Black Prince A43

Specifications Black Prince A43 blueprint

The A43 Black Prince was a British heavy tank developed during World War II, intended to provide enhanced firepower and armor compared to existing tanks in service. Heres a detailed description of the A43 Black Prince: The A43 Black Prince was armed with a 17-pounder (76.2 mm) QF Mk VII main gun, which was also used on other British tanks like the Sherman Firefly and the Challenger. This gun provided excellent anti-tank capability and was effective against the heavily armored German tanks of the time. In addition to the main gun, the tank was equipped with a coaxial 7.92 mm Besa machine gun for anti-infantry defense. Armor protection on the A43 Black Prince was heavy, reflecting its role as a breakthrough tank. The frontal armor was up to 152 mm thick, providing substantial protection against most anti-tank weapons of its time. The sides and rear armor were also thick, ranging from 89 mm to 102 mm, ensuring comprehensive protection for the crew and critical components. The tank was powered by a Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 petrol engine, based on the Merlin aero engine used in aircraft like the Spitfire. This engine produced 600 horsepower, giving the Black Prince a top speed of around 14 mph (23 km/h). Its operational range was approximately 100 miles (160 km), which was sufficient for supporting infantry and conducting offensive operations. The suspension system of the A43 Black Prince utilized a Horstmann suspension with six road wheels per side and idler wheels at the front. This system provided good cross-country mobility and a relatively smooth ride over rough terrain, essential for its role as a heavy breakthrough tank. The crew of the A43 Black Prince consisted of five members: a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and hull machine gunner. This crew arrangement allowed for efficient operation and coordination during combat, ensuring that the tank could effectively engage targets while maneuvering in various tactical situations. Despite its promising design and capabilities, the A43 Black Prince never entered mass production. By the time prototypes were available for testing in 1945, the war in Europe was nearing its end, and priorities shifted to post-war military requirements. The tanks heavy weight, limited mobility, and the emergence of new armored warfare tactics led to the cancellation of the project. In summary, the A43 Black Prince was a British heavy tank designed to provide enhanced firepower and armor protection during World War II. Its 17-pounder gun and thick armor made it a formidable adversary on the battlefield, although its slow speed and limited mobility ultimately limited its operational effectiveness. The Black Prince remains a significant example of British tank development during the war, showcasing efforts to create specialized vehicles for specific combat roles. On our website you can download a drawing of Black Prince A43 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.