++ المـــركبات العســـكرية ++

**Dark Watch** · 02-12-2005, 02:07 PM

Despite only being a young Regiment, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment has operated a number of types of vehicles. From the Ferret and Staghound through to the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) family, the armoured vehicles of the Regiment have been pivotal to the successful conduct of its role. This section aims to showcase the vehicles operated by the Regiment.

The Ferret Scout Car was of British origin and, in 1960, replaced the Centurion tank in the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse. The Ferret was armed with a .30 cal Browning machine gun, a six cylinder Rolls Royce petrol motor, weighed 3.75 tons, could reach speeds of 60 mph and had a crew of two. This introduction of new equipment also signalled a shift in the role of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse to reconnaissance. The Ferret proved to be an ideal vehicle to undertake this role, having a low profile and being a quiet vehicle.

Staghound Armoured Car

The Staghound Armoured Car was of American origin and, together with the Ferret Scout Car, replaced the Centurion tank in the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse. It was armed with a 37mm gun, a GMC Chevrolet twin six cylinder petrol motor, weighed 12 tons, could reach speeds of 55 mph and had a crew of five. It offered the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse, which had just taken on the reconnaissance role, a vehicle capable of conducting effective reconnaissance, but at the same time able to extricate itself from trouble if required.

Saladin

The Saladin Armoured Car was introduced into the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse during the period 1965 – 1966. It was of British origin and was armed with a 76mm gun and a coaxial .30 cal machine gun. Its powerplant was a Rolls Royce petrol motor, bringing the total vehicle weight to 10.5 tons. The vehicle could reach speeds of 45 mph and had a crew of three. This vehicle offered greater firepower and mobility than had been previously provided by the Staghound Armoured Car and was effective in its reconnaissance role.

Saracen

The Saracen Armoured Personnel Carrier was introduced into the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse at the same time as the Saladin Armoured Car, from 1965 – 1966. It provided the unit with the ability to move personnel (such as Assault Troopers) within an armoured vehicle and signalled a change in role towards transporting personnel around the battlefield. It weighed 10 tons and could reach a top speed of 70km/h. It had a crew of two, could carry 10 personnel and was armed with a .30 cal machine gun. It complemented the capability of the sabre troops, which were equipped with two Ferret Scout Cars, two Saladin Armoured Cars and a Saracen Armoured Personnel Carrier.