Albion WD FT15 (1945)
6x6 Gun Tractor, 150 manufactured (500 ordered) 1945
Development
From Pinterest (originally Flickr, kitchener.lord)
Before the Second World War, Albion was considered one of the most prosperous British truck manufacturers, and the pride of Scotland. During the war, Albion produced a large number of army vehicles, with prominent all-wheel drive ones with a cab over engine (COE) such as the 3-ton FT11 (4x4) and the artillery tractor FT15 6x6.
In addition, the army widely used 3-axle vehicles "BY" and "CX" (6x4) with a load capacity of 3 to 10 tons with engines of 75 or 140 hp. Production of civilian models was resumed only in 1946 with a series of six basic chassis with a load capacity of 1.5 to 18 tons of pre-war development, from the light model "AZ5" to the 4-axle "CX7".
The WD.FT15N was a 6x6 development of the 4x4 WD.FT11N and the BY5 series, as a low silhouette gun tractor with semi-forward control layout. It was done to reduce its height to a maximum of 7 feet 6 inches, making in easier to carry and less conspicuous on the battlefield. The first was created from existing parts in April 1945, powered by a 4.57 liter petrol engine EN281.
The Albion FT11 was a 3ton 4x4 GS Truck, militarised, according to the War Department's directive that all future trucks in the 3-ton capacity should be built as 4 WD vehicles. They entered service in 1942 and saw service with the British Army in NW Europe. The need as the war went on of a larger vehicle, especially like the
CX 22 capable of a 5t payload or for towing any British ordnance, led to a lower profile variant, which was designed to replace the CX 22 in 1945.
The Albion BY3 which led to the BY5 was a 6x4 truck (twin axle aft, all single tyre) without cabin but a tarpaulin instead. The BY3 had a 4.25 L 6-cyl. EN278A engine, and it was declined into multiple specialized variants. In 1942 the BY3 was replaced by the BY5, near-identical but identified by a press brass-copper radiator header tank. This was COE with the rear compartment free for spare wheels, personal and material. The flat bed was its rear, with tall step guards. From there were developed the WD.15N and waterproof 15NW. They were designed as an open cabin low profile arty tractor, combining a cargo compartment as in the FT11N and features from the BY5, notably for the chassis but the new EN281 6-cyl. siode valved engine 4566 CC. The contract was of 500 vehicles in the summer of 1945.
Design
The FT15 had the same two speed relay gearbox as before, with a lockable third differential. Brakes were vacuum assisted and hydraulic, suspensions comprised Luvax shock absorbers only on the front axle. The cabin was open and to waterproof the mechanics at 5 feet 6 inches, induction pipes, crankcase breather and ventilation pipes were relocated at this level in rder to ford deeper waterways. The vehicle was approved fro producton with 150 supplied over an order of 500 before it was cancelled in January 1946.
Chassis and general design
As the WD FT11N, Ladder type, but lenghtened with extra beams for an additional rear axle, similar to the BY5 but reinforced. Forward driving axle, single wheels, same at the rear, double axle, 6x6 WD (all wheel drive, single tire). Open cabin with flat panels, standard mudguards, flat radiator, mixed rear compartment with roof bars, tarpaulin. Rear flatbed much lowered compared to the axles.
Mobility
The "semi COE" or semi CAB over engine, 4.57 liter EN281 petrol engine. No info on this engine or general performances or specifications. Note: There is no more information available on this model, topic in research.
specifications Albion WD FT15 |
| Lenght | c7.5 meters (24 ft) |
| Width | c2.7 meters (8 ft 8 in) |
| Height | c2.13m (7 ft 6 in) |
| Max weight | c10 tons unladen, 15+ ton fully loaded |
| Crew | 2+ artillery team |
| Propulsion | 4.57 liter EN281, c120 hp |
| Suspension | Rear: Leaf springs, Fwd: Luvax Shock Absorbers |
| Speed (road) | c45 kph (28 mph) |
| Range | c800 km (600 mi) |
| Armament | Ring mounted LMG |
| Production | 150 in 1945 |