World of Tanks Convoy Mode Lanchester 4x2 Armored Car

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Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanchester_4x2_Armoured_Car

In 1914, the Lanchester was the second most numerous armoured car in service after the Rolls-Royce. Designed by the Admiralty Air Department for the Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car Section in France it was intended to support air bases and retrieve downed pilots. A prototype was produced in December 1914 with production following in early 1915. A number of changes were made; principally strengthening the chassis and suspension, and doubled rear wheels fitted to the rear axle to improve traction, weight distribution. The vehicle had a distinctive circular turret with a narrow horizontal roof with central hatch, steeply sloped at the sides, and continuous sloped bonnet plating. This last, together with a much more compact form than the earlier Rolls Royce Armoured Car achieved by positioning the driver beside the powerful and reliable engine, which featured an epicyclic gearbox) gives the Lancaster a deceptively modern appearance that matches its paper specification when compared with its later inter-war 6×4 version. Thirty six of the production version were sent to France in May 1915, one twelve-car RNAS squadron served with the Belgian Army. In addition, Belgium received between 10 and 15 cars on loan from the RNAS. On the Western Front it served its intended purpose despite what were considered advanced features. However, with the rough road conditions and even rougher cross-country treks the 4×2 Lanchester chassis caused difficulties which were never satisfactorily resolved, limiting its usefulness. In 1915, all thirty six RNAS armoured cars were passed to the British Army. Since the BEF had acquired a variety of armoured cars, and this represented a challenge in terms of maintenance, stores and training it was decided, given trench warfare had severely limited the role that armoured cars could play, that the British Expeditionary Force should standardise on a single type, selecting the Rolls Royce Accordingly, all Lanchester armoured cars were returned to Britain.

After being overhauled, 22 vehicles were supplied to the Imperial Russian Army in December 1915. Of these 19 were later rearmed with a 37-mm naval Hotchkiss gun in place of the standard Vickers machine gun. In January 1916 more Lanchesters arrived with the RNAS expeditionary force deployed in the Caucasus, Romania and Galicia in support of the Russians. RNAS detachments were sent as far as Persia and Turkey and the Lanchesters travelled many thousands of miles until, in early 1918, the expedition force departed Russia via Murmansk. Their last operation was in support of the Brusilov Offensive in mid 1917. Following this deployment Russia descended into civil war and the RNAS armoured car division was withdrawn back to Britain, while Lanchesters still in Russian hands were used by the White Russian forces. During most of its service life, the Lanchester was considered an admirably fast and reliable vehicle, the only caveat being limitations imposed by the chassis.

Fonte – https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanchester_4x2_Armoured_Car

Nel 1914, le autoblindo Lanchester erano i secondi per numero di mezzi dopo gli autoblindo Rolls-Royce. Questo tipo di autoblindo erano stati originariamente progettati per supportare le basi aeree e recuperare i piloti abbattuti.Nel 1915 il Lanchester subì un rimodellamento dello scafo e furono formati squadroni di queste autoblindo. Trentasei Lanchesters furono consegnati al Royal Naval Air Service. Questi squadroni di 12 veicoli furono inviati in Francia nel maggio dello stesso anno. Uno di questi squadroni si unì all’Esercito belga. In più il Belgio ricevette 15 autoblindi in prestito dal Royal Naval Air Service.
L’Esercito russo ricevette 22 di questi veicoli nel dicembre 1915. 19 di questi furono successivamente riarmati con un cannone navale Hotchkiss da 37 mm, al posto della mitragliatrice. Con la creazione della lunga linea di trincea sul Fronte occidentale le autoblindo furono usati molto meno e l’esercito inglese, dopo averli ritirati tutti, li rimodellò seguendo i parametri Rolls-Royce. I Lanchesters furono dunque inviati in Russia nel gennaio del 1916 con la forza di spedizione del Royal Naval Air Service. La forza di spedizione fu dispiegata nel Caucaso, in Romania e in Galizia per supportare le forze russe in quei teatri: alcuni distaccamenti furono inviati addirittura in Persia e in Turchia e i Lanchesters percorsero molte migliaia di chilometri. All’inizio del 1918 la forza di spedizione salpò dalla Russia a Murmansk. La maggior parte dei Lanchesters russi furono usati dall’Armata Bianca durante la Guerra civile russa.

Stats:

HP: 200
Engine: 60 hp
Mass: 4,675 t
Power-to-weight: 12,83 hp / t
Max speed: 82 / 40 km / h
Hull turning speed: 40 °/s
Turret turning speed: 73 °/s
Terrain resistance values: 1,055 / 1,247 / 2,205
View range: 270 m
Radio range: 90 m