Danish Army
Specific: 3 purchased in spring
1946 to replace the Landsverk Lynx. The turrets were removed and they
were used for patrolling for at short period of time. The
vehicles were probably demobbed in 1949.
Historical: Initially produced by AEC Limited as
a private venture in 1941, the car was based on the
automotive components of the Matador 4 x 4 gun tractor. A
prototype were included in an exhibition of military
vehicles where it attracted official attention, and an
order for 150 vehicles was given.
Mk I had a 2 pounder (40 mm) gun in what was essentially
a Valentine tank turret, in the Mk II the gun was
replaced by a 6 pounder (57 mm) and the Mk III was armed
with a 75 mm gun.
The hull were re-designed with the Mk II (and III) to
improve protection and cross-country abilities. The 3
marks were known internally in AEC as the model O855 (Mk
I) and O856 (Mk II and III) respectively.
629 vehicles of all marks were produced.
Length: 5.69 m (224 inches).
Width: 2.72 m (107 inches).
Height: 2.69 m (106 inches).
Weight: 12.982 kg (28.560 lb.).
Armour: 30 mm (max.).
Engine: Own 6-cylinder, type A197, 9.650 cm3 (588
cubic inches) displacement.
Horsepower: 158 at 2.000 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed.
Transfer case: 2-speed.
Electrical system: 24 volt.
Brakes: Air pressure (Westinghouse).
Fording depth:
without preparation: N/A.
with deep water fording kit: N/A.
Tyres: 13.50
- 20 (run-flat).
Fuel type: Diesel.
Fuel capacity: N/A.
Range: 400 km (250 miles).
Crew: 3 or 4.
Armament: 1 75 mm gun and 1 7.92 mm Besa
MG.
Additional: The vehicle was intended to
provide reconnaissance troops with anti-tank support. The
use of the A195 (Mk I) and later A197 engine made it the
first diesel powered British armoured car.
An experimental anti-aircraft variant was produced on the
chassis of the Mk II, using the turret of the
anti-aircraft Crusader tank and equipping it with twin 20
mm Oerlikon cannons. However, it was judged to be
superfluous to requirements and there was no series
production.
A number of Mk Is were converted for the mine-clearance
role by being fitted with spiked rollers, which were
pushed ahead of the vehicle.
Another known user is Belgium, who used the AEC armoured
car until the 1960´s.
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