Title:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS OF FV101 SCORPION AND FV437 PATHFINDER, RIVER TAW, APRIL 1970 [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFM 518
Other titles:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS AND TRAINING UNIT, ROYAL MARINES [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Film shot by the Military Vehicle Experimental Establishment (MVEE) showing trials of the amphivious version of the Scorpion tank and the prototype FV437 Pathfinder armoured personnel carrier (a variant on the FV432 with extra buoyancy and snorkelling facilities). Trials took place in the Taw estuary, Crow point and nearby mud flats.
Description: Scorpion on the dunes at Braunton Burrows and on a beach (Saunton Sands ?). From a hardstanding, and with its flotation collar raised, the Scorpion drives into the water (engineers in duffel coats and bobble hats sit atop). The FV437 Pathfinder comes out of the water. Various shots of both vehicles. A DUKW becomes trapped at the shoreline, sinking into the wet sand; a second DUKW and the Pathfinder (which has "help me" chalked on the side) help to recover it. Various further trials with both vehicles together. On the beach, the flotation screen of the Scorpion is lowered (it is made of flexible concertina fabric) and folded before being secured on the body of the tank. Measurements are taken, including the depth of the ruts caused by the vehicle's tracks. The Scorpion (screen down, turret visible) drives across mud flats. The Pathfinder is also seen in the mud; it gets stuck and has to be towed out by a truck.
Alternative Title:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS AND TRAINING UNIT, ROYAL MARINES [Allocated Series Title]
