British - Tetrarch MK-VII

The British Tetrarch Mk VII was a light tank designed in the late 1930s to provide a fast, mobile armoured vehicle for reconnaissance and support roles, and it later became notable as one of the few tanks used in airborne operations. Officially entering service in 1941, the Tetrarch was armed with a 2-pounder (40mm) main gun and a coaxial 7.92mm BESA machine gun, with some later models fitted with a 3-inch howitzer for close support. Armour thickness ranged from 4mm to 16mm, offering only light protection, but its 7.6-ton weight and compact size allowed it to be transported by Hamilcar gliders for airborne deployment. Powered by a Meadows 12-cylinder petrol engine, it could reach speeds of 64 km/h (40 mph) and had good mobility on roads and light terrain. The Tetrarch first saw combat in Madagascar in 1942 and later during the Normandy landings in 1944 with British airborne forces. While it offered useful mobility and surprise potential, its light armour and armament limited its effectiveness against heavier German tanks, leading to its eventual replacement by more capable armoured vehicles.

Multi part resin model.

Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.