Light Tank Mk VIII

Infobox Weapon
name=Tank, Light, Mk VIII, Harry Hopkins (A25)


caption=
origin=flagcountry|UK
type=Light tank
is_vehicle=yes
is_UK=yes
manufacturer=Metro-Cammell
production_date=1943-1945
number=99
length=4.34 m
width=2.65 m
height=2.11 m
weight=19, 040 lb
suspension=Steerable road wheels
speed=48.3 km/h
vehicle_range=201 km
primary_armament=Ordnance QF 2 pounder
50 rounds
secondary_armament=7.92 mm Besa machine gun
2,025 rounds
armour=6.4 - 38.1 mm
engine=149-hp Meadows 12 cyl. petrol engine
engine_power=148 hp (110 kW)
pw_ratio=17.4 hp/tonne
crew=3 (commander, driver, gunner)

The Light Tank MK VIII Harry Hopkins (A25) was developed by Vickers-Armstrong for airborne forces of the British Army during World War II. It was known as the Harry Hopkins tank, after the US politician.

Development and Production

The design was a further development of the Tetrarch light tank. It featured a new, redesigned turret and hull with thicker, sloping armour for improved shot deflection. Like the Tetrarch it was based on four independently-sprung road wheels of which the rear units served as drive sprockets and the front units as idlers. Also like the Tetrarch, it had skid steering, which operated by bowing the tracks by lateral movements of the centre road wheels, but power assistance was added. The vehicle was armed with a QF 2 pounder gun, with 50 rounds of ammunition, and a coaxial 7.92 mm Besa machine gun, with 2,025 rounds of ammunition. A taper bore Littlejohn adaptor could be fitted to the barrel of the 2 pdr to use APCR shot which had improved armour penetration.

Three prototypes were authorised in April 1941 and production was then switched to Metro-Cammell, manufacturers of the Tetrarch. About 100 vehicles were eventually delivered, between June 1943 and March 1945.

A modified chassis was employed as the basis for the experimental Alecto self propelled gun.

Combat Role

The MK VIII was never used in combat. Like it's predecessor the MK VII, it had little practical application, its only real use being the provision of armoured support for airborne forces, after arrival in the specially designed General Aircraft Hamilcar Glider.

The Mk VIII was intended to overcome the MKVII's vulnerability, by the adoption of thicker armour and superior ballistic shape. However, the result was an increase in weight and decrease in speed. An order of 99 vehicles was completed in 1944, however none were ever issued for service.

ee also

* Tetrarch tank
* Alecto (SPG)

References

* Leland Ness (2002) "Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles: The Complete Guide", Harper Collins, London and New York, ISBN 0-00-711228-9
* Christopher Chant (2002) "World Encyclopedia Of The Tank", Sutton Publishing
* Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis (1969) "British and American Tanks of World War Two", Arms and Armour
* [http://www.wwiivehicles.com/unitedkingdom/tanks-light/harry-hopkins-a25.asp WWII vehicles]
* [http://www.czolgiem.com/wbrytania/tetrarch.htm#hh Czolgiem.com]