Intended for use with either version of the Airfix Ferret Mk.2

Ferret Mk.5 was the final version of the Ferret. Along with it’s sister Mk.4 (SMM3564E), the ‘Big-Wheeled’ Ferrets had larger wheels and tyres (the same as later fitted to Fox). The original Ferret hull had a shelf built onto the the existing body, carrying a float screen around its four sides. Brakes were now discs instead of drums, all held by a new suspension.

It was equipped with a specially-designed aluminium turret housing four BAC Swingfire wire-guided anti-tank missiles (two on each side in twin banks that were raised up 40° to fire). Two further rounds were storred in boxes on either side of the hull. In service, the Mk.5 replaced the Ferret Mk.2/6 Vigilant (SMM3564V). Like Vigilant, the missiles were guided by a trailing cable and could be fired remotely from outside the vehicle. As secondary armament, it was also armed with a single GPMG in the turret. Apparently some were converted from Mk.4s. Swingfire firing trials were completed in 1969, with service entry soon after. Swingfire had a HEAT warhead in a larger missile, so was more capable than Vigilant. It could penetrate more thn 800 mm of armour, up to 4,000 metres range.

With the introduction of CVR(T) Striker and FV438, records estimate only around 32 to 50 units were ever manufactured.

From looking at the few in-service photos available, it seems the turret would have been turned away from the hull rear or sides to avoid damage by the missile’s efflux.