PRESS RELEASE

"There are 2 very rare guided missile armed Ferrets attending this years War and Peace show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ferret in service. The first is a Mark 2/6 which is a totally complete example of the 124 built and put into service. It carries 2 ready to fire Vigilant wire guided anti-tank missiles in 2 separate mountings on the turret. 2 reloads are stowed in the specially design box carried on the vehicle. The vehicle has 4 aerials, another unusual feature on a ferret. This is because it is a Brigade asset and runs several radio nets. This vehicle still mounts the infamous "hull electrification unit" used to "repel unwanted boarders". I have not tried this device but veterans tell me it was most effective!

The second Missile armed Ferret is a Mark 5 which is the biggest ferret you will ever see. It is one of only 38 ever built. To my knowledge there are only 3 surviving examples left. This ferret has 4 ready to fire Swingfire missiles and 2 reloads. It is amphibious and is the first example used in the British Army of an armoured vehicle using armour made from an aluminium alloy. Again, this example is very complete including the amphibious wading screen which can still be deployed. Both examples have deactivated missiles which can be viewed on the vehicles and are complete with remote launch, command and control systems which will also be displayed with each vehicle. If you like ferrets, these are very different from any ferret you may have seen to date both inside and out. If anyone knows of other Mark 5 and Mark 2/6 ferrets I would like to get in touch with their owners.

Bother Ferret types would have served with Air mobile elements in the British Army as well as armoured regiments. The Mark 5 is a prototype used during the development of the mark 5 and the Swingfire missile programme. I have loads of fascinating history about this vehicle which was totally rebuilt 3 years ago.

Come and see me at the show and check out the before and after pictures,

Best regards

Paul Thompson."

The War and Peace Show 2002