The ASCOD Pizarro is an advanced armored fighting vehicle developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems for the Spanish Army. As a special reconnaissance variant of the ASCOD platform, the Pizarro is tailored for stealthy intelligence gathering and surveillance missions behind enemy lines. This article provides a comprehensive look at the capabilities, features and service history of this unique vehicle.
With a crew of 3, the ASCOD Pizarro has an operational range of 500 km and can reach speeds of 105 km/h thanks to a MTU 600 horsepower diesel engine. The vehicle tips the scales at 30 tons due to modular ceramic-aramid composite armor providing protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments and mines. The core of the Pizarro is an ASCOD IFV chassis with a redesigned stealthy exterior.
For reconnaissance duties, the Pizarro has an advanced sensor and surveillance suite. Cameras, thermal imagers and image intensifiers allow discreet observation of enemy activities through 360-degree panoramic sighting systems. Data can be relayed securely to other friendly forces to build up situational awareness. The crew can also deploy two dismountable flat trajectory scout drones carrying cameras for over the hill reconnaissance.
Instead of a turret, the Pizarro uses a Hitfist-30P manned gun system armed with a 30mm MK 44 Bushmaster II autocannon. This low-profile remotely operated system can deliver 200 rounds per minute on targets while the crew remains protected inside the hull. To counter dismounted infantry, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and 66mm grenade launchers are fitted.
The rear entry ramp allows rapid ingress and egress for the crew. All onboard systems run through sophisticated vetronics integrating navigation, command and fire control functions. For self-defense, the Pizarro can generate smoke screens and is equipped with Galix grenade launchers. The vehicle also has advanced IR, magnetic and acoustic signature reduction.
The Spanish Army fields 84 ASCOD Pizarro vehicles which entered service in 2003. The reconnaissance variant equips the 1st Reconnaissance Company of Spain’s 12th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Pizarros have deployed overseas to Latvia and Iraq where their surveillance capabilities supported coalition operations. Plans are underway to upgrade electronics and install new C4I systems.
In summary, the ASCOD Pizarro provides the Spanish military with an agile armored vehicle tailored for intelligence gathering missions. Its stealth features, sensors and unmanned aerial drones allow discrete observation and reconnaissance to aid battlefield situational awareness. The Pizarro continues to serve Spain around the world as a high-techreconnaissance asset that generates key intel for combat operations.
