Alvis FV603 Saracen Mk.5
Alvis FV603 Saracen Mk.5
Airfix 1/35
The FV603 Saracen is a six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier designed and produced by Alvis from 1952 to 1976. It has been used by a variety of operators around the world and is still in use in secondary roles in some countries. The Saracen became a recognisable vehicle as a result of its part in the Troubles' Operation Banner in Northern Ireland, as well as for its role in the South African government's enforcement of apartheid.
Saracens were initially equipped with an L3A4 (0.30-inch Browning) machine gun in the turret, and a Bren light machine gun for the gun-ring at the rear of the vehicle. Later Marks carried the LMG and L37 GPMG.
Mk 5: Mark 1 or Mark 2 vehicles modified with extra armour specifically for use in Northern Ireland.
Product Info
This 1:35 scale model of the Alvis FV603 Saracen Mk.5 is an impressive kit comprising 219 pieces, offering modellers at skill level 3 a challenging and rewarding project with ample scope for detailed customisation.
Crafted by the renowned Alvis Company of Coventry, the Saracen armoured personnel carrier was prioritised for production in the late 1940s due to the urgent situation in Malaya. With a crew of two, the FV603 could accommodate ten soldiers in its rear section, with the commander and wireless operator sitting behind the driver, facing forward, while eight soldiers sat opposite each other in two rows along the armoured sides.
Key Features
- 1:35 scale model with 219 plastic pieces
- Skill level 3 build suitable for ages 8 and above
- Three authentic paint schemes representing Cold War era service
- Highly detailed armoured personnel carrier design
- Opportunity to add extensive detail throughout the build
-
A1385 - Alvis FV603 Saracen Mk.5, B Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment, Northern Ireland, May 1973.
A1385 - Alvis FV603 Saracen Mk.5, Alvis Ltd, Coventry, Warwickshire, England, November 1972.
