Mark 2/6
Mark 2/6 Ferret Scout Car
Equipped with anti-tank missiles
This is the basic Ferret Mark 2 Scout Car adapted to carry and fire the British Aircraft Corporation Vigilant anti-tank guided missile. First developed in 1956 Vigilant entered service in the early sixties and the Ferret version was operating with armored units by 1966.
This Mark 2/6 is in the museum at Bovington, England.
In theory it was an ideal combination, a fast, inconspicuous and maneuverable vehicle which was perfect for reconnaissance missions but with the ability to destroy a main battle tank. In practice this can lead to a confusion of roles should the crew report what they have seen and remain hidden, or should they attempt to destroy the enemy and risk losing the advantage of surprise!
Vigilant could be fired from the vehicle or dismounted and launched from the ground. The operator guided it by wire, using a hand-held sight and the heavy warhead was capable of penetrating the thickest armor up to a maximum range of 1,500 yards.
The Ferret 2/6 served with the British Army and was purchased by Libya and the United Arab Emirates.