Ferret Mk 2/6
FV703
Overview
Ferret Mk 2/6
Ferret Mk 2/6 reconnaissance vehicle and tank destroyer with two launch boxes for Vigilant anti-tank guided missiles.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
FV703 (UK fighting vehicle index)
Libya
United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi
Description
Introduction
The Ferret Mk 2/6 is a Cold War era reconnaissance vehicle and tank destroyer of UK origin. In UK service it was still primarily intended as a scout vehicle, not as a tank destroyer. It was issued to reconnaissance units and not tank destroyer units. The Ferret Mk 2/6
Design
The Ferret Mk 2/6 is a rather simple upgrade of the Ferret Mk 2/3 armored car. A mounting bracket is located on both sides of the turret for a single launch box for the Vigilant. The control station is used by the operated from the turret hatch. A missile control box allows switching the guidance to the next missile after the first one was used. The space on the left side of the hull that normally mounts a spare tire is fitted with a storage box for additional missiles.
Firepower
The Ferret Mk 2/6 is armed with the Vigilant wire-guided anti-tank guided missile. This is a manually guided missile with a single HEAT warhead. Minimum range is about 200 meters due to the launch angle, maximum range is 1.375 m.
Protection
The Ferret Mk 2/6 was based on the Ferret Mk 2/3 with its slightly up-armored hull. This protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters, but not anything more powerful. When firing the missile the vulnerability increases. The operator is exposed from the turret when firing the missile. Furthermore, upon missile launch enemy vehicles will want to engage the launch vehicle, which has to remain in place until the missile has ends its flight.
Mobility
The Ferret has good mobility and in the field. Weight increase over the regular Ferret is minimal. The Rolls Royce B60 engine provides a power of 130 hp. Maximum speed on roads is 93 km/h.
Users
The Ferret Mk 2/6 was used by the British army. When the Vigilant was replaced by the Swingfire the remaining Ferret Mk 2/6 in UK service had their launch boxes and control systems removed. These were redesignated Ferret Mk 2/7. The Ferret Mk 2/6 was exported to both Libya and Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi became part of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
Details
Armament
Vigilant
A launch box for the Vigilant wire guided anti-tank guided missile is located on either side of the turret. The Vigilant can be controlled from within the vehicle. Alternatively, it can be used dismounted and fired from the ground.
Browning M1919
The small turret retains the .30 M1919A4 machine gun as found on the regular Ferrets in the reconnaissance role.
Media
Ferret Mk 2/6
Vigilant missile being fired from a Ferret Mk 2/6. Note the operator guiding the missile from the open roof hatch. Also note the two spare missiles carried on the hull instead of the spare wheel.
Source: Unknown author, via www.ferret-fv701.co.uk
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Ferret Mk 2/6
Close-up of Ferret Mk 2/6 clearly showing the Vigilant missiles in their launch boxes.
Source: Unknown author, via www.ferret-fv701.co.uk
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Ferret Mk 2/6
Forward view of Ferret Mk 2/6 with two Vigilant missiles ready to fire.
Source: British Ministry of Defence
Copyright: Open Government License
Ferret Mk 2/6
Vigilant missile being fired from a Ferret Mk 2/6.
Source: British Ministry of Defence
Copyright: Open Government License
Ferret Mk 2/6
Forward view of Ferret Mk 2/6 with Vigilant missile boxes in open position.
Source: www.panzer-handel.de
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Ferret Mk 2/6
Right side view of Ferret Mk 2/6 with Vigilant missile boxes in open position.
Source: www.panzer-handel.de
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Ferret Mk 2/6
Ferret Mk 2/6 with Vigilant missile boxes in closed position.
Source: www.panzer-handel.de
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
Ferret
The Ferret Mk 2/6 was created by converting existing Ferret Mk 2/3 reconnaissance vehicles.