What were the essential differences between the Alvis Saladin Mk.1 and Mk.2?
Paul
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I believe the only Mk1s were pre-production vehicles with a different turret configuration
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Mk.1 and Mk.2??
The original development Saladin was designated FV601A and armed with a QF 2-pounder. Alvis proposed a much heavier fire-support variant designated FV601B, armed with a new 76 mm low-pressure gun. Design work on the FV601B was sub-contracted to Crossley Motors, which engineered and manufactured six pre-production models.
After further modifications by Alvis, the FV601C entered mass production in 1958 as the Alvis Saladin. Production of the FV601C continued at the Alvis factory at Coventry until 1972.
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Do you mean Saracen - not Saladin??
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Michael,
Saladin. Maybe they weren’t designated Mk.1 and Mk.2, but I have come across a reference to ‘early and late’ versions. Was the petrol engine replaced by a diesel engine at some point?
Paul
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Dragon calls their kit a Mk2 which is most likely why the name is around at least among modelers. FV601 Saladin is probably the only designation used by the British Army
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Yes, I totally misunderstood the designation. It appears that the pre-production model, armed with the ‘pipsqueak’ QF 2-pdr was loosely referred to as Mk.1, the Mk.2 production model being armed with the 76mm gun. As you suggest, the only widely used designation is FV601 Saladin.
Paul
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