CRUISER TANK Mk. VI (A15) CRUSADER Mk. III

CRUISER TANK Mk. VI (A15) CRUSADER Mk. III
Image: Crusader Mk III (IWM)
Year1942
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Nuffield
Numbers Produced1.717
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x OQF 6 pdr L/50 Mk. V Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-12° to +30°
Turret Traverse360° (Powered)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightNo. 54 Mk. I
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm Besa Machine Gun (Coaxial)
Smoke Discharger2in Smoke Mortar
Ammunition Carried65 x 57mm & 5000 x 7.92mm + 29 x Smoke Rounds
Height2.43m
Width2.88m
Length6.35m
Combat Weight20.100 kg
Ground Clearance0.41m
Fording Depth0.99m
Trench Crossing2.59m
Obstacle Clearance0.67m
Climbing Ability32°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 32mm.
Hull Sides: 14mm + 13mm.
Hull Rear: 27mm.
Hull Top: 7mm.
Hull Bottom: 10mm.
Gun Mantlet: 51mm.
Turret Front: 32mm.
Turret Sides: 23mm.
Turret Rear: 29mm.
Turret Top: 12mm.
EngineNuffield Liberty Mk III (Petrol)
Transmission4 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range322 km
Maximum Cross Country Range177 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed43 mph
Maximum Cross Country Speed24 mph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe last in the line of the Crusader series, the Mk. II was the first British tank to mount the 6 pdr gun, this meant losing a crew member to make way for the larger weapon.