The A39 Tortoise heavy assault tank was a British heavy tank design developed in World War II but never put into production. It was developed for the task of clearing heavily fortified areas. Hence the design favoured armour protection over mobility.

Over the design period the vehicle grew, and the original specification for heavily armoured tank was met when the Churchill tank was put into use. However the project continued, envisioned as a specialist in the same mould as the many unusual vehicles of the 79th Armoured.

The gun design was adapted from the British 3.75 inch anti-aircraft gun. The ammunition was separate charge and shell, the latter a 32 pound (14.5 kg) armour piercing shot (APCBC).

In strict terms, since it had a fixed superstructure, and not a turret, it might be better compared to a self propelled gun, or assault gun.

The crew included the Commander, driver, gunner with two loaders for the 32 pounder gun and 2 machine gunners.

Combat History

None - prototype only.

One of the six pilot vehicles can be seen at the Bovington Tank Museum, UK

See also