AEC Armoured Car

AEC Armoured Car is a series of heavy armoured cars built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) during the Second World War.

AEC Mk I armoured car equipped with a 2-pdr gun in North Africa, 20th of September 1942.

History

AEC of Southall, Middlesex was a manufacturer of truck and bus chassis and its Matador artillery tractor was used for towing medium field and heavy anti-aircraft guns. The armoured car based on the Matador chassis was developed initially as a private venture and shown to officials in 1941 during Horse Guards Parade in London, where it made a favourable impression on Churchill. 629 units were produced in 1942-1943.

AEC Mk II armoured car at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School, Gunnery Wing at Lulworth in Dorset, on the 25th of March 1943.

AEC tried to build an armoured car with firepower and protection comparable to those of contemporary tanks. The first version carried a Valentine Mk II turret with 2 pounder gun. Subsequent versions received more powerful armament - a 6 pounder or a 75 mm gun. The vehicle also carried two machine guns, smoke grenades discharger and No. 19 radio set.

AEC Mk III armoured car.

The Mk I was first used in combat in the North African Campaign late in 1942, where a few vehicles were reportedly fitted with a Crusader tank turret mounting a 6 pounder gun. The Mk II / Mk III took part in the fighting in Europe with British and British Indian Army units, often together with the Staghound.

AEC Mk III armoured car.

The vehicle remained in service after the end of the war until replaced by the Alvis Saladin. The Lebanese Army used the car at least until 1976.

AEC Mk III armoured car.

Variants

AEC Mk I Armoured Car.

Mk I - original version with turret from a Valentine tank. 129 units built.

AEC Mk II armoured car.

Mk II - heavier turret with a 6 pounder gun, redesigned front hull, 158 hp diesel engine.

AEC Mk III Armoured Car.

Mk III Close Support Armoured Car - Mk II with 6 pounder replaced by a 75 mm gun.


AA - a version mounting Crusader AA turret with twin Oerlikon cannon capable of high elevation to engage enemy aircraft. Did not enter production due to Allied air superiority in Northern Europe.


AEC Armoured Car

Place of origin UK
Production history
Number built 629


Specifications

Weight Mk I: 11 t
Mk II, III: 12.7 t
Length 5.18 m
Width 2.74 m
Height 2.54 m
Crew Mk I: 3
Mk II, III: 4
Armor 16-65 mm
Primary
armament Mk I: QF 2 pounder
Mk II: QF 6 pounder
Mk III: 75 mm
Secondary
armament 1 x Besa machine gun, 1 x Bren light machine gun.
Engine Mk I: AEC 195 diesel
Mk II, III: AEC 197 diesel
105-158 hp (78-118 kW)
Power/weight Mk I: 9.5 hp/tonne
Mk II, III: 12.4 hp/tonne
Suspension wheel 4x4
Operational
range 400 km
Speed 58-65 km/h

AEC Mk III armoured car.