Reconnaissance vehicle
A reconnaissance vehicle, also known as a scout vehicle, is a military vehicle used for forward reconnaissance.
Both tracked and wheeled reconnaissance vehicles are in service. In some nations, scout platoons have also used light tanks such as the M551 Sheridan and AMX-13 . Their armament ranges from a medium machine gun to a giant cannon. Modern examples are often fitted with ATGMs and a wide range of sensors.
Reconnaissance vehicles are designed with several philosophies: scout cars used for passive reconnaissance, with a low profile or small size and, are lightly armored to maximize mobility, relying on speed, stealth, and cover to escape detection; armored reconnaissance used for active reconnaissance, distinct from ordinary scouts in weight and size of weapons and armor, designed not to break away from attacks, but to force their way through towards their objective." [Green, p.98].
Reconnaissance of enemy positions can involve firing upon the enemy in hopes of receiving return fire that gives away the enemy's position. This can make the reconnaissance vehicle vulnerable to return fire that may destroy the vehicle before the enemy's position can be relayed.
Dismounted operations by armed scouts include observation post manning, reconnaissance of areas not traversable by vehicle, and marking enemy minefields.
CBRN reconnaissance vehicles can also detect weapons of mass destruction. They accompany regular reconnaissance vehicles and are fully protected against airborne threats [Groman, p.128].
Green, M., (2017). Allied Armoured Fighting Vehicles of the Second World War. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military Press.
Groman, J., (1985). Weapons of war. London: Multimedia Publications.