The first infantry tank, the Infantry Tank Mk I "Matilda I", was designed during the mid-thirties as an infantry support vehicle. It was intended to advance alongside the infantry, and engage enemy strongpoints and infantry. Since it would only need to drive at a walking pace, speed was sacrificed for armor protection.
The Matilda I was only armed with a heavy machine gun, which was considered insufficient even when production began in 1937. As a result, the Matilda II was designed. Nevertheless, the order of 140 tanks was completed, and the Matilda I saw action in France in 1940. Despite its heavy armour, however, its slow speed and weak armament made it unsuited for modern tank warfare.
| Infantry Tank Mk I "Matilda I" | |
|---|---|
| Crew | |
| Crew |
|
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 11.18 t |
| Length | 4.85 m |
| Width | 2.29 m |
| Height | 1.87 m |
| Armour | |
| Armour (range) | 10-60 mm |
| Performance | |
| Speed (max) | 12.9 km/h |
| Engine | |
| Engine | Ford V8 |
| Net h.p. | 70 |
| Armament | |
| Primary weapon | .50 cal. Vickers Machine Gun (1) |
