A9, Cruiser Tank Mark I and Mark I CS

A9 dates in concept from 1934, originally as a close support tank, but with the cessation of the A6 16 tonner project became successor to the Vickers Mediums, but eventually became Cruiser Tank Mark I. A9 incorporated some of the features of the A6 and Medium Mark III, but was lighter at 12 tons. The A9 was used by some regiments of the 1st Armoured Division in France until Dunkirk and by the 7th Armoured Division in North Africa until the end of 1941. A total of 125 were built.

A9 Prototype

Specification

Designation: Tank, Cruiser, Mk I (A9)
Crew: 6 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, MG gunner (2))
Battle weight: 28,7281b
Dimensions: Length 19ft Track width: 14in Height 8ft 8.5 in; Track centres/tread 7ft 3in; Width 8ft 2.5 in
Armament,Main: 1 x 2pdr OQF
(1 x 3.7in howitzer in Mk ICS)
Armament, Secondary: 3 x Vickers .303 cal MG (one co-axial) Armour thickness: Maximum 14mm; Minimum 6mm
Traverse: 360° Elevation limits:
Engine: AEC Type A179 6 cylinder gasoline (petrol) 150hp
Maximum speed : 25mph
Maximum cross-country speed: 15mph (approx)
Suspension type: Triple-wheel bogies on springs with Newton hydraulic shock absorbers ("Slow motion" type)
Road radius: 150 miles
Fording depth: Vertical obstacle: 3ft; Trench crossing: 8ft
Ammunition stowage: 100 rounds 2pdr; 3,000 rounds .303 cal MG
Special features/remarks: First British tank with hydraulic power traverse. Boat-shaped hull offering no external vertical faces. Riveted construction.

 

A9 CS (Close Support)

With 3.7 in Howitzer main armament

 

 

WW1 - 1925
(pre-GS 'A' number designations)

1925 - 1945 non-a numbered (named only) vehicles

General Staff A-Number List 1925-1945 

Post 1945 FV Numbers

Post WW2 vehicle with no FV number

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