Difference between revisions of "Vickers Mk.E"

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{{About
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| about = Swedish light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = the British machine gun
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| link = Vickers E (7.7 mm)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=sw_vickers_mk_e_37
 
|code=sw_vickers_mk_e_37
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].
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The Vickers Mk.E was developed as a private venture by Vickers to create a lightweight, easy-to-maintain, and inexpensive light tank. Destined for infantry support, three variants were created: the Model A with two machine guns in independent turrets, the Model B with a QF 3 pounder 47 mm cannon, and the Vickers Medium Dragon, which was used as a cargo vehicle, mainly as an artillery tractor. While the British army did not use the Model A or B, it did use the Dragon model. The base variants found service in countries like China, India, Finland, and Poland. The vehicle even inspired the Polish 7TP (a modified Vickers Mk.E Model B) and the famous T-26, which was a licensed variant of the Vickers Mk.E with domestically made systems, such as optics and a 45 mm gun instead of the QF 3 pounder. The vehicle had very poor performance; however, it was developed in 1929 and used up until the 1940s. It's no surprise that it was severely outclassed by tanks like the Panzer III during the German-Soviet aggression against Poland and later on the Eastern Front, or against the T-34 during the Continuation War.
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Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], the Vickers Mk.E sits at a very low BR, with poor mobility and armament that might label it as a mediocre tank. However, it does have some advantages. Unlike American or French 37 mm cannons, the Vickers Mk.E features an APHE round with decent muzzle velocity, but with a very small amount of explosive filler (just 15g). The APHE round offers lower penetration values compared to the AP round, but this is less of an issue at Rank I where many vehicles have no armour, and long-range shots are challenging. Still, it is recommended to carry a small amount of AP rounds for heavier targets.
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One of the Vickers Mk.E's significant strengths is its gun depression of 10 degrees, combined with a turret positioned higher than the hull. This configuration makes it easier to peak over hills compared to other tanks. However, escaping from dangerous situations is difficult due to its maximum reverse speed of only 3.6 km/h. Despite its very poor armour, the transmission is relatively large for its size and its position can sometimes deflect shots that might otherwise kill crew members or damage internal modules.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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The armour on the Vickers Mk.E will only stop rifle-calibre munitions reliably, although some machine guns like the British 7.92 mm BESA or the German 7.92 mm MG34/42 can easily punch through certain 10 mm plates. The unsloped armour plates, combined with their weak protection levels boils down to one conclusion: avoid getting shot at. However, unlike the T-26, the Vickers comes with 4 crewmen, which means that shells with no explosive filler shells may not knock out the entire crew with one hit to the hull, giving you a small chance to fight back, but don't count on this too much.
+
The armour on the Vickers Mk.E can reliably stop only rifle-calibre munitions; however, some machine guns like the British 7.92 mm BESA or the German 7.92 mm MG34/42 can easily penetrate certain 10 mm plates. The unsloped armour plates, combined with their weak protection levels, lead to one conclusion: avoid getting shot at.
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 +
Unlike the [[T-26]], the Vickers Mk.E is crewed by four members, which means that shells without explosive filler may not knock out the entire crew with one hit to the hull, giving you a small chance to fight back. However, it's not something to rely on too heavily.
  
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'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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'''Armour type:'''
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<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
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* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
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* Rolled homogeneous armour
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
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! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
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| Hull || 10 mm (32°, 59°), 17.5 mm (1°) ''Upper plate''<br>10 mm (80°) ''Upper glacis''<br>17.5 mm (11°) ''Lower plate''<br>10 mm (49°) ''Lower glacis''<br>10 mm (9-59°) ''Driver's port'' || 10 mm || 17.5 mm (1°) ''Upper plate''<br>10 mm (9°) ''Lower plate''|| 5 mm ''Hull''<br>10 mm ''rear''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
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| Turret || 13.6 mm (10°) ''Turret front'' <br> 13.6 mm (1-71°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 13.6 mm (10°) || 13.6 mm (9°) || 5 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
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'''Notes:'''
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<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
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 +
* Tracks and suspension wheels are 15 mm thick
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* Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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The Vickers Mk.E has a cruise speed that allows it to keep up with most vehicles at its BR. You will not be doing anything close to racing speeds, but the tank will get you where you need to go in due time.
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The Vickers Mk.E has a cruise speed that allows it to keep up with most vehicles at its BR. While it won't achieve racing speeds, the tank can get you where you need to go in due time.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=143|rbMinHp=81}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=143|rbMinHp=81}}
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
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 +
Most important modifications:
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 +
* All the protection tree upgrades
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* pstkr 27-34 APHE round
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* Horizontal Drive
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* Engine and Transmission
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{main|Psv.K/36 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|Psv.K/36 (37 mm)}}
  
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''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
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The Vickers Mk.E is equipped with the 37 mm Psv.K/36, which is a fairly mediocre weapon in terms of performance. Despite its low calibre, it could be considered superior to American and German 37 mm cannons due to its APHE round.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.03 || rowspan="2" | 3.56 || rowspan="2" | 3.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.10
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
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| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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There are two available rounds:
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
* APHE round: Lower penetration but high damage potential.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
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* AP shell: Higher penetration but low damage potential.
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
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It's advisable to carry a mix of both ammunition types. The APHE round can potentially knock out some enemy tanks, but it will be completely ineffective against heavily-armoured vehicles typically encountered when uptiered. For these tanks, it's best to use AP rounds and aim for crew members if possible.
−
|-
+
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
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{{:Psv.K/36 (37 mm)/Ammunition|psav Vj4, pstkr 27-34}}
−
|-
 
−
| psav Vj4 || AP || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| pstkr 27-34 || APHE || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| psav Vj4 || AP || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| pstkr 27-34 || APHE || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
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* Turret empty: 43&nbsp;''(+7)'' shells.
 
{{Clear}}
 
{{Clear}}
  
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{{main|ksp m/36 (8 mm)}}
 
{{main|ksp m/36 (8 mm)}}
  
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''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
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The small calibre of the ksp m/36 machine gun limits its effectiveness to damaging open-topped vehicles or engaging low-flying aircraft. However, its belt size allows for continuous firing at the enemy for at least 20 seconds.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
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| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 649 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
It is recommended to play the Vickers Mk.E in a support role, flanking the battlefield and finding a good position to assist teammates. The 37 mm cannon offers good characteristics, with both APHE and AP rounds capable of dealing significant damage to enemy vehicles at short and long ranges. The fast reload allows for quick aim adjustments between shots, making the Vickers Mk.E highly effective as a flanking vehicle if positioned well. Its 10 degrees of gun depression enables it to hide its hull and minimize visibility to the enemy, particularly when keeping back at long-range to avoid taking damage.
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 +
However, the lack of armour means it's vulnerable to heavy-calibre machine guns like the 12.7 mm M2HB and 13.2 mm Breda Model 31, which can penetrate its thickest armour plates. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid being targeted first by enemies and to drive under cover to evade detection.
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 +
Additionally, it's worth keeping in mind that the Vickers Mk.E has a slow reverse speed of -4 km/h, making retreats slower than advances. Awareness of enemy positions and available cover is vital to minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
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 +
Furthermore, be cautious of enemy aircraft equipped with bombs or powerful guns, as they can easily destroy the Vickers Mk.E. Staying near tree lines to avoid detection and relying on friendly SPAAs units for air defense is advisable, given the Vickers Mk.E's limited anti-aircraft capabilities.
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 +
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
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 +
* [[Pz.II (Family)|Pz.II]] and other tanks with autocannons can easily shred your armour and modules. It's best to avoid head-on engagements; if forced into one, try to fire first before they start spraying.
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* [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAAs]] - Nearly every anti-aircraft vehicle at the tier can penetrate and destroy the Vickers Mk.E with ease, thanks to their high rates of fire. It's crucial to engage SPAAs preemptively. Certain underestimated SPAAs like the French [[P.7.T AA]], [[CCKW 353 AA]], and the American [[M15 CGMC]] should be noted, as their weapons are capable of efficiently disabling a Vickers Mk.E, despite lacking 20 mm autocannons.
 +
* The [[D2]] and some other French tanks have over 40 mm of armour, which can be difficult to penetrate at range or when angled. It's advised to avoid frontal engagements or shots beyond 500 m. Instead, move closer to increase penetration chances.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
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* The APHE round has adequate penetration and inflicts potent post-penetration damage.
 +
* Very short reload time.
 +
* Fairly accurate gun at short to medium ranges.
 +
* Adequate gun depression.
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* Favourable ammo rack positioning (reduces chance of ammo detonation).
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Poor protection
+
* Poor protection; side armour can be penetrated even by light machine guns.
−
* Side armour can be penetrated even by light machine guns
+
* Struggles against better-armoured foes like the D2.
 +
* Slow reverse speed.
 +
* Poor turret traverse speed.
 +
* Very bad acceleration from 0 km/h to cruise speed.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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The Vickers Mk.E, also called the Vickers 6-ton, was a private venture by Vickers to develop a lightweight, inexpensive, and easy-to-maintain tank intended primarily for infantry support. Various variants were created, including one armed only with machine guns, another equipped with a QF 3-pounder (47 mm) gun and crewed by two members, and several variants developed by other nations.
 +
 
 +
For its time, it represented a revolutionary design and served as inspiration for many other tanks, such as the Polish 7TP, the Finnish variant of the Mk.E with a 37 mm cannon, and the famous T-26. The T-26, produced under license by the Soviet Union, featured minor modifications and the incorporation of domestically manufactured equipment, including a 45 mm gun in place of the QF 3-pounder.
 +
 
 +
The Mk.E was patented in 1929 and presented to the British government. Despite its innovative two-man turret, the British Armed Forces showed little interest, preferring a mix of medium/heavy tanks and lightly armoured tankettes. Vickers, however, saw great promise in the Mk.E and opted for proven concepts and equipment.
 +
 
 +
The tank utilized the reliable Armstrong Siddeley Puma, a petrol aviation-derived engine capable of 80-95 bhp (60-70 kW), achieving a speed of 22 mph (35 km/h). Its armour, consisting of riveted panels no thicker than 25 mm (1 inch), made it vulnerable to anti-tank rifles and autocannons but facilitated inexpensive production and easy repair without advanced tools.
 +
 
 +
Despite these characteristics, the vehicle failed to satisfy the British Armed Forces and found greater success in the international market. It was exported to countries including the USSR, Greece, Poland, Bolivia, Siam, Finland, Portugal, China, and Bulgaria. A total of 153 units of the Vickers Mk.E were produced, with most remaining in service until the 1940s, when their obsolescence became apparent.
 +
 
 +
A variant, the Vickers Medium Dragon, was also developed as a tracked cargo vehicle. Adopted in small numbers by the British Army as artillery tractors, it was also utilized by China, India, and Thailand in limited quantities.
 +
[[File:Vickers parola 1.jpg|thumb|458x458px|Finnish Vickers Mk.E]]
 +
Finland emerged as a primary operator of the Vickers Mk.E, replacing its aging Renault FTs with this new design. Initially, early test models performed poorly and were deemed unfit for combat by Finnish standards. However, the improved Vickers-Carden-Loyd Model 1933 exhibited significantly better cross-country performance and was actually praised for its ease of handling. Consequently, the B model, equipped with an anti-tank gun deemed superior to the A model's machine guns, was introduced into service.
 +
 
 +
An order for 32 tanks was placed at £4,500 each, omitting radio, optics, and armament to reduce costs. Deliveries occurred between 1937 and 1939, but many issues like the escalation in Europe, overheating problems with the engines and delivery delays resulted in only 10 tanks being ready by 1939, despite 26 being delivered.
 +
 
 +
Due to the lack of equipment, the tanks were outfitted with a licensed version of the 37 mm Bofors anti-tank gun, adapted for tank use with superior armour penetration capabilities compared to the 47 mm gun offered by Vickers. Home-made straight-through telescopic sights with simple crosshair reticles were produced and their poor quality proved lethal in combat, and were criticized by tank crews as junky and unpleasant. As a stopgap measure during the Winter War, some vehicles were armed with the same guns as Renault FTs, training tanks also used this configuration as well as an M/09-31 Maxim machine gun in a semi-coaxial housing on the right side of the Puteaux gun.
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 +
By 1941 and during the Continuation War, the remaining Vickers Mk.E were rearmed with Soviet 45 mm cannons that proved much more lethal, as well as 7.62 mm DT machine guns with a much higher rate of fire and more reliability. Despite these modifications, the tanks performed poorly during both conflicts, increasingly so as more advanced Soviet designs like the BT-7 and T-34 appeared on the battlefield.
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 +
The Vickers Mk.E's most notable engagement was during the Battle of Honkaniemi, where, after three hours, the attack was cancelled with less than half of the tanks reaching the starting point. Some became immobilized in rugged terrain, while others struggled with communication among allied forces. Five tanks were knocked out of the fight, but only one was able to be retrieved to the starting point. Finland's lack of experience with armoured formations, coupled with inadequate equipment such as poor optics, lack of radios, and inexperienced crews, proved fatal against the numerically superior Soviet forces at Honkaniemi.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sw_vickers_mk_e_37 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/finland/vickers-6-ton-in-finnish-service/ Vickers Mark E Type B in Finnish Service - Tank Encyclopedia]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://tank-afv.com/ww2/gb/vickers_6-ton-light-tank.php Vickers 6-Ton (Mark E) 1929 - Tank-afv]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Vickers_6-ton|Vickers 6-ton - Wikipedia]]
  
 +
{{Manufacturer Vickers-Armstrongs}}
 
{{Sweden light tanks}}
 
{{Sweden light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 16:46, 5 July 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Swedish light tank Vickers Mk.E. For the British machine gun, see Vickers E (7.7 mm).
Vickers Mk.E
sw_vickers_mk_e_37.png
GarageImage Vickers Mk.E.jpg
ArtImage Vickers Mk.E.png
Vickers Mk.E
Sweden flag.png Sweden
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Vickers Mk.E was developed as a private venture by Vickers to create a lightweight, easy-to-maintain, and inexpensive light tank. Destined for infantry support, three variants were created: the Model A with two machine guns in independent turrets, the Model B with a QF 3 pounder 47 mm cannon, and the Vickers Medium Dragon, which was used as a cargo vehicle, mainly as an artillery tractor. While the British army did not use the Model A or B, it did use the Dragon model. The base variants found service in countries like China, India, Finland, and Poland. The vehicle even inspired the Polish 7TP (a modified Vickers Mk.E Model B) and the famous T-26, which was a licensed variant of the Vickers Mk.E with domestically made systems, such as optics and a 45 mm gun instead of the QF 3 pounder. The vehicle had very poor performance; however, it was developed in 1929 and used up until the 1940s. It's no surprise that it was severely outclassed by tanks like the Panzer III during the German-Soviet aggression against Poland and later on the Eastern Front, or against the T-34 during the Continuation War.

Introduced in Update "Fire and Ice", the Vickers Mk.E sits at a very low BR, with poor mobility and armament that might label it as a mediocre tank. However, it does have some advantages. Unlike American or French 37 mm cannons, the Vickers Mk.E features an APHE round with decent muzzle velocity, but with a very small amount of explosive filler (just 15g). The APHE round offers lower penetration values compared to the AP round, but this is less of an issue at Rank I where many vehicles have no armour, and long-range shots are challenging. Still, it is recommended to carry a small amount of AP rounds for heavier targets.

One of the Vickers Mk.E's significant strengths is its gun depression of 10 degrees, combined with a turret positioned higher than the hull. This configuration makes it easier to peak over hills compared to other tanks. However, escaping from dangerous situations is difficult due to its maximum reverse speed of only 3.6 km/h. Despite its very poor armour, the transmission is relatively large for its size and its position can sometimes deflect shots that might otherwise kill crew members or damage internal modules.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull17 / 17 / 10
Turret10 / 13 / 10
Crew4 people
Visibility81 %

The armour on the Vickers Mk.E can reliably stop only rifle-calibre munitions; however, some machine guns like the British 7.92 mm BESA or the German 7.92 mm MG34/42 can easily penetrate certain 10 mm plates. The unsloped armour plates, combined with their weak protection levels, lead to one conclusion: avoid getting shot at.

Unlike the T-26, the Vickers Mk.E is crewed by four members, which means that shells without explosive filler may not knock out the entire crew with one hit to the hull, giving you a small chance to fight back. However, it's not something to rely on too heavily.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (32°, 59°), 17.5 mm (1°) Upper plate
10 mm (80°) Upper glacis
17.5 mm (11°) Lower plate
10 mm (49°) Lower glacis
10 mm (9-59°) Driver's port 		10 mm 17.5 mm (1°) Upper plate
10 mm (9°) Lower plate		 5 mm Hull
10 mm rear
Turret 13.6 mm (10°) Turret front
13.6 mm (1-71°) Gun mantlet 		13.6 mm (10°) 13.6 mm (9°) 5 mm

Notes:

  • Tracks and suspension wheels are 15 mm thick
  • Belly armour is 5 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB39 / 4 km/h
RB and SB36 / 4 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight8.6 t
Engine power
AB176 hp
RB and SB92 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB20.5 hp/t
RB and SB10.7 hp/t

The Vickers Mk.E has a cruise speed that allows it to keep up with most vehicles at its BR. While it won't achieve racing speeds, the tank can get you where you need to go in due time.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 39 4 8.6 143 176 16.63 20.47
Realistic 36 4 81 92 9.42 10.7

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB106 → 136 Sl icon.png
RB95 → 122 Sl icon.png
SB111 → 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
905 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement sw.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_sw_m39_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png

Most important modifications:

  • All the protection tree upgrades
  • pstkr 27-34 APHE round
  • Horizontal Drive
  • Engine and Transmission

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm Psv.K/36 cannon
Ammunition50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.1 → 3.1 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: Psv.K/36 (37 mm)

The Vickers Mk.E is equipped with the 37 mm Psv.K/36, which is a fairly mediocre weapon in terms of performance. Despite its low calibre, it could be considered superior to American and German 37 mm cannons due to its APHE round.

37 mm Psv.K/36 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -10°/+20° ±180° - 13.3 18.4 22.4 24.8 26.4 4.03 3.56 3.29 3.10
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

Ammunition

There are two available rounds:

  • APHE round: Lower penetration but high damage potential.
  • AP shell: Higher penetration but low damage potential.

It's advisable to carry a mix of both ammunition types. The APHE round can potentially knock out some enemy tanks, but it will be completely ineffective against heavily-armoured vehicles typically encountered when uptiered. For these tanks, it's best to use AP rounds and aim for crew members if possible.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
psav Vj4 AP 62 58 42 29 20 14
pstkr 27-34 APHE 55 51 37 26 17 12
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
psav Vj4 AP 810 0.74 - - - 47° 60° 65°
pstkr 27-34 APHE 800 0.74 1.2 9 15 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Vickers Mk.E
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
50 43 (+7) 1 (+49) No

Note:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Turret empty: 43 (+7) shells.

Machine guns

8 mm ksp m/36 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate649 shots/min
Main article: ksp m/36 (8 mm)

The small calibre of the ksp m/36 machine gun limits its effectiveness to damaging open-topped vehicles or engaging low-flying aircraft. However, its belt size allows for continuous firing at the enemy for at least 20 seconds.

8 mm ksp m/36
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (250) 649 - -

Usage in battles

It is recommended to play the Vickers Mk.E in a support role, flanking the battlefield and finding a good position to assist teammates. The 37 mm cannon offers good characteristics, with both APHE and AP rounds capable of dealing significant damage to enemy vehicles at short and long ranges. The fast reload allows for quick aim adjustments between shots, making the Vickers Mk.E highly effective as a flanking vehicle if positioned well. Its 10 degrees of gun depression enables it to hide its hull and minimize visibility to the enemy, particularly when keeping back at long-range to avoid taking damage.

However, the lack of armour means it's vulnerable to heavy-calibre machine guns like the 12.7 mm M2HB and 13.2 mm Breda Model 31, which can penetrate its thickest armour plates. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid being targeted first by enemies and to drive under cover to evade detection.

Additionally, it's worth keeping in mind that the Vickers Mk.E has a slow reverse speed of -4 km/h, making retreats slower than advances. Awareness of enemy positions and available cover is vital to minimizing exposure to enemy fire.

Furthermore, be cautious of enemy aircraft equipped with bombs or powerful guns, as they can easily destroy the Vickers Mk.E. Staying near tree lines to avoid detection and relying on friendly SPAAs units for air defense is advisable, given the Vickers Mk.E's limited anti-aircraft capabilities.

Enemies worth noting:

  • Pz.II and other tanks with autocannons can easily shred your armour and modules. It's best to avoid head-on engagements; if forced into one, try to fire first before they start spraying.
  • SPAAs - Nearly every anti-aircraft vehicle at the tier can penetrate and destroy the Vickers Mk.E with ease, thanks to their high rates of fire. It's crucial to engage SPAAs preemptively. Certain underestimated SPAAs like the French P.7.T AA, CCKW 353 AA, and the American M15 CGMC should be noted, as their weapons are capable of efficiently disabling a Vickers Mk.E, despite lacking 20 mm autocannons.
  • The D2 and some other French tanks have over 40 mm of armour, which can be difficult to penetrate at range or when angled. It's advised to avoid frontal engagements or shots beyond 500 m. Instead, move closer to increase penetration chances.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The APHE round has adequate penetration and inflicts potent post-penetration damage.
  • Very short reload time.
  • Fairly accurate gun at short to medium ranges.
  • Adequate gun depression.
  • Favourable ammo rack positioning (reduces chance of ammo detonation).

Cons:

  • Poor protection; side armour can be penetrated even by light machine guns.
  • Struggles against better-armoured foes like the D2.
  • Slow reverse speed.
  • Poor turret traverse speed.
  • Very bad acceleration from 0 km/h to cruise speed.

History

The Vickers Mk.E, also called the Vickers 6-ton, was a private venture by Vickers to develop a lightweight, inexpensive, and easy-to-maintain tank intended primarily for infantry support. Various variants were created, including one armed only with machine guns, another equipped with a QF 3-pounder (47 mm) gun and crewed by two members, and several variants developed by other nations.

For its time, it represented a revolutionary design and served as inspiration for many other tanks, such as the Polish 7TP, the Finnish variant of the Mk.E with a 37 mm cannon, and the famous T-26. The T-26, produced under license by the Soviet Union, featured minor modifications and the incorporation of domestically manufactured equipment, including a 45 mm gun in place of the QF 3-pounder.

The Mk.E was patented in 1929 and presented to the British government. Despite its innovative two-man turret, the British Armed Forces showed little interest, preferring a mix of medium/heavy tanks and lightly armoured tankettes. Vickers, however, saw great promise in the Mk.E and opted for proven concepts and equipment.

The tank utilized the reliable Armstrong Siddeley Puma, a petrol aviation-derived engine capable of 80-95 bhp (60-70 kW), achieving a speed of 22 mph (35 km/h). Its armour, consisting of riveted panels no thicker than 25 mm (1 inch), made it vulnerable to anti-tank rifles and autocannons but facilitated inexpensive production and easy repair without advanced tools.

Despite these characteristics, the vehicle failed to satisfy the British Armed Forces and found greater success in the international market. It was exported to countries including the USSR, Greece, Poland, Bolivia, Siam, Finland, Portugal, China, and Bulgaria. A total of 153 units of the Vickers Mk.E were produced, with most remaining in service until the 1940s, when their obsolescence became apparent.

A variant, the Vickers Medium Dragon, was also developed as a tracked cargo vehicle. Adopted in small numbers by the British Army as artillery tractors, it was also utilized by China, India, and Thailand in limited quantities.

Finnish Vickers Mk.E

Finland emerged as a primary operator of the Vickers Mk.E, replacing its aging Renault FTs with this new design. Initially, early test models performed poorly and were deemed unfit for combat by Finnish standards. However, the improved Vickers-Carden-Loyd Model 1933 exhibited significantly better cross-country performance and was actually praised for its ease of handling. Consequently, the B model, equipped with an anti-tank gun deemed superior to the A model's machine guns, was introduced into service.

An order for 32 tanks was placed at £4,500 each, omitting radio, optics, and armament to reduce costs. Deliveries occurred between 1937 and 1939, but many issues like the escalation in Europe, overheating problems with the engines and delivery delays resulted in only 10 tanks being ready by 1939, despite 26 being delivered.

Due to the lack of equipment, the tanks were outfitted with a licensed version of the 37 mm Bofors anti-tank gun, adapted for tank use with superior armour penetration capabilities compared to the 47 mm gun offered by Vickers. Home-made straight-through telescopic sights with simple crosshair reticles were produced and their poor quality proved lethal in combat, and were criticized by tank crews as junky and unpleasant. As a stopgap measure during the Winter War, some vehicles were armed with the same guns as Renault FTs, training tanks also used this configuration as well as an M/09-31 Maxim machine gun in a semi-coaxial housing on the right side of the Puteaux gun.

By 1941 and during the Continuation War, the remaining Vickers Mk.E were rearmed with Soviet 45 mm cannons that proved much more lethal, as well as 7.62 mm DT machine guns with a much higher rate of fire and more reliability. Despite these modifications, the tanks performed poorly during both conflicts, increasingly so as more advanced Soviet designs like the BT-7 and T-34 appeared on the battlefield.

The Vickers Mk.E's most notable engagement was during the Battle of Honkaniemi, where, after three hours, the attack was cancelled with less than half of the tanks reaching the starting point. Some became immobilized in rugged terrain, while others struggled with communication among allied forces. Five tanks were knocked out of the fight, but only one was able to be retrieved to the starting point. Finland's lack of experience with armoured formations, coupled with inadequate equipment such as poor optics, lack of radios, and inexperienced crews, proved fatal against the numerically superior Soviet forces at Honkaniemi.

Media

Skins

See also

External links


Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
Ships 
Tribal-class  HMS Eskimo · HMCS Haida
Invincible-class  HMS Invincible*
Kongō-class  IJN Kongo**
Tanks 
Light Tanks  VFM5*** · Vickers Mk.11***
Light Tank Mk VI  Light AA Mk I
Light Tank Mk VII  Tetrarch I
Light Tank Mk VIII  Alecto I
Tank, Infantry, Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI · Archer
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7***
Heavy Tanks  Independent****
Export  ▂МК-IX "Valentine" · Vickers Mk.E****
See also  Vickers-Armstrongs Aircraft Limited
  *Previously Armstrong Whitworth
  **Built for Japan
  ***Vickers Defence Systems
  ****Previously Vickers Limited

Sweden light tanks
L-60  Strv m/38 · Strv m/39 · Strv m/39 TD · Strv m/40L
Strv m/41  Strv m/41 S-I · Strv m/41 S-II
Ikv 91  Ikv 91 · Ikv 91-105
CV 90  Strf 9040B · Strf 9040C · Strf 9040 BILL
  CV 90105 · CV 90120
Wheeled  Pbil m/40 · U-SH 405
Other  Strv m/31 · Strv 74 · Pbv 501
Finland  Vickers Mk.E · ▄T-26E · BT-42 · ▄PT-76 · CV 9030FIN · CT-CV 105HP
Denmark  CV 9035DK

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