AC4 tank

Australian Cruiser Tank Mk. 4
[An AC4 tank illustration.]
[An AC4 tank illustration.]
A 1943 artist's illustration of the AC MkIV tank based on the production drawings
TypeCruiser tank
Place of originAustralia
Production history
Designed1943
ManufacturerNew South Wales Government Railways
Specifications
Mass30 long tons (30.5 t)[1]
Length21 feet 6 inches (6.55 m) (Maximum)[2]
Width9 feet (2.74 m) (Maximum)[2]
Height9 feet (2.74 m) (Maximum)[2]
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader/Operator, Driver)[2]
ArmourHull front 2.5 inches (64 mm)
sides and rear 1.75 inches (44 mm)
Turret 2.5 inches (64 mm) all round[2]
Main
armament
17 pounder with 50-60 rounds,[2] or 25 pounder tank gun
Secondary
armament
one .303 (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun, 2,500-4000 rounds[2]
EnginePerrier-Cadillac
397 horsepower (296 kW)[1]
Power/weight13.2 hp/ton
SuspensionHorizontal Volute Spring
Operational
range
150 miles (240 km)[2]
Maximum speed 30 miles per hour (48 km/h)[2]

The AC4 (Australian Cruiser Tank Mk. 4) was a cruiser tank designed in Australia in World War II as the intended successor to the AC3 Thunderbolt. Like its predecessors the AC4 was to have a one piece cast hull and turret. The AC4's most important characteristic would be the use of a 17 pounder tank gun.

  1. ^ a b MP730/13, 7 A) Australian Tank Production Report by Colonel G A Green: B) Related Documents. National Archives of Australia.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i General Staff Specification for Cruiser Tank A.C.4.