CRUISER TANK Mk. III (A13)

CRUISER TANK Mk. III (A13)
Image: A13 Cruiser (IWM)
Year1939
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Nuffield
Numbers Produced65
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x OQF 2 pdr L/52 Mk. I 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)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried87 x 40mm & 3.750 x .303in Rounds
Height2.59m
Width2.54m
Length6.02m
Combat Weight14.220 kg
Ground Clearance0.41m
Fording Depth0.91m
Trench Crossing2.29m
Obstacle Clearance0.76m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 14mm.
Hull Sides: 14mm.
Hull Rear: 14mm.
Hull Top: 6mm.
Hull Bottom: 6mm.
Gun Mantlet: 14mm.
Turret Front: 14mm.
Turret Sides: 14mm.
Turret Rear: 14mm.
Turret Top: 14mm.
EngineNuffield Liberty Mk I (Petrol)
Transmission4 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range140 km
Maximum Cross Country Range[@maximum_cross_country_range]
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed48 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed23 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
VariantsClose Support Variant with one 3.7in L/15 Mk IV Howitzer (40 x 3.7in Rounds)
NotesThe first British cruiser tank to feature Christie Suspension, which gave the A13 a good cross country performance and faster speeds then both the A9 and A10, but mechanically it suffered from the same problems as its predecessors. It was used in action in France, North Africa and Greece.