Please click on a photo for a better image.

Ford Mk V Armoured Car

Ford Mk V Copyright � British Pathe

Line Drawing of the Ford Mk V Copyright � B. Halligan/D. J. McCarthy

Background

The Ford Mk V differed substantially from the earlier Mk IV and were designed by then Maj. J. V. Lawless and Comdt. A. W. Mayne. Whilst both vehicles were inspired by the Rolls Royce Armoured Car, lessons learnt in designing the Leyland Armoured Car were applied. The turrets from the 7 Peerless Armored Cars had been retained following their disposal and as each had two armoured turrets it allowed 14 Mk Vs to be constructed. The turrets had good armoured plate and were armed with a hotchkiss .303 in. Machine Gun. Thomas Thompson and Son, Carlow was chosen to build the vehicles and following the completion and testing of the first vehicle authorisation was given by the General Staff to proceed with the construction of the remaining thirteen. The Mk V was built using welded .5 inch mild steel plate on a Ford chassis shortened to 122 inches. The design also did away with the R-R style pick up rear and had far better weight distribution than the earlier Mk IV. It was also stronger and far cheaper to build. Registration numbers included ZD 1736 and ZD 1741. The Ford Mk Vs were disposed of in May 1954.

Vehicle Specification Crew 3 Driver, Commander and Gunner Armament Hotchkiss .303in Machine Gun . Unladen Weight 5 ton 11 cwt estimated Combat Weight . . Length 14 ft. 8 ins. . Width 6 ft. 7 ins. . Height 8 ft. 3 ins. Overall Internal Volune . . Ground Clearance . . Gradient . . Slide Slope . . Max. Speed 45 mph Open road Max. Speed in Water . . Cruise Speed . kph . Range 150 miles estimated Max. Vertical Step . . Max. Trench . . Fording . . Armour . . Ballistic Protection .303 in ball All Round Ballistic Protection . . Ballistic Protection . . Engine Ford V8 3,621 cc 85 hp petrol Transmission Ford 4 Speed/? Reverse Manual

<<== HOME