Valiant A38

Specifications Valiant A38 blueprint

The Valiant (A38) was a British infantry tank prototype developed during World War II. It was designed to meet the need for a heavily armored and well-armed infantry support tank that could withstand the rigors of modern combat. However, the Valiants development faced significant challenges, and it ultimately did not enter mass production. Here is a detailed description of the Valiant (A38): The Valiant was armed with a 6-pounder (57 mm) QF main gun, which was a common anti-tank and general-purpose weapon used by British tanks during the war. This gun provided sufficient firepower to engage enemy tanks, fortifications, and infantry. The tank also had a coaxial 0.303 inch (7.7 mm) Besa machine gun mounted alongside the main gun, which was used for anti-infantry and soft target purposes. The armor protection on the Valiant was one of its defining features. The tank had thick, heavily sloped armor designed to provide maximum protection against enemy fire. The frontal armor was up to 114 mm thick, making it highly resistant to the anti-tank weapons of the time. The sides and rear were also well-armored, with thicknesses of up to 60 mm, ensuring comprehensive protection for the crew and internal components. The Valiant was powered by a General Motors 8-cylinder diesel engine, which produced around 210 horsepower. This engine was intended to give the tank adequate mobility despite its heavy armor. However, the tanks overall weight and design issues resulted in a top speed of only about 12 mph (19 km/h) on roads, making it one of the slower tanks of its class. The operational range was limited, reflecting the tanks intended role as a close-support vehicle for infantry rather than a high-speed maneuver unit. The suspension system of the Valiant consisted of a combination of bogies and leaf springs, which were intended to provide a relatively smooth ride over rough terrain. However, the tanks excessive weight and design flaws led to significant mechanical issues, including problems with the suspension and drivetrain, which hampered its performance and reliability. The Valiant had a crew of four: a commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The crew compartment was designed to offer sufficient space for the crew to operate the tank effectively, but the overall ergonomics and interior layout were criticized for being cramped and uncomfortable. The development of the Valiant faced numerous challenges, including delays, design flaws, and mechanical issues. Only one prototype was built, and it underwent trials in 1944. The trials revealed significant shortcomings in the tanks performance, including poor mobility, mechanical unreliability, and issues with the suspension system. As a result, the Valiant was deemed unsuitable for mass production, and the project was eventually abandoned. In summary, the Valiant (A38) was a British infantry tank prototype designed for heavy armor and powerful armament to support infantry operations. It featured a 6-pounder main gun, thick armor, and a General Motors diesel engine. Despite its impressive armor and firepower, the tank suffered from severe mobility and mechanical issues, which ultimately led to the projects cancellation. The Valiant remains a notable example of the challenges faced in tank development during World War II and the complexities of balancing armor, firepower, and mobility in armored vehicle design. On our website you can download a drawing of Valiant A38 in pdf svg png jpg ai eps formats Use it for 3d modelling different illustrations typography engineering and design projects All our drawings are made in high quality therefore they can be very helpful in your work study or research.