Mk VI

Specifications Mk VI blueprint

The Tank, Light, Mk VI was a British light tank developed in the late 1930s and primarily used during the early stages of World War II. It was the last in the series of light tanks that began with the Mark I and was designed to be a fast and agile reconnaissance vehicle. Here is a detailed description of the Tank, Light, Mk VI: The Mk VI was armed with a 15 mm Besa machine gun and a 7.92 mm Besa machine gun, both mounted in the turret. The 15 mm Besa was intended for engaging lightly armored vehicles and infantry, while the 7.92 mm Besa served as a secondary armament for anti-personnel purposes. This combination of weapons provided the Mk VI with adequate firepower for its reconnaissance and support roles. Armor protection on the Mk VI was relatively light, with thicknesses ranging from 4 mm to 14 mm. The armor was designed to protect the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters, but it was not sufficient to withstand hits from larger caliber anti-tank weapons. The light armor reflected the tanks primary role as a reconnaissance vehicle, where speed and agility were prioritized over heavy protection. The tank was powered by a Meadows 6-cylinder petrol engine, producing 88 horsepower. This engine allowed the Mk VI to achieve a top speed of approximately 35 mph (56 km/h) on roads, making it one of the faster tanks of its time. Its operational range was around 130 miles (209 km), which was sufficient for extended reconnaissance missions. The suspension system consisted of Horstmann coil spring units, which provided a relatively smooth ride over rough terrain and contributed to the tanks mobility. The Mk VI had a crew of three: a commander, gunner, and driver. The small crew size was typical for light tanks and allowed for efficient communication and operation within the vehicle. The commander also served as the loader, which was a common practice in light tanks to reduce crew numbers and vehicle size. The Mk VI entered service with the British Army in 1936 and saw extensive use during the early years of World War II, including the Battle of France and the North African Campaign. Its high speed and maneuverability made it well-suited for reconnaissance tasks, where it could quickly gather intelligence and report back to higher command. However, its light armor and relatively weak armament limited its effectiveness in direct combat against more heavily armored enemy tanks. Despite these limitations, the Mk VI played an important role in the early stages of the war, providing valuable reconnaissance and support to British armored units. Its performance in the field highlighted the need for more heavily armed and armored reconnaissance vehicles, leading to the development of subsequent light tank designs and armored cars. In summary, the Tank, Light, Mk VI was a British light tank designed for reconnaissance and support roles, armed with a 15 mm and 7.92 mm Besa machine guns. Its light armor, high speed, and maneuverability made it effective in its intended roles, although it was not suitable for direct combat against heavier enemy tanks. The Mk VIs service during the early years of World War II underscored the importance of fast and agile reconnaissance vehicles in modern armored warfare. On our website you can download a drawing of Mk VI 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.