models. However, the Ferret normally carried a .303" (7.7 mm) Bren light machine gun or a pintle-mounted .30" (7.62 mm) Browning light machine gun in addition to the crew's personal weapons. Ferret Mark 2 Compared to the lightly armed and protected Mark 1, the Mark 2 was designed from the outset to mount a .30" (7.62 mm) Browning in a one-person traversable turret, at the cost of one crew member. While this offered better crew protection and protected the exposed gunner, the turret raised the height of the vehicle. Mark 1 and Mark 2 Ferrets were used by Australian Military 1953-70, at which time Australian military forces disposed of them at public auction. According to the US Military, 20 national armies were operating the Ferret in 1996. Production A total of 4,409 Ferrets, including 16 sub-models under various Mark numbers, were manufactured between 1952 and 1962, when production ceased. It is possible to upgrade the engine using the more powerful FB60 version from the Austin Princess 4-Litre-R; this upgrade providing a gain over the standard B60 engine. Operators Current operators : 65 : 8 : 30 : 15 : 8 : 8 : 55 : 15; Mk 4 variant : 180 : 12 : 90 : 10 : some donated by South Africa : 40; Mk 4 variant : 40 : 15 : 90 : 10 : 3 : 40–50 : 15 : At least one Mk1 purchased privately. : 28 Former operators : 265 : 1 : 124 : 200; likely replaced by the Panhard AML : 30 : Used by the Royal Hong Kong Regiment. : 50 : 20 : 5; possibly donated by Jordan : 15 : 92; Mk 2 variant (Some still active in Royal Malaysian Police) : 45 : 9; Mk 2 variant : 6 Mk 2, 1 Mk 1, operated by 11 Infantry Recce Company : 32; Mk 4 variant : 30 : 18 : 231 : 15 : 42 : 30 : 10 Variants There are several Marks of Ferret, including those with varying equipment, turret or no turret and armed with Swingfire anti-tank missiles. Including all the marks and experimental variants, there have probably been over 60 different vehicles. Mk 1 FV701C Liaison duties No turret Armament .30" (7.62 mm) Browning MG MK 1/1 Fitted with thicker side and rear hull plates during manufacture Sealed hull for fording Armament .30" (7.62 mm)