| The Mk V was a major
step forward in tank design, providing for the first time a vehicle that
could be driven and steered by one man, thus removing the need for two
gearsmen. In addition to the Wilson epicyclic gearbox which provided this
improvement, a purpose built 150hp engine was designed by the engineer
Harry Ricardo, this was thus the first engine specifically designed for
a tank.
The Mk V was further modified by the addition of a six foot body section to increase the length of the vehicle. This was a modification intended to improve the trench crossing capabilities of the tank, as well as increase stowage capacity. The new vehicle was designated Mk V*, and this trend was confirmed by production of a further modified version, the Mk V**. The Mk V**, unlike the Mk V* never saw action, but was used experimentally after the war. The only surviving example is on display at the Tank Museum, Bovington. It differs from the MkV* in external details, but, more significantly, by having the engine situated further back towards the centre of the vehicle, thus improving the nose-heaviness of the Mk V*. |
|
Mk V The vehicle shown is a male, having two short barrelled six pounders as main armament.
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Inside the Mk V Showing the 150hp Ricardo engine |
The Ricardo Engine
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The Ricardo Engine
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Mk V* A composite image from pictures supplied by Mike Kendall - thanks Mike. Interior views sometimes available on Mike's pages (depends what the subjects of the month are) here This vehicle is on display at the Patton Museum, Fort Knox |
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Mk V** At The Tank Museum, Bovington |
Mk V** Driver's & Commander's seats |
Mk V** The Ricardo engine |
Mk V** Female sponson |
