The Soviet Union’s T-27 tankette was a two-man machine gun carrier based on the British Carden-Loyd Mark VI. Its weapons mount was modified to carry a 7.62mm DT machine gun. The T-27 had a larger hull than the Carden-Loyd Mark VI. Its running gear was also different.
Soviet engineer N. Kozyrev designed the T-27 tankette.
Most versions of the T-27 did not have a radio. Tank crews were supposed to use flags to communicate with each other. There was a commander’s version that did have a radio.
The T-27 was designed to be used for reconnaissance. It was used, successfully, in security operations.
The T-27 tankette was used during World War II, to defend against Hitler’s invading army. It did not fare well in Russia’s swampy and snowy terrain.
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T-27 Tankette |
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| Active: | 1931 |
| Crew: | 2 |
| Weight: | 2.66 tons (2,700kg) |
| Length: | 8ft 6 in (2.6m) |
| Height: | 4ft 9in (1.4m) |
| Width: | 6ft (1.8m) |
| Weapons: | Main – 0.3in (7.62mm) DT machinegun |
| Armor | Maximum – 0.39in (10mm) |
| Engine: | GAZ-AA gasoline, 40hp |
| Speed: | 26mph (42kph) |
| Range: | 75 miles (120 km) |