FV603 Saracen | |
|---|---|
| Country | UK |
| Role | Armoured personnel carrier |
| Entering service | 1952 |
| Built | Unknow |
The FV603 Saracen is a six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier designed and produced by Alvis since 1952. It has been used by a variety of operators around the world, and is still in use in secondary roles in some countries.The Saracen became a recognisable vehicle as a result of its part in the policing of Northern Ireland as well as for its role in the South African government’s enforcement of apartheid.
Source: FV603 Saracen on Wikipedia
| FV603 Saracen Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographers | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 34 |
See also:
General Characteristics (Cold War Era)
The FV603 Saracen is a classic British six-wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) designed and manufactured by Alvis. Developed in the post-WWII era, it was part of the FV600 series (sharing many components with the Saladin armored car). It is most famously recognized for its use by the British Army in internal security and riot control roles, particularly during the conflict in Northern Ireland.
| Property | Typical Value (FV603 Mk 2) |
|---|---|
| Role | Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) / Internal Security |
| Designer/Manufacturer | Alvis Ltd. |
| Entered Service | 1952 |
| Crew | 2 (Driver, Commander) |
| Capacity | 10 troops |
| Length | 5.23 m (17 ft 1 in) |
| Width | 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Combat Weight | ~10,170 kg (11.2 tons) |
| Wheel Configuration | 6×6 |
Design and Powerplant
- Engine: Rolls-Royce B80 Mk 6A 8-cylinder petrol engine.
- Power Output: 119 kW (160 hp).
- Transmission: Fluid coupling with a 5-speed pre-selector gearbox.
- Armor: Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA) with a maximum thickness of 16 mm, providing protection against small arms fire and shell splinters.
- Shared Components: Shares its basic chassis, suspension, and H-drive drivetrain with the FV601 Saladin Armored Car.
- Troop Access: Troops enter and exit via two large doors at the rear of the hull.
Performance and Armament
- Maximum Road Speed: 72 km/h (45 mph).
- Operational Range: Approximately 400 km (250 miles).
- Main Armament: One 7.62 mm (.30 cal) Browning M1919 machine gun (or L37 GPMG) in a small one-man turret.
- Secondary Armament: A 7.62 mm machine gun (often a Bren or another M1919) on a ring-mount at the rear of the troop compartment roof.
- Fire Ports: Firing ports in the hull sides and rear allowed the transported troops to engage targets from within the protection of the armor.
- Riot Control Role: For non-lethal use, Saracens were often fitted with wire mesh screens (for protection against improvised explosives/firebombs) and, occasionally, water cannons.
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