A 6×4 armored car for colonial duties
The Lanchester motor company, founder in 1899 and based in Armourer Mills, Montgomery Street, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, was a prolific and recognized car maker. It had produced the famous Lanchester 4×2 armored cars during World War One, which gained a reputation for endurance and reliability, notably on the Eastern and Russian fronts. This time, the War Office requested a 6×4 chassis, for longe range operations in remote provinces of the British Empire, colonies and with the territorial army. Lanchester proposed its design in 1927, and was awarded a contract to build two prototypes on 19 July 1927.
Development
These prototypes, D1E1 and D1E2, ready in March 1928, tried different turret shapes and armaments, and the latter had additional driving controls at the rear. But it appeared, during their trials, that their chassis was not strong enough to cope with rugged terrain and make successful cross-country drives. So a second series of 22 vehicles was ordered, the Mk.I and Mk.Ia (command), while two vehicles (two other prototypes D1E3, D1E4) were kept for instruction. Another serie will be ordered later, the Mk.II.
In January 1929 the first Lanchesters (and Rolls Royce armoured cars transferred from Navy and Air force stocks) were received by the 11th Hussars regiment. Because of slow rate of delivery, it took until 1934 to fully equip the unit. In November the regiment was relocated to Egypt to relieve the 12th Royal Lancers, which returned to Britain and took over the cars.
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
@2cv:Op maandag 28 juni 2010 17:17 schreef Paladijn het volgende:Met de hoeveelheid onzin die je verkondigd is het geen wonder dat je geen PTA-mod meer bent
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote:
quote: