MX-7 Gagamba
The MX-7 Gagamba was one of several vehicles that the Philippine Army evaluated in 2007 for use as an armored escort vehicle. The MX-7 is a modified British "Ferret" Mk2 scout car, imported and modified by a Filipino used-metalworking and machining company called Steelcraft. This is the same company that produced such armored vehicle prototypes as the MX-1 "Kalakian", and the MX-8. The latter was evaluated at the same time as the MX-7. Despite being agile and fast, it is vulnerable to local RPG rounds, although it can deflect 7.62 millimetre rounds at point-blank range. It was not adopted by the Philippines Army.
Features
The MX-7 has a crew of two. It is designed as a scout and reconnaissance vehicle, armed with a single 7.62 mm machine gun in a one-man turret. It is also fitted with six smoke grenade launchers.Steelcraft modifications were a diesel engine, a modified drivetrain with five-speed preselected transmission and upgraded windshields.
Compared to its primary competitor, the MX-8, the MX-7 is reportedly cheaper. However, long-term maintenance costs are expected to be higher since most of its specialized components, estimated at 50% of the vehicle, are not commercially available in the Philippines.