EE-9 Cascavel
Description
The EE-9 Cascavel originated in the 1970s from a Brazilian military initiative to develop a domestic replacement for its aging fleet of World War II-era M8 Greyhound armoured cars. A civilian engineering firm subsequently took over the project, and by 1970 a new prototype was complete, entering production four years later. The vehicle's design shares numerous components with the EE-11 Urutu, its armoured personnel carrier counterpart. Early models were equipped with the main gun and turret from the old Greyhounds, but these were soon succeeded by variants fitted with a French-designed turret and, ultimately, a proprietary turret housing a licensed Belgian 90mm cannon.
This six-wheeled vehicle was developed primarily for reconnaissance missions. Its layout features a driver's compartment at the front-left, a central turret, and a rear-mounted engine and transmission. The hull is characterized by a distinctive boat shape with a steep frontal glacis. While early models featured a manual turret, subsequent variants incorporated electrically powered traverse. The primary armament on most models is a 90mm gun capable of firing high-explosive, high-explosive anti-tank, and high-explosive squash head shells. This main gun is complemented by a coaxial machine gun. The fire-control system was initially rudimentary but was later improved with a laser rangefinder in Brazilian service. Notable for its robust and simplified design, the Cascavel utilizes many components common in civilian industry and features a unique boomerang-shaped rear suspension. Late-production models were also fitted with run-flat tires and a central tire pressure regulation system.
The Cascavel has been widely exported and has seen extensive combat service with over twenty nations across South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Its operational history includes successful deployments by Libyan forces against Egyptian tanks during the Libyan–Egyptian War and extensive use in the Chadian–Libyan conflict. Iraqi Cascavels demonstrated notable mobility against heavier Iranian tanks during the Iran–Iraq War and later saw action during Operation Desert Storm and subsequent conflicts in the region. The vehicle was also utilized by Colombian forces during the 1985 Palace of Justice siege and by Zimbabwean troops intervening in the Second Congo War. Its combination of low cost, simplified maintenance, and politically unrestricted availability made it an attractive option for many armed forces, particularly during the Cold War.
Summary
| Origin country | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
| Category | Light armoured |
| Sub-type | 6x6 Reconnaissance Vehicle |
| Manufacturer | Engesa |
| Number built | 1738 units |
| Est. avg unit price | $0.5 million |
Technical specifications
| Crew | 3 (commander, driver, gunner) personnels |
| Range | 750 km |
| Mass | 12.0 tons |
| Height | 2.6 m (8.5 ft) |
| Width | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Length | 6.29 m (20.6 ft) |
| Max. speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53N 5.2 L (320 in3) 6-cylinder water-cooled diesel 158 kW (212 hp) at 2,800 rpm |
| Weapon 1 | 1 × 90mm Engesa EC-90 (44 rounds) |
| Weapon 2 | 2× FN MAG (2,200–2,400 rounds) |
| Weapon 3 | MAX 1.2 AC anti-tank missiles |