
Specifications
Year: 1918
Manufacturer(s): Austin Motor Company - UK / Putilov Works - Russia
Production: 33
Capabilities: Reconnaissance (RECCE); Security/Defense;
Manufacturer(s): Austin Motor Company - UK / Putilov Works - Russia
Production: 33
Capabilities: Reconnaissance (RECCE); Security/Defense;
Crew: 5
Length: 16.01 ft (4.88 m)
Width: 6.40 ft (1.95 m)
Height: 7.87 ft (2.4 m)
Weight: 6 tons (5,200 kg); 11,464 lb
Length: 16.01 ft (4.88 m)
Width: 6.40 ft (1.95 m)
Height: 7.87 ft (2.4 m)
Weight: 6 tons (5,200 kg); 11,464 lb
Power: 1 x Austin Model 4-cylinder gasoline-fueled engine developing 50 horsepower.
Speed: 31 mph (50 kph)
Range: 124 miles (200 km)
Range: 124 miles (200 km)
Operators: Poland (single example; captured); Russia; Soviet Union
As built, the Putilov cars had a running length of 4.9 meters with a width of 2 meters and height of 2.8 meters. Weight was 5.2 tons. The crew numbered five and included the driver, commander, a loader-mechanic and a pair of dedicated machine gunners. Power was from an Austin 4-cylinder gasoline fueled engine of 50 horsepower providing road speeds of up to 34 miles per hour and operational ranges out to 125 miles. Armament was typically 2 x 7.62mm Maxim machine guns and approximately 5,000 rounds were carried - the vehicle was more an anti-infantry measure than anything else. The guns were fitted in two individual rotating, cylindrical turrets set over the rear section of the hull roof. Off-road travel was aided somewhat by use of a 2x4 leaf spring suspension system but the Putilov car was no off-road warrior. Armor protection reached up to 7.5mm thickness and riveted over the bow, driving compartment and rear section. A four-wheeled stance was used in which the rubber-tired wheels were set to the extreme corners of the design.
The "Austin-Kegresse" became another Russian-inspired offshoot of the Austin Armored Car line - its major difference was in its reliance on the Kegresse tracked system fitted under the rear of the vehicle. These essentially marked the first instances of a half-track military vehicle, types that proved popular in the Second World War still to come. Cross-country travel was improved considerably with the tracked component added - particularly in snowy and muddy terrains.
With Russian out of World War 1 in March of 1918, the existing stock of Austin-Putilov Armored Cars fought on into the Russian Civil War years (1917-1922) and the Soviet-Polish War (1919-1921) (one example being captured by enemy forces) but their use and numbers dwindled at a rapid pace during the 1920s. By the early 1930s, all were gone from service.
With Russian out of World War 1 in March of 1918, the existing stock of Austin-Putilov Armored Cars fought on into the Russian Civil War years (1917-1922) and the Soviet-Polish War (1919-1921) (one example being captured by enemy forces) but their use and numbers dwindled at a rapid pace during the 1920s. By the early 1930s, all were gone from service.
Armament
1 x 7.62mm Maxim machine gun in traversing roof-mounted turret.
1 x 7.62mm Maxim machine gun in traversing roof-mounted turret.
Ammunition:
5,000 x 7.62mm ammunition
Variants / Models
• Austin-Putliov Armored Car - Base Series Name; thirty-three examples completed.