AN EXPERIMENTAL ONE-MAN TANK.
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A Mobile Fighting Machine Which May Replace Cavalry.
9111E Martel one-man Tank, a mobile fighting machine to be occupied and operated by one man, the invention of M. Martel, has now been put into production by Crossley Motors, Ltd., and we are able to give three illustrations of the first of the Crossley type.
The chassis has had to be specially designed because, in order to give the man in control an unobstructed view of his immediate foreground, the driving seat is taken right forward, the rear wheels are made to steer and the power 'unit is placed at the rear, with the Kegree driving tracks placed on the fore-quarters of the machine.
The power unit is a 14 h.p. Crossley engine driving through a gearbox to the driven axle carrying the driving sprockets for the chain tracks, the load being carried on four pairs of twin wheels on each aide. The steering wheels are mounted on steering arms on the back axle, which is sprung by means of twin parallel quarter-elliptic springs, the radius rod being placed behind the axle. These steering wheels will deal with all ordinary manipulation of the vehicles, but when soft mud is being negotiated or when it is found essential to turn in a very small arc, the tracks can be used to assist the steering, pedals being employed to apply the brakes to the tracks, so that the application of a brake to one track while the other track is allowed to drive causes the vehicle to pivot in a very small circle.
Not only is the power unit at the back of the vehicle, but the radiator also faces to the rear, and the starting handle is seen below it, so that the whole vehicle seems to be reversed. However, the driver being placed well forward can see his way when confronted with holes, ditches and 'other obstructions and impediments to normal progress.
The occupant is completely protected because the Tank is armoured, and look-out holes are provided for him, whilst provision is made for the fitting of a machine gun. The driving seat is variable in height, so that either a tall man or a short man can he accommodated, and adjustments in the steering arm are also provided with the same end in view.
This one-man Tank has the. advantages of maneeuvrability, lightness and a useful turn of speed. It is extremely mobile and can not only go practically over any kind of ground, but can travel noiselessly on roads.
It is obvious that the vehicle is experimental and has been expressly designed to meet military requirements. It is under test by the War Office, and the available information is issued with its approval.