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Ferret armoured car

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}

{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}

{{Infobox weapon

|name= Ferret Scout Car

|image= Aldham Old Time Rally 2015 - 18081932993.jpg

|image_size= 300px

|caption= Ferret Mk 2.

|origin= United Kingdom

|service= 1952–1991 (UK)

|wars=

|designer= Daimler Company

|design_date= 1950

|manufacturer= Daimler Company

|production_date= 1952 – 1971

|number= 4,409{{citation |author=Staff Writer |title=Alvis FV107 Scimitar: Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle (1971) |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=188 |website=Military Factory |access-date=11 October 2021}}

|type= Armoured car

|is_vehicle= yes

|is_UK= yes

|length= 12 ft 2 in (3.7 m)

|width= 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

|height= 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

|weight= 3.7 t

|suspension= 4×4 wheel

|speed= {{convert|58|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}

|vehicle_range= {{convert|190|mi|km|abbr=on}}

|primary_armament= 7.62×51mm NATO GPMG if fitted
.30 M1919 Browning machine gun

|secondary_armament= none

|engine= Rolls-Royce B60 Inlet over Exhaust I6 petrol

|engine_power= 130 hp (97 kW)

|pw_ratio= 35.1 hp/tonne (26.2 kW/tonne)

|crew= 2 (Mark 2; commander, driver/radio operator)

}}

The Ferret armoured car, also commonly called the Ferret scout car, is a British armoured fighting vehicle designed and built for reconnaissance purposes. The Ferret was produced between 1952 and 1971 by the UK company Daimler. It was widely used by regiments in the British Army, as well as the RAF Regiment and Commonwealth countries throughout the period.

History

The Ferret was developed in 1949 as a result of a British Army requirement issued in 1947. 'Light reconnaissance cars' existed during the Second World War, notably the Daimler Dingo.

Given its experience with the successful Dingo (6,626 produced and one of two British AFVs produced throughout WWII) Daimler was awarded a development contract in October 1948, and in June 1950 the first prototype of the Car, Scout, 4×4, Liaison (Ferret) Mark 1 was delivered.

Designated the FV 701(C), it was one of several versions resembling the original Daimler scout cars, and represented the basic model Ferret. This shared many similar design features with the Dingo, notably the H form drive train in which a central differential eliminates loss of traction due to wheel-slip, and parallel drive shafts considerably reduced the height of the vehicle (roughly equivalent to that of a tracked AFV) compared to conventional armoured car designs.{{Cite book|title=AFV Profiles 44 Ferrets and Fox |last=Ogorkiewicz |first=R.M. |publisher=Profile Publications |year=1972}}

Like the Daimler scout car, the Ferret suspension consisted of pairs of transverse links and single coil springs, the wheels driven by Tracta constant-velocity joints, but the Ferret benefited from epicyclic reduction gears reducing transmission torque loads, essential with the six cylinder 4.26 litre water-cooled Rolls-Royce B.60 petrol engine. Connected by a fluid coupling to a pre-selector five speed epicyclic gearbox, all gears available in reverse, in its original form, the Ferret produced {{convert|116|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} at 3,300 rpm and {{convert|129|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} at 3,750 in its final form.

This improved power-to-weight ratio, longer wheelbase ({{convert|2.29|m|ft|abbr=on}} compared with the Dingo's {{convert|1.98|m|ft|abbr=off}}) and the fitting of larger 9.00×16 run flat tyres increased speed and mobility over broken ground.

Compared with the Daimler Dingo and Canadian Ford Lynx, the Ferret featured a larger cabin, directly mounted to the hull (the Ferret is much noisier than Dingo, lacking a monocoque body).

{{convert|6|–|16|mm|in|abbr=on}} steel plate protects the crew from shell splinters at most angles except directly overhead because the basic vehicle was open-topped and unarmed, with the exception of six forward-firing grenade launchers fitted to the hull over the front wheels (normally carrying smoke grenades), a feature found on all subsequent marks and models.

However, the Ferret normally carried a .303" (7.7 mm) Bren light machine gun or a pintle-mounted .30" (7.62 mm) Browning light machine gun in addition to the crew's personal weapons.

Ferret Mark 2

File:Ferret Mk2 armored car.jpg, London]]

Compared to the lightly armed and protected Mark 1, the Mark 2 was designed from the outset to mount a .30" (7.62 mm) Browning in a one-person traversable turret, at the cost of one crew member. While this offered better crew protection and protected the exposed gunner, the turret raised the height of the vehicle.

Service

Mark 1 and Mark 2 Ferrets were used by Australian Military 1953-70, at which time Australian military forces disposed of them at public auction.

The Sri Lanka Army used Mark 1 and Mark 2 Ferrets from 1955 to 1999, with the last decade in a non-front line role. The Sri Lanka Armoured Corps still retains a few operational Ferret Mark 1 for ceremonial use, while some Mark 2s are gate guardians or in museums.{{cite news |title=History Of the Armoured Corps |url=https://alt.army.lk/slac/pictorial-history-of-the-armoured-corps? |access-date=6 June 2023 |publisher=Sri Lanka Army}}

According to the US Military, 20 national armies were operating the Ferret in 1996.{{Cite web |url=http://www.survivalschool.us/wp-content/uploads/Antiarmor-Weapons-Subcourse-IN0546.pdf |title=Anti-Armor Weapons Subcourse |access-date=9 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152522/http://www.survivalschool.us/wp-content/uploads/Antiarmor-Weapons-Subcourse-IN0546.pdf |archive-date=9 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}

In 2025 a video was released showing a Ferret Mk1 with added drone defenses in action in Ukraine.{{cite news |last=Syngaivska |first=Sofiia |date=24 March 2025 |title=British Ferret Vehicle Was Spotted in Action During the Liberation of Nadiia in Luhansk Region (video)|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/british_ferret_mk1_vehicle_was_spotted_in_action_during_the_liberation_of_nadiia_in_luhansk_region_video-13939.html |work=Defence Express |publisher=Defense Express Media & Consulting |access-date=27 March 2025}}

Production

A total of 4,409 Ferrets, including 16 sub-models under various Mark numbers, were manufactured between 1952 and 1971, when production ceased. It is possible to upgrade the engine using the more powerful FB60 version from the Austin Princess 4-Litre-R; this upgrade providing a {{convert|55|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} gain over the standard B60 engine.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Operators

File:Ferret_operators_2.png

File:UNOSOM Ferrets.jpg Ferrets parked outside a United Nations compound during UNOSOM II.]]

=Current operators=

  • {{flag|Burkina Faso}}: 30 received in 1971.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Cameroon}}: 15 active as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }} SIPRI reports 8 received.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Central African Republic}}: 8 active as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }} SIPRI reports 32 received in 1973, 1981.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Indonesia}}: 55 in service as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|India}}: An unknown number in service with Indian Police as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }} 50 received between 1956-57.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Kenya}}: 12 in active service as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }} SIPRI reports 20 received in 1964.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Madagascar}}: 10 received in 1968.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Malawi}}: 10 received in 1972.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Nepal}}: 40 Mk 4 variant received in 1981, 1995.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Uganda}}: 6 in active service as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }} 15 received in 1965.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Ukraine}}: At least one Mk1 purchased privately.{{cite tweet |author=🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker |user=UAWeapons |number=1559532999523409920 |date=16 August 2022 |title=#Ukraine: British 🇬🇧 military equipment in service with the Ukrainian army - here we see 14 Snatch Land Rover armored SUVs, 3 Vector Pinzgauer 718 6x6 armored patrol vehicles and a classic Ferret Mk 1 scout car! Note that these vehicles were mostly purchased using private funds. https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1559532999523409920 |language=en |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816184147/https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1559532999523409920 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=17 August 2022 |title=Antique Ferret Armored Car Shows Up In Ukraine

|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/antique-ferret-armored-car-shows-up-in-ukraine |work=The Drive|access-date=18 August 2022}} 

  • {{flag|Zimbabwe}}: 15 operational as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }} 30 received in 1960.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}

=Former operators=

  • {{flag|Abu Dhabi}}: 65 received between 1968-71.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Australia}}: 265 received in 1956-57.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Bahrain}}: 8 received in 1972.{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-date=14 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status=dead }} No longer in service.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}
  • {{flag|Biafra}}: 1{{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip|title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967–70|date=2016|pages=24–46|publisher=Osprey Publishing Press|location=Oxford|isbn=978-1472816092}}
  • {{flag|Brunei}}{{cite book | last = Christopher F. Foss | author-link = Christopher F. Foss | title = Jane's World Armoured Fighting Vehicles| year = 1976 |edition= 1976|pages= 156–157 | publisher = Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd| isbn= 0-354-01022-0}}
  • {{flag|Canada}}: 124.{{Cite web|title=Canadian Ferrets – All 124 listed by CAR / CFR – www.captainstevens.com|url=https://captainstevens.com/military/mv/ferret-scout-car/canadian-ferrets-all-124-by-car/|access-date=2021-02-15|language=en-CA}} SIPRI reports delivery of 120 Ferrets in 1957.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|France}}: 200 received in 1956-57;{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}} likely replaced by the Panhard AML[https://books.google.com/books?id=3RgxAQAAIAAJ&q=Damiya Defence Update (International)]. Defence Update G.m.b.H., 1984, 1984–85 Volume Collected Issues 48–58.
  • {{flag|Gambia}}: 8 received in 1969.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Ghana}}: 30 received in 1961.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Hong Kong|colonial}}: Used by the Royal Hong Kong Regiment.{{cite web|title=RHKR Equipment - Vehicle |url=https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/vehicle.htm |publisher=The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) Association |website=www.rhkr.org |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616153629/https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/vehicle.htm |archive-date=16 June 2021 |url-status=live }} File:Ferretscoutcar HK coastal defense museum.jpg; This is a former Royal Hong Kong Regiment vehicle. Note the M1919 machine gun is missing.]]
  • {{flag|Iran|1964}}: 50 received in 1970-71.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Iraq|1921}}: 25 received between 1953-55.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Jamaica}}: 15; Mk 4 variant, received in 1962.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Jordan}}: 180 received between 1954-69.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Lebanon}}: 5; possibly donated by Jordan{{cite book | last = Christopher F. Foss| title = Jane's Armour and Artillery| year = 2001|edition= 2002|page= 260 | publisher = Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd| isbn= 978-0710623096}}
  • {{flag|Libya|1977}}: 15 received in 1966.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Malaysia}}: 92; Mk 2 variant, received between 1962-64.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}} (Some still active in Royal Malaysian Police and also used as ceremony vehicle by Malaysian Army){{cite web|url=https://mymilitarytimes.com/index.php/2019/08/09/appreciation-parade-for-mg-datuk-adnan-bin-hj-abu-bakar/|title=Appreciation Parade for MG Datuk Adnan bin HJ Abu Bakar}}{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/23rd-pat-cdf-to-be-appointed-this-friday/|title=23rd PAT CDF To Be Appointed This Friday}}
  • {{flag|Netherlands}}: 6 Mk 2, 1 Mk 1, operated by 11 Infantry Recce Company{{Cite web|title=Daimler Ferret Mk.II - Zoeken in de collectie - Nationaal Militair Museum|url=https://www.nmm.nl/zoeken-in-de-collectie/detail/270533/|last=Fabrique - Daimler Ferret Mk.II|website=NNM|access-date=2020-05-25|archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105202818/https://www.nmm.nl/zoeken-in-de-collectie/detail/270533/|url-status=dead}}
  • {{flag|New Zealand}}: 9; Mk 2 variant, received between 1960-61.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Nigeria}}: 40 received between 1961-63.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|North Yemen}}
  • {{flag|Oman}}: 15 received between 1964-65.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Pakistan}}: 10 received in 1954.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Portugal}}: 32; Mk 4 variant{{Cite book| title = World Armies | edition = Second | last = Keegan | first = John | publisher = Palgrave-Macmillan | location = Basingstoke | date = 1983 | isbn = 978-0333340790 | ref = 488}}
  • {{flag|Qatar}}: 10 received in 1968.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Burma}}: 45
  • {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: 30 received in 1968-69.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Somalia}}: 18 received in 1961, 1999.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|South Africa|1928}}: 231.{{cite web |url=http://www.saarmourmuseum.co.za/lesakeng.html |title=Lesakeng |publisher=South African Armour Museum |date=2012-12-06 |access-date=2013-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703141331/http://www.saarmourmuseum.co.za/lesakeng.html |archive-date=3 July 2013 |df=dmy }} SIPRI reports 60 received in 1963-64.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|South Yemen}}: 15 received in 1967{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Sri Lanka}}: 42 received in 1960 and 1990.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|Sudan}}: 88 received between 1960-1963.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}
  • {{flag|United Kingdom}}
  • {{flag|Zaire}}: 30
  • {{flag|Zambia}}: 28 received in 1964.{{Cite web |last=SIPRI |title=SIPRI Arms Transfer Database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=SIPRI}}

Variants

File:Ferret Duxford.JPG]]

There are several Marks of Ferret, including those with varying equipment, turret or no turret and armed with Swingfire anti-tank missiles. Including all the marks and experimental variants, there have probably been over 60 different vehicles.

;Mk 1

  • FV701C
  • Liaison duties
  • No turret
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

;MK 1/1

  • Fitted with thicker side and rear hull plates during manufacture
  • Sealed hull for fording
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

;Mk 1/2

  • As Mk 1/1 but fitted with fixed turret with hinged roof door
  • Crew of three
  • Armament Bren LMG, later GPMG

;Mk 1/2

  • As Mk 1/1 but fitted with flotation screen
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

File:Armored-car-batey-haosef-7-2.jpg

;Mk 2

  • Original reconnaissance vehicle with 2-door turret from Alvis Saracen APC
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

;Mk 2/1

  • Original Mk 1 with 2-door turret from Alvis Saracen APC
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG with Bren LMG stowage

;Mk 2/2

  • Original Mk 1 with extension collar and 3-door turret
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

;Mk 2/3

  • As original Mk 2 but fitted with thicker side and rear hull plates during manufacture
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

;Mk 2/4

  • Original Mk 2 but fitted with welded-on appliqué on side and rear of hull and turret
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

;Mk 2/5

  • As Mk 1 fitted with appliqué plates as the Mk 2/4
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG with Bren LMG stowage

;MK 2/6

  • FV703
  • As Mk 2/3 converted as carrier for *Vigilant antitank missile
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG and four missiles mounted in boxes, two on each side of turret
  • Used by British Army and Abu Dhabi

;Mk 2/7

  • FV701
  • As Mk 2/6 stripped of anti-tank missiles after Vigilant withdrawn from service

;Mk 3

  • Basic hull for Mk 4 and 5
  • Larger wheels
  • Heavier armour
  • Stronger suspension
  • Flotation screen

;Mk 4

  • FV711
  • Reconnaissance vehicle with 2-door turret from Alvis Saracen APC
  • Also Mk 2/3 rebuilt to new specification
  • Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG

File:Ferret Mk5 1 Bovington.jpg, Bovington]]

;Mk 5

  • FV712
  • Mk 3 hull with unusual wide flat turret for Swingfire anti-tank missiles and L7 GPMG

;Ferret 80{{cite book|title=Jane's Armour and Artillery|page=253|year=1991|publisher=Jane's Information Group|isbn=0710609647}}

  • A new light reconnaissance vehicle proposed by Alvis in 1982, with only one non-operational mock up produced.
  • New armoured aluminium hull with a {{convert|155|hp|kW}} Perkins T6 diesel engine but incorporating many existing Mk 4 and Mk 5 components.
  • 2-door turret from Alvis Saracen or Helio FVT900 turret.
  • Armament: L37 7.62mm machine gun (2-door turret) or 20 mm autocannon with 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun (FVT900 turret).

{{Clear}}

References

{{Reflist}}

=Bibliography=

  • {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2021|date=February 2021|volume=121|isbn=9781032012278|publisher=Routledge|ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2021}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}

External links

{{Commons}}

  • [https://captainstevens.com/military/mv/ferret-scout-car/ Ferret Scout Car in Canadian Service]
  • [http://www.warwheels.net/vehiclenameindex.html#F Warwheels.net]
  • [http://www.primeportal.net/apc/ferret.htm Ferret Walk Arounds on Prime Portal]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20120516163732/http://www.ontrmuseum.ca/hvs.htm The Ontario Regiment (RCAC) Ferret Club], Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
  • [http://www.jedsite.info/misc/foxtrot/fv_series/fv-series.html]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20090713234500/http://www.kingsownbordermuseum.btik.com/ King's Own Royal Border Regiment Museum], Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, England has an example on display

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