicle. The engine was replaced by a Ford V-6 engine. The armament consisted of a TOW ATGM launcher in the center of the hull, which was raised up through a circular opening in the roof of the vehicle - covered by a two piece hatch - in order to fire the weapon. 55 Pvrbv 551 vehicles were delivered to the Swedish military.

Devblog

During the 1970's, the Swedish military came to realize that their anti-tank and anti-air regiments within the armored branch were substantially lacking in mobility and protection. As a result, studies were initiated in an effort to find potential solutions to this problem.

During the conducted studies, it was found that the previously decommissioned Ikv 102 and 103 SPG's could relatively easily be converted into mobile ATGM and SAM platforms. This sparked the development of several projects in the late 1970's, all of which aimed to convert the old chassis into modern missile carriers.

By the early 1980's, the viability of this undertaking had already successfully been proven through the creation of several prototypes. However, the decision was then made to not simply convert the old chassis, but to substantially rebuild them in order to facilitate necessary improvements.

By the mid 1980's, the work was considered complete and two new vehicles were developed as a result - the Pvrbv 551 and Lvrbv 701 - the former being the ATGM carrier, whereas the latter represented the SAM variant. Both vehicles subsequently entered service with the Swedish military in the mid to late 1980's.

In total, 57 Ikv 103s were converted into the Pvrbv 551 missile carriers, which served with the Swedish military from 1984 until 2000, when the last of the operational units was retired from service.

Media

Skins
Images

See also

Similar Swedish tanks

Comparable ATGM carriers

External links


Hägglund & Söner
Light Tanks 
Ikv 91  Ikv 91 · Ikv 91-105
Tank Destroyers 
ATGM Carriers  UDES 33 · Pvrbv 551 · Pbv 302 (BILL)
SPAA 
Strv m/41  Pbv 301
SAM  Lvrbv 701
See Also  BAE Systems AB

Sweden tank destroyers
Strv m/41 derivatives  Spj fm/43-44 · Sav m/43 (1944) · Sav m/43 (1946) · Pvkv II · Pvkv III
Ikv 72/103  Ikv 72 · Ikv 103
Pvkv m/43  Pvkv m/43 (1946) · Pvkv m/43 (1963)
ATGM  UDES 33 · Pbv 302 (BILL) · Pvrbv 551
Other  SAV 20.12.48 · Bkan 1C
Norway  VIDAR