CRUSADER (A15) AA TANK Mk. II

CRUSADER (A15) AA TANK Mk. II
Image: Crusader AA Tank Mk. III (IWM)
Year1943
Vehicle TypeAnti-Aircraft Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Nuffield
Numbers Produced600 (Both
Crew4 (Commander/Gunner, Two Loaders & Driver)
Main Armament2 x 20mm Oerlikon Cannons
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +70°
Turret Traverse360°
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight[@gun_sight]
Secondary Armament[@secondary_armament]
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried600 x 20mm Rounds
Height2.24m
Width2.77m
Length6.01m
Combat Weight19.800 kg
Ground Clearance0.41m
Fording Depth0.99m
Trench Crossing2.59m
Obstacle Clearance0.67m
Climbing Ability32°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 32mm.
Hull Sides: 27mm.
Hull Rear: 27mm.
Hull Top: 7mm.
Hull Bottom: 10mm.
Turret Front: 25mm.
Turret Sides: 25mm.
Turret Rear: 25mm.
Turret Top: 25mm.
EngineNuffield Liberty Mk III (Petrol)
Transmission4 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range204 km
Maximum Cross Country Range[@maximum_cross_country_range]
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed43 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed24 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
VariantsMk. III: Year: 1944. Notes: Same vehicle but for minor changes to the turret and position of the radio.
NotesThe Mk. II used the same Crusader hull as the Mk. I but had a new revolving turret mounting two 20mm cannons. They were used to provide protection against low level aircraft and mainly served in Churchill tank brigades and armoured divisions. These were issued at HQ level. Many were withdrawn later in the campaign as the threat of air attack diminished.