GB113973A - Improvements in Armoured Endless Track Vehicles. - Google Patents

Abstract

113,973. Lester, W. J. March 8, 1917, [Convention date]. Armouring vehicles. -According to the invention, an armoured vehicle is protected on the top and sides and is propelled by endless tracks which also are armoured and cover the under surface of the vehicle. The vehicle is electrically propelled by separately controlled motors, each track having a plurality of motors between its upper and lower runs. The vehicle rests on the upper run of the tracks which are provided with means for preventing sagging. The vehicle comprises a framework 2, 3 covered by armour 1 and provided with rollers 11 which run on the upper run of the tracks 12. Guiding and supporting brackets 5 - - 9 are provided on the frame members and engage rollers mounted on lugs 15 to prevent the tracks from sagging when passing over uneven ground. The tracks consist of pivoted armour-plate links provided with studs 19 and enclose the under surface of the vehicle. The tracks are driven by motors 17 arranged between the upper and lower runs and are fitted with driving-wheels engaging ribs 21 on the links. Each motor unit consists of four separate motors, the shafts of which are provided with pinions arranged round a central gear wheel on the main shaft of the unit; the motors may have separately excited fields. The generating units comprise gas turbines geared to a generator and are distributed in the upper part of the vehicle in the spaces 30. The vehicle may be fitted with machine guns 31, antiaircraft guns, burning oil sprays, electro-magnets, grappling-hooks, electrified streams of water, search-lights, wireless apparatus, &c. Compressed air may be used for cooling the motors and for expelling mud from the links. Revolving brushes may be used for cleaning the chains. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 127,855, [Class 79 (i), Locomotives &c.].