AEC Mk II

AEC Mk II

AEC Mk II

Britain

II Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
3.0	3.0	3.0

Class:

PREMIUM

Light tank

Purchase:Bundle or Gift

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Description

The AEC Armoured Cars were a series of vehicles developed during World War 2. After the British experience against Italian armoured cars in the Western Sahara, AEC decided to develop their own vehicle while the Daimler Armoured Car was still in development. A total of 629 units were built and entered service in 1941. Early versions tried to have the same firepower and armour as other British cruiser tanks but they failed. The Mk.II version used a larger turret for a three-man crew with a 6-pounder gun, redesigned front hull, and a 158 hp (118 kW) diesel engine.

It was introduced during Update 1.75 "La Résistance" in the 2017 "Festive Quest" that took place between 22 December 2017 to 22 January 2018. The AEC Mk II is similar to the AEC AA, with a different turret housing a 57 mm 6-pounder cannon rather than two synchronized Oerlikon 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons. As such, the vehicle has a lower profile than its predecessor, which grants it more stealth capabilities. In addition, there is a 7.62 mm BESA machine gun for use, which is nice for dealing with lightly armoured targets such as open-topped anti-aircraft vehicles and SPGs.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades

Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle

Armourfront / side / back

Hull17 / 25 / 14

Turret31 / 25 / 20

Crew4 people

Visibility90 %

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour
• Structural steel (Sand skirts)

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	25 mm (63-78°) Front glacis 10 mm (41°) Lower glacis 5 mm (49°) + 57 mm Joint plate	16 mm (0-1°)	16 mm (58°) Top 16 mm (13-14°) Bottom	16 mm
Turret	57 mm (0-1°) Turret front 31 mm (0-45°) Gun mantlet	25 mm (0-1°)	25 mm (0-60°)	16 mm

Notes:

• Wheels are 2 mm thick.
• Chassis is 5 mm thick.

Being very thinly armoured, the AEC Mk II is very vulnerable to heavy machine gun strafings, artillery strikes and even ammo rack detonations from nearby vehicles.

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB76 / 10 km/h

RB and SB68 / 9 km/h

Number of gears8 forward

2 back

Weight12.8 t

Engine power

AB315 hp

RB and SB165 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB24.6 hp/t

RB and SB12.9 hp/t

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	76	10	12.8	256	315	20	24.61
Realistic	68	9		146	165	11.41	12.89

Being an armoured car, the AEC Mk II is a light vehicle. It accelerates quickly and has a good cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While your top speed is high, your cruise speed will be around 50 km/h. As it is equipped with tires, the AEC Mk II struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). The reverse speed is also poor for a light armoured car. The AEC Mk II is average at fording: 17 km/h and loses quickly speed when driving uphill. Another important point to take into account is the turn radius: like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you can not turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. The bigger the speed, the bigger the turn radius. You will also need more distance to come to a full stop and braking while turning will cause your vehicle to go into an uncontrolled skid.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost

AB800

RB458

SB655

Crew training4 800

Experts32 000

Aces210

Research Aces440 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

2 × 50 / 60 / 60 %

2 × 124 / 124 / 124 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tires Suspension Brake System Filters Transmission Engine	Improved Parts Improved FPE Crew Replenishment	Horizontal Drive 57mm_britain_6pdr_APC_ammo_pack Adjustment of Fire Airstrike 57mm_britain_6pdr_APCBC_ammo_pack Elevation Mechanism Artillery Support Improved optics Smoke grenade

Armaments

Main armament

57 mm 6pdr OQF Mk.V cannon

Shoulder stabilizer

Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving

Ammunition60 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

5.2 → 4.0 s

Vertical guidance-10° / 20°

57 mm 6pdr OQF Mk.V					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	60	-10°/+20°	±180°	Shoulder	22.8	31.6	38.4	42.5	45.2	5.20	4.60	4.24	4.00
Realistic					14.3	16.8	20.4	22.6	24.0

Ammunition

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
Shot Mk.8	APC	116	111	94	76	62	50
Shot Mk.5 HV	AP	115	111	93	75	60	49
Shot Mk.9	APCBC	132	127	110	91	75	63
Shell Mk.10	HE	9	9	9	9	9	9

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)	Ricochet
							0%	50%	100%
Shot Mk.8	APC	883	2.87	-	-	-	48°	63°	71°
Shot Mk.5 HV	AP	891	2.8	-	-	-	47°	60°	65°
Shot Mk.9	APCBC	847	3.23	-	-	-	48°	63°	71°
Shell Mk.10	HE	655	2.72	0	0.1	590	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AEC Mk II

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
60	45 (+15)	39 (+21)	31 (+29)	23 (+37)	10 (+50)	1 (+59)	No

Notes:

• To go into battle with the turret empty of ammo, pack 31 (+29) shells (racks 1 & 2 emptied).
• As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.

Optics

AEC Mk II Optics
Which ones	Default magnification	Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics	x1.85	x3.5
Comparable optics	M10 GMC

Machine guns

7.92 mm BESA machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition3 375 rounds

Belt capacity225 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

10.4 → 8.0 s

Fire rate600 shots/min

7.92 mm BESA
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	3,375 (225)	600	N/A	N/A

The small calibre of the BESA machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.

Usage in battles

The AEC Mk. II is to play mainly in the role of flanking and reconnaissance. Due to the high speed and thin armour, it is ill-advised to use this vehicle in frontal assaults. Added to the new mechanic of active scouting for light tanks, it is rewarding to be an effective scout by highlighting targets for allies, thus farming SP and experience from their assistance. However, the AEC isn't as small as a scout-like the American M22 Locust, so scouting and flanking can be risky if done incorrectly. The AEC is equipped with the 57 mm 6pdr OQF Mk.V which has higher velocity and penetration values compared to the MK.III found on other British vehicles. Here are some methods for maximizing not only combat effectiveness but also the chances of surviving.

The first method of using this vehicle is for reconnaissance. Since the addition of the "active scouting" mechanic, light tanks have the ability to report the position of enemy vehicles to allies. When fulfilling the role of scouting in this vehicle, find a position that is concealed, but that gives a clear view sight of the battlefield. This is most helpful for farming Spawn Points and experience given that when an allied vehicle destroys an enemy player being actively scouted, granting a 50% reward of what the allied player was awarded. This can work best when paired with allied tank destroyers for dislodging stubborn enemy defenders holding down key positions.

The second method of using this vehicle is flanking. When using this as a flanker, try to use the terrain for the advantage and end up on the enemy's flank. Coupled with the AEC's fast speed, it shouldn't be too difficult to get up to speed if the terrain is favourable, as muddy terrain will severely inhibit the ability to manoeuvre. After all, the AEC is still a wheeled vehicle, so don't expect to speed overall terrains as in a tank. Nonetheless, when on the enemy's flank, ensure that it is a spot that isn't as exposed as others. Then, start pumping shots into the sides of the enemy tanks. It is highly recommended to fire a few shots then relocate, thus preventing the enemy from triangulating the AEC's firing location. It doesn't hurt to use "active scouting" as well, to notify allies of an incoming enemy armour movement.

With very light armour, this renders the AEC vehicle highly exposed to any form of enemy fire except machine gunfire. However, at its BR, there are some adversaries that deserve special note.

German Vehicles - The AEC's greatest adversary is most likely the Panzer IV F2, due to its long-barreled 75 mm cannon, which can punch right through the armour- even from long range. In addition, any later model of the Panzer III is going to give severe problems due to their long-barreled 50 mm cannon, which has a rapid rate of fire. As laughable as it sounds, the Flakpanzer I and the Flakpanzer 38 "Gepard" will also shred the AEC, as a result of their ability to use the HVAP-T round for their 20 mm cannons, which have a murderous rate of fire. In uptier matches, stay away from a Flakpanzer Wirbelwind at all costs, as the sheer volume of their fire will utterly obliterate the AEC, even if they do not have the HVAP-T round. The most dangerous opponent in respect to the AEC is the Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Puma" due to its amazing speed and a high-velocity 50 mm cannon. The Marder III and Marder III H will also give issues, due to their high-velocity cannons.

Soviet Vehicles - The Soviets have the most tanks with heavy armour, which can make it difficult for even for the 6-Pounder to punch through. That being said, a KV-1 is going to give a lot of problems, even at close ranges. In addition to that, the most abundant Soviet threat is going to be the T-34, due to its fast speed and sloping armour, which has the chances to bounce a shell, even at close range, if the tank is angled well enough. The most dangerous opponent is the SU-122, due to the 122 mm howitzer it carries, which doesn't need to make a direct hit if firing High-Explosive shells. In addition, the YaG-10 (29-K) boasts a high-velocity 76 mm cannon, which will tear through the AEC's armour even at long ranges.

Japanese Vehicles - Japanese vehicles may not have the strongest armour for their tanks, but their guns will make anyone think twice. Most notable of these is the Chi-Nu and the Ho-Ni III, which have high-velocity 75 mm cannons, which will rip through most armour at medium to long-range. The So-Ki SPAA can also rip through the AEC due to the twin 25 mm cannons. In addition, the M24 Chaffee (Self-Defense Force) boasts a 75 mm cannon and a .50 cal machine gun, which can bore through the thin armour.

French Vehicles - The French also have some vehicles that are heavily armoured. Most notable of them being the Char B1 bis and the Char B1 ter. The Char B1 ter is probably most notable of them, due to the ridiculous amount of armour from the front. The SAu 40 is a viable threat, thanks to its 75 mm cannon. It is also plausible to face the French M4A1 Sherman, which not only has enough armour to possibly bounce the 6-pdr shells but a 75 mm cannon and a .50 cal machine gun, which is notorious for tearing through just about any lightly-armoured vehicle. It is also important to note that the 40 mm Bofors CCKW 353 AA truck is a major threat to the AEC, due to the Bofors 40 mm heavy Anti-Aircraft cannon it wields.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Stabilized 57 mm with fast reload and excellent spalling damage; also 12 degrees of gun depression
• Very mobile in all directions, especially over solid surfaces. At 87km/h it is one of the fastest vehicles in low ranked battles
• Turret has decent armour for an armoured car, can take some hits from autocannons and low-rank guns
• 7.92 mm BESA machine gun has a superb rate of fire and is effective against open-topped vehicles
• Smoke screen and scouting abilities; a great option at low rank for cooperative playstyle

Cons:

• Off-road performance is not on par with tracked vehicles (wheels bog down easily in mud, sand or snow)
• Cannot turn on the spot because of the wheels
• Only three crew members. A well-aimed APHE will take the AEC out instantly
• Aircraft, autocannons and artillery are a threat because of the low hull and rooftop armour

History

The Associated Equipment Co. (AEC) Ltd. company, which made London's double-decker buses, put forth an unsolicited design for a heavy armoured car, based on their Matador MAT (medium artillery tractor). The army was disinclined at first, but Prime Minister Churchill intervened in AEC's favour. The Mark I model carried a 2-pounder in a Valentine tank turret. Some of these were sent for use in North Africa. The Mark II, which had increased horsepower and a new three-man turret with the 6-pounder, was only produced in small numbers. Approximately 24 were given to Yugoslavian partisans in late 1944.

This would be followed by the Mark III, mounting the British 75 mm gun, making it the most powerful armoured car of the war, and used in Western Europe alongside the 75 mm armed US M3 GMC half-track in the heavy troop of British armoured car squadrons. A total of 122 Mark Is and 507 Mark IIs/IIIs were built. Sometimes referred to as "Junies" or "Matadors."

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the AEC Mk II from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

The Shooting Range #80 - War Machines section at 00:36 discusses the AEC Mk II.

Best armored cars discusses the AEC Mk II at 1:39 - War Thunder Official Channel

Tank Chats #141 | AEC Armoured Car | The Tank Museum - The Tank Museum

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

• AEC AA

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

• T18E2
• Sd.Kfz.234/2
• Eland 90 Mk.7

External links

• [News] AEC Mk.II

Associated Equipment Company (AEC)
Armoured Cars	AEC Mk II
SPAAs	AEC AA

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