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Tank Mark IX

1918 ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER WORLD WAR 1

History of the Mark IX Tank

The

Mark IX tank is classified as an armored personnel carrier - actually the first tank in the world to enter service. The system was developed for use-specific requirements that require armored vehicles to be able to transport combat-ready troops or supplies to protected front lines. However, the crease in the specs complicated early designs as the Mark IX also had to be made "tankable," meaning the design was intended to be used as an APC but allowed the use of existing APC hull side sponsors Converted to tanks with offensive weapons.

The additional requirement stems from concerns that another armored project the Mk VIII, a purpose-built Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) might not live up to expectations. Therefore, a backup plan for the use of a multipurpose hull was considered necessary in the Mark IX design.

Based on previous (and existing) Mark V tank designs, the Mark IX was driven to the drawing board. The Mark V's engine reverses with the transmission, sending the engine forward and the transmission backward. The crew quarters consist of 4 standard operators and can accommodate up to 30 soldiers. The crew consisted of a commander, a driver, a mechanic and a machine gunner. The cabin space is devoid of any comfort, not even seating for the crew, nor compartments that separate its area from the noise, grease and fumes of a running engine - promoting the vehicle's dual-use capability without modification Bring people or supplies into the vehicle.

Self-defense is basic, two 7.7mm Hotchkiss-type infantry machine guns, one at the front and the other at the rear, with nothing but hatches. Passengers can also join the fight, as there are eight circular hatches on each side through which the rifle's stock can fire at the enemy.

Power comes from a single Ricardo 6-cylinder 150 hp petrol engine. This, combined with the armor, allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of nearly 3.5 mph in optimal road and weather conditions.

From the outside, the Mark IX tank fits the role. Aside from four distinctive round crew hatches (two on one side), it's pretty bland. The hull and attached superstructure are embedded between the track assemblies, which are trapezoidal in shape, consistent with the design of World War I tanks.

The large stern area in the upper part of the hull can be used for loading equipment and storage, in addition to what is stored in the internal cargo compartment, with a total storage capacity of more than 10 tons. The armor is 10mm thick and, surprisingly, no suspension of any kind is provided.

By September 1917, construction was underway, although only about 30 systems were actually produced before the end of the war in November 1918. They were still considered reasonable designs and were used for some time thereafter, although they were eventually ready due to general advances in armored vehicle design and more specialized systems developed after the war.

In any case, the Mark IX proved to be a good use of an existing design, with the rush dictated by Call of War. Its ability to carry troops and carry supplies certainly makes up for any design flaws as well as basic crew and passenger comfort.

The Mark IX is affectionately known as the "pig" due to its unique front end shape. Construction was undertaken by Armstrong, Whitworth & Company of Newcastle upon Tyne.