AC3 Thunderbolt Tank
AC3 Thunderbolt (Australian Cruiser III) was a cruiser tank designed and built in Australia in World War II as the successor to the AC1 Sentinel. Like the Sentinel the AC3 featured a one piece cast hull and turret. The AC3 featured a much improved design over the AC1 with better armour protection, a more powerful engine, and most importantly increased firepower.
The program was terminated in 1943 before any production vehicles were completed.
| Mass | 29 long tons (29.5 t) |
|---|---|
| Length | 20 feet 9 inches (6.32 m) |
| Width | 9 feet 7⁄8 inch (2.77 m) |
| Height | 8 feet 4 3⁄4 inches (2.56 m) |
| Crew | 4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader/Operator, Driver) |
| Armour | Hull front 65 millimetres (2.6 in) sides and rear 45 millimetres (1.8 in) Turret 65 millimetres (2.6 in) all round |
| Main armament | 25 pounder tank gun, 120 rounds |
| Secondary armament | one .303 (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun, 2,500 rounds |
| Engine | Perrier-Cadillac 397 horsepower (296 kW) |
| Power/weight | 13.7 hp/ton |
| Suspension | Horizontal Volute Spring |
| Operational range | 200 miles (320 km) |
| Maximum speed | 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) |
AC3 Thunderbolt Tank 
AC3 Thunderbolt Tank 
AC3 Thunderbolt Tank 
AC3 Thunderbolt Tank Turret 
AC3 Thunderbolt Tank Driver’s Position