CRUISER TANK Mk. I (A9)

CRUISER TANK Mk. I (A9)
Image: A9 Cruiser (IWM)
YearJuly 1936
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Vickers
Numbers Produced125
Crew6 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, 2 x MG Gunners & Driver)
Main Armament1 x OQF 2 pdr L/50 Mk. IX Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-15° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Powered)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightNo. 33 Mk. II S
Secondary Armament1 x .303in Vickers Machine Gun (Coaxial).
2 x .303in Vickers Machine Guns (Hull Turrets).
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried100 x 40mm & 3000 x .303in Rounds
Height2.65m
Width2.50m
Length5.79m
Combat Weight12.730 kg
Ground Clearance0.46m
Fording Depth0.91m
Trench Crossing2.43m
Obstacle Clearance0.92m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 14mm.
Hull Sides: 10mm.
Hull Rear: 10mm.
Hull Top: 5mm.
Hull Bottom: 7mm.
Gun Mantlet: 14mm.
Turret Front: 14mm.
Turret Sides: 12mm.
Turret Rear: 14mm.
Turret Top: 4mm.
EngineAEC A179 (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range240 km
Maximum Cross Country Range151 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed40 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed24 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
VariantsA9 CS: Close Support Variant with one 3.7in L/15 Mk.IV Howitzer (40 x 3.7in Rounds)
NotesThe first in the line of British cruiser class tanks, these along with the slower Infantry tanks formed the basis of future armoured warfare within the British army. The tank itself was prone to breakdowns but went on to serve in France, Greece and North Africa.