Morris-Martel

Last updated

Morris-Martel
Morris-Martel Two-Man Tankette, IMW.jpg
Morris-Martel Tankette 2-man variant
Type Tankette
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service1927-1928
Used byUnited Kingdom (prototypes only)
WarsNone
Production history
DesignerSir Giffard Le Quesne Martel
Designed1925
Manufacturer Morris Commercial Cars [1]
Produced1927
No. built8
Variants1-man and 2-man variants
Specifications
Mass2.25 long tons (2.29 t) [2]
Crew1-2 depending on model

Armour 0.3 in (7.6 mm) [3]
Main
armament
Lewis Gun
EngineMorris "16hp"
16  bhp (12 kW)
SuspensionLeaf spring
Ground clearance18 in (460 mm)
Maximum speed 30 mph (48 km/h) on road

The Morris-Martel was a British inter-war tankette developed from prototypes designed by Lieutenant-General Sir Giffard Le Quesne Martel. Intended for reconnaissance, eight were constructed for the Experimental Mechanized Force and were tested on Salisbury plain in 1927, against experimental models of the Carden Loyd tankette built by John Carden and Vivian Loyd as a response to Martel's work. [4] The project was abandoned after testing with the Carden Loyd design chosen instead; during its short existence the tankette attracted "quite a lot of publicity" and was a pioneer of the tankette concept. [1]

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 Ford (1997) p. 25.
  2. "Morris-Martel Tank". Ordnance. XI–XII. American Defense Preparedness Association: 27. 1930. OCLC   5671311.
  3. "Morris-Martel Tank". National Defense. XII. American Defense Preparedness Association: 27. 1931. ISSN   0092-1491.
  4. Harris (1995) p. 210.

Sources