VICKERS LIGHT Mk. VIC

VICKERS LIGHT Mk. VIC
Image: Mk. VIC (IWM)
Year1939
Vehicle TypeLight Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Vickers
Numbers Produced130
Crew3 (Commander, Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 15mm Besa Heavy Machine Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +37°
Turret Traverse360° (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight[@gun_sight]
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm Besa Machine Gun (Coaxial)
Smoke Discharger2 x 4in Smoke Mortars
Ammunition Carried175 x 15mm & 2.700 x 7.92mm
Height2.26m
Width2.08m
Length4.01m
Combat Weight5.080 kg
Ground Clearance0.27m
Fording Depth0.61m
Trench Crossing1.52m
Obstacle Clearance0.60m
Climbing Ability60°
RadioNo. 9 Set
ArmourHull Front: 14mm.
Hull Sides: 11mm.
Hull Rear: 6mm.
Hull Top: 4mm.
Hull Bottom: 3mm.
Turret Fronts: 14mm.
Turret Sides: 11mm.
Turret Rear: 11mm.
Turret Top: 3.5mm.
EngineMeadows ESTB Type (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range240 km
Maximum Cross Country Range140 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed56 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed40 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Mk. IVC was an up-gunned version of the Mk. IVB light tank. The Vickers .50 machine gun was replaced by the 15mm Besa machine gun. The secondary armament was also changed with the Besa 7.92mm machine gun replacing the .303 coaxially mounted Vickers. There were modifications to the turret, with the removal of the commander’s cupola. This was replaced by a periscope. A stronger engine and wider tracks gave it a better overall performance. There were never enough of these vehicles issued but some saw action in France in 1940.