Bob Semple tank
The Bob Semple tank (sometimes referred to as Big Bob) was a light tank designed by New Zealand Minister of Works Bob Semple during World War II. Originating out of the need to build military hardware from available materials, the tank was built from corrugated iron on a tractor base. Designed and built during a period of uncertainty in which New Zealand feared having to defend itself from Japanese invasion without external assistance, these tanks were a civilian effort to design and create a means to protect New Zealand.
| Bob Semple tank | |
|---|---|
Bob Semple tank | |
| Type | Light tank |
| Place of origin | New Zealand |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Ministry of Works, Temuka |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 25.4 t (25.0 long tons) |
| Length | 4.20 m (13 ft 9 in) |
| Width | 3.30 m (10 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 3.65 m (12 ft 0 in) |
| Crew | 6-8 on |
| Armor | 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) |
Main armament | 6× 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Bren light machine guns |
| Engine | 6-cylinder diesel 95 kW (127 hp) |
| Power/weight | 5 hp/t |
Operational range | 160 km (99 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 24 km/h (15 mph) |
Designed and built without formal plans or blueprints, it had numerous design flaws and practical difficulties, and was never put into mass production or used in combat.
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