Mark
1/1...Liaison vehicle. STILL AVAILABLE!!!!Ferret Page 2
FERRET GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Ferret is an armored four-wheel drive road and cross country vehicle. The vehicle carries a crew of two - Commander/gunner or (controller) and driver, with the exception of the liaison type vehicles, which have a crew of three - Commander, gunner and driver.
Generally, the hull construction of the vehicles is the same, the liaison type vehicles (Mark 1/1) have an open top fighting compartment, whereas the remaining Marks of vehicle are either equipped with a fixed or a rotating turret which may be equipped with a light machine gun. The Mark 3, 4 and 5 vehicles have a hull and suspension designed to carry a greater all up weight. The hull and turret (if fitted) are of welded construction. The hull being waterproofed for fording.
The front of the hull is provided with three driver observation ports, which have hinged visors. A laminated glass screen can be fitted in the center port escape hatch opening to give the driver weather protection. The screen must be removed before the escape hatch can be closed. When the vehicle is closed down, driver observation is by means of a periscope mounted in each of three visors. Vision slits are provided in the hull side plates (Mk 1 and 2 vehicles) and rearward vision is provided for by two ports with top hinged visors.
The vehicle is powered by a 6 cylinder overhead valve, water cooled B60 Rolls Royce gasoline engine, which is of unit construction with a fluid coupling, gearbox and transfer gearbox. The ignition system is waterproofed and fully screened to prevent radio interference.
A radiator of the gilled tube type is provided, together with a twelve bladed fan for engine cooling purposes. The cooling system is pressurized.
The power from the engine is transmitted through the fluid coupling to a five speed pre-selective gearbox. The gearbox drives a transfer gearbox which in turn is connected to each wheel station by propeller shafts and bevel boxes. A reduction gear is located in each wheel hub. Five speeds are also obtainable on the selection of reverse gear.
Fully independent suspension is employed and consists of double unequal length wishbone links with a coil spring and hydraulic damper at each wheel station.
Hydraulic brakes are fitted to all Marks of vehicle. The Mk 1 and 2 vehicles are equipped with drum internal expanding, two leading shoe type fitted to all wheels, whereas the Mk 3, 4 and 5 vehicles have disc type fitted to all wheels. The Mk 1 and 2 vehicles parking brake operates mechanically on all four wheel drums. The Mk 3, 4 and 5 vehicles have their parking brakes operating on drums located on the input to the front bevel boxes, the brake being of the external contracting type. The hydraulic braking system is operated by a foot pedal, which is assisted by a vacuum servo unit on Mk 3, 4 and 5 vehicles, and also on a number of Mk1 and 2 re-worked vehicles.
Divided disc road wheel with cross-country type are fitted. The tires are of the run - flat type and enable a limited amount of running to be done after a wheel has been punctured.
Steering is by means of steering wheel and re-circulating ball system.
Fuel is carried in a single tank positioned between the engine and fighting compartment.
The negative earth return electrical system is 24 volts. The main earth connection is made at the distribution box. Two 12 volt batteries connected in series are housed in separate containers, on each side of the gearbox.
A flotation screen is provided on Mk 1/3, 3 , 4 and 5 vehicles, which enables the vehicles to float safely in reasonable conditions; propulsion and steering when afloat is by means of the road wheels.
Some Basic Types of Ferrets
Mark
1/1...Liaison vehicle. STILL AVAILABLE!!!!
Mark
1/2 ... Light reconnaissance vehicle. STILL AVAILABLE!!!!
Mark
2/3... Reconnaissance Vehicle. STILL AVAILABLE!!!! (See
diagram).
Mark
2/6 ... vigilant anti tank missile vehicle. Very rare!
Mark
5 ...with Swing-fire heavy anti tank missile system. Very rare!