The 'Ridiculous' British Car That Carried A Tank Gun On Six Wheels — And Actually Worked Alvis Sal

Описание: The Alvis Saladin looked like a mistake. A 76mm tank gun bolted onto six rubber tyres. Eleven and a half tonnes of armoured steel pretending to be a car. It took twelve years to develop, arrived late to everything, and carried a gun that nobody thought belonged on wheels.

It then served for over 65 years, fought on four continents, equipped more than 20 nations, and outlasted both of the vehicles that replaced it.

This is the story of the FV601 Saladin — Britain's last big-gun armoured car, and one of the most successful fighting vehicles ever exported from Coventry.

Sources and further reading:
— Queen's Dragoon Guards Regimental History (Aden 1966–67)
— Richard Hardman, 4th Royal Tank Regiment (Borneo veteran account)
— Tank Encyclopedia: FV601 Saladin
— Army Guide: Saladin technical specifications
— IISS Military Balance 2024 (current operators)
— RM Sotheby's Littlefield Collection catalogue (FV601C Saladin Mk2)
— Norfolk Tank Museum: Saladin Armoured Car FV 601
— Wikipedia: Alvis Saladin, AEC Armoured Car, Panhard AML, HESH ammunition

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