Built by Alvis the FV603 Saracen is a 6 wheeled armoured personnel carrier particularly recognisable as a result of its use by the British Army in Northern Ireland. Most models were fitted with a small turret on the roof carrying a .30 cal Browning machine gun. A .303 Bren gun could be mounted on an anti-aircraft ring mount accessed through the roof hatch and there were ports each side through which the troops could fire.

ENGINE

The Saracen (Armoured Personnel Carrier) is fitted with a Rolls Royce B80 8 cylinder 5.6 litre water cooled petrol engine producing 170bhp at 3750rpm coupled to a 5 speed Pre-select gearbox, with five forward and reverse gear’s and a top speed of 45mph on the road.

HISTORY

The Saracen first entered service with the British Army in 1952 and was deployed all over the world. It undertook many roles including that of an armoured police car, ambulance and Command Post.

SPECIFICATION

•Weight; 11 Ton’s

•Width; 8ft 4in

•Height; 8ft 1in

•Length; 17ft 1in

Crew of three ; Driver, Commander, radio operator + Eight Infantry Men