"The Vickers D3E1 Wheel-cum-Track Machine was solely used for experimental purposes during the interwar period by Britain."
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Vickers D3E1 Wheel-cum-Track Machine Experimental Military Vehicle.
1 x Armstrong Siddeley V8 (TE276) gasoline-fueled engine. Installed Power
13 mph 21 kph Road Speed
120 miles 193 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the Vickers D3E1 Wheel-cum-Track Machine Experimental Military Vehicle.
5 (MANNED) Crew
17.5 ft 5.33 meters O/A Length
7.9 ft 2.4 meters O/A Width
8.2 ft 2.5 meters O/A Height
19,004 lb 8,620 kg | 9.5 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Vickers D3E1 Wheel-cum-Track Machine Experimental Military Vehicle.
2 x .303 Vickers machine guns in primary forward turret.
1 x .303 Vickers machine gun in secondary aft turret.
AMMUNITION: Not Available.
Variants Notable series variants as part of the Vickers D3E1 Wheel-cum-Track Machine family line.
D3E1 - Base Product Name; original prototype model.
D3E2 - Follow-up prototype with open-air body.
The D3E1 "Wheel-cum-Track" Machine was an inter-war experimental tank design by the Vickers concern of Britain with the project goal of developing a new method to extend the life of track sections on combat vehicles. The design was requested from Vickers by the War Office in 1927 and involved an armored car-like body (conventional roadwheels and all) affixed to a track-and-wheel drive scheme. The idea behind the concept was to allow the vehicle to use its roadwheels during general road travel and its tracks for cross-country travel. The concept proved too complicated and was ultimately abandoned.
As this Vickers experimental utilized both types of running equipment, it was required to carry separate control and drive systems for each arrangement. When on its roadwheels (involving all-solid-tires), drive power was sent to the rear axle only and steering accomplished through the front axle. An Armstrong Siddeley gasoline engine was used to power the vehicle and road speeds could reach up to 30 miles per hour on its roadwheels and up to 13 miles per hour when relying on the track-and-wheel units. A pair of turrets were fitted onto the armored car body with the forward, primary, larger installation showcasing a pair of machine guns over midships and the secondary, smaller aft turret outfitted with a single machine gun.
However, beyond its inherent mechanical complexity, the track sections were deemed too short for the long wheelbase at play, making for a wide turning radius. Comfort for the crew was low as the solid tires gave little cushion. The D3E2 emerged as a second prototype delivered by Vickers but given an open-air armored hull.
Both of these examples were eventually dropped from serious consideration.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Vickers D3E1 Wheel-cum-Track Machine. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 2 Units Contractor(s): Vickers Armstrongs Ltd - UK
[ United Kingdom (cancelled) ]
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