Alvis Saladin (FV601): the six-wheeled armoured car of 1954

The FV601 Saladin is a six-wheeled armoured car developed by Crossley Motors and later manufactured by Alvis. Designed in 1954, it replaced the AEC armoured car in British Army service from 1958. It weighed 11 tonnes, had a top speed of 72 km/h and a crew of three, and was noted for excellent performance in desert conditions.

Alvis Saladin at a glance

This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.

History of the Alvis Saladin

After the end of the Second World War the British Army issued a requirement for a new 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicle to replace the obsolete AEC armoured car. Design work began in 1947 and a contract was awarded to Alvis Cars to build two prototypes for trials; the new armoured car was designated FV601A and armed with the Ordnance QF 2-pounder gun. Alvis also proposed a much heavier fire-support variant.

The Saladin found favour with a number of Middle Eastern armies because of its performance in desert conditions, and it also spawned an armoured personnel carrier counterpart, the Alvis Saracen. Despite its age and dated design it remains in use in a number of countries in secondary roles. A special variant known as the FV601D was developed for law enforcement.

Design and features

• Chassis family: the FV600 series chassis shared with the Saracen, Salamander and Stalwart.
• Role: armoured reconnaissance and fire support.

Alvis Saladin versions

• FV601A: the prototype with a 2-pounder gun.
• FV601D: the law-enforcement variant.

More Alvis vehicles are in our Alvis collection, for example the Saracen, the Salamander and the Stalwart.

Alvis Saladin questions and answers

What did the Saladin replace?

The AEC armoured car in British Army service, from 1958.

How heavy and fast is it?

11 tonnes and 72 km/h.

How many crew does it have?

Three.

Sources

• Alvis Saladin, English Wikipedia: development and history