A NEW TANK.

Otaki Mail, 5 January 1923, Page 4

A NEW TANK.

DEVISED FOR BRITISH GOVERNMENT. MANY IMPORTANT SECRETS. A new type of tank has been devised for the British Government which may bring about important modifications in military tactics, render "certain now formidable weapons harmless, and minimise the terrible casualties which hitherto have been regarded as inseparable from modern warfare.

Externally the new machine is a larger edition of the -Mark V. tank with which the army was equipped at the end of the war. The hard steel shell, however, conceals secrets which a hostile power would give much to discover.

An engine of a new type is installed; giving a normal speed of 20 miles an hour. This comparatively great speed' increases the effect of the machine as :.'. weapon of surprise and assault, liesides rendering it exceedingly difficultfor hostile artillery to hit.

A wonderful system of springs provents jars and shocks, and thus enables the gunnels to maintain a steady aim and rapid fire. In addition this smoothness -of travel minimises the risk of the revolving caterpillar "tracks" getting broken. An automatic gun of a new type Which fires a rapid stream of oneinch armour-piercing- bullets will probably be mounted.

One of tho most important features is the economy of interior space; 50" men can be packed comfortable into the new tank; 15 was the limit for tho old tank. This means that battalions can be carried forward, a platoon to each tank, in a fleet of--the new machines and released for battle in the enemy's lines, without the heavy casualities in ' 'no man's land. " Tests of the new machine have been carried out in lonely spots under conditions of secrecy, and are said to have proved successful in all respects. The improvements are the result of four years of extensive experiments and 'tests. . .