Crusader Mk. III
| GENERAL DATA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Designation | Cruiser Tank Mk. VI Crusader Mk. III (A15) | ||
| Manufacturer(s) | Nuffields | ||
| Production Quantity | 5300* | Production Period | May 1942-Oct. 1943 |
| Type | Medium/Cruiser | Crew | 3 |
| Length /hull (m) | 6.31/5.98 | Barrel Overhang (m) | n.a. |
| Width (m) | 2.77 | Height (m) | 2.24 |
| Combat Weight (kg) | 20100 | Radio Equipment | n.a. |
| FIREPOWER | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Armament | 57mm ROQF 6-pounder Mk. 3 or 5 | Ammunition Carried | 65 |
| Traverse (degrees) | Hydraulic (360°) | Elevation (degrees) | -12° to +30° |
| Traverse speed (360°) | 10 sec. | Sight | n.a. |
| Secondary Armament | 1 x 7.92mm Besa MG (coaxial) | Ammunition Carried | 5000 |
| MOBILITY CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Make & Model | Nuffield Liberty Mk. IV | Track Links | n.a. |
| Type & Displacement | V12, 27 liters | Track Width | n.a. |
| Horsepower (max.) | 340hp @1500rpm | Track Ground Contact | n.a. |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 16.9 hp/tonne | Ground Pressure | 14.1 psi |
| Gearbox | 4 forward, 1 reverse | Ground Clearance (m) | 0.41 |
| Fuel | Gasoline (Petrol) | Turning Radius (m) | n.a. |
| Range on/off road (km) | 204 (with auxiliary tank) | Gradient (degrees) | 30° |
| Mileage (L/100km) | 312 on road | Vertical Obstacle (m) | 0.67 |
| Fuel Capacity (liters) | 500+136 (auxiliary) | Fording (m) | 0.99 |
| Speed on/off road | 43/24 km/h | Trench Crossing (m) | 2.59 |
| ARMOR PROTECTION | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armor Details | Front | Side | Rear | Top/Bottom |
| Hull | 32mm @60° | 14+13mm @90° | 27mm @90° | 6&10mm @0° |
| 20mm @30°(nose) | ||||
| Superstructure | 20mm @60° | - | 14mm @45° | 7mm @0° |
| 9mm @8°(glacis) | ||||
| 32mm @58° | ||||
| Turret | 32mm @90° | 23mm @40° | 29mm @60° | 12mm @18°,0°,8° |
| Mantlet | 51mm @90° | - | - | - |
| TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND OTHER IMAGES |
|---|
Cruiser Tank Mk. VI, Crusader Mk. III
|
| NOTES |
|---|
| *Mk. I, II and III inclusive production from May 1940 to October 1943 |
| REFERENCES |
|---|
| Cr, BT, TD1, BAT, TWWII, WWW2 |