Daimler Ferret Mks I & II
The first production Ferrets were built from 1952 and the last was built in 1971. It was a development from Daimler’s famous Dingo. In all, 4 409 were built. It was the basis for the Fox which first appeared in in UK 1969. It was used in many countries from Abu Dhabi to Zambia as a scout car along with Tank and Armoured Car units.
Specifications:
Engine: Rolls Royce B60 Mk 6A 6-cylinder petrol engine
Power: 129 BHP at 3 750 RPM
Transmission: Wilson Epicyclic gearbox
Length: 12’ 7” (3.84 metres)
Width: 6’ 3” (1.9 metres)
Height: Mk I (w/o turret): 4’ 9” (1.45 metres), Mk 2/3 (with Turret) 6’ 2” (1.88 m)
Laden Weight: Mk I 4.22 tonnes, Mk 2/3 4.4 tonnes
Speed: 58 MPH (92 km/hr) on the road
Fording: 3’ (.9 metres) (without preparation) 5’ (1.52 metres) (with kit)
Trench crossing: 4’ (1.22 metres) with channels carried on front
Vertical obstacle: 1’ 4” (.4 metres)
Gradient: 42% (20.7 degrees)
Range: 109 miles (300 km)
Crew: 2 (Driver and Commander)
Armament:
Mk I: Pintle mounted Bren gun
Mk 2/3: Turret mounted .30 / 7.62mm Browning, elevation +45 degrees, -15 degrees, 360 degree traverse, non-powered.
Ammunition: 2 500 rounds for BMG
In South Africa in 1988, it was proposed that they might be used by 44 Parachute Brigade (Parabats) either as Scout Cars or with the turret removed, as tow vehicles for Anti-Tank weapons. They would have beenmodernised. It is not clear whether this took place.
Compiled by Andy Selfe from information contained in Armoured Fighting Vehicles of the World by Christopher Foss and South African Arms & Armour by Helmoed-Römer Heitman
