Design Overview & Tactical Role
Conceived by Sir William Tritton as a fast 'chaser tank' to exploit breakthrough gaps torn open by slow heavy tanks, the Whippet was capable of more than double the speed of the Mark IV (13.4 km/h versus 6 km/h). Its unique propulsion featured two independent Tylor bus engines, each driving its own track; steering was achieved by accelerating one engine while decelerating the other.
Combat History & Battle Records
During the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, Whippets performed legendary cavalry exploits deep behind German lines. One famous Whippet named 'Musical Box' roamed behind enemy lines alone for nine hours, wreaking havoc on German rear-echelon batteries, convoys, and headquarters.
Related Armored Vehicles (WWI & Interwar)
Modern
1998
Modern
2025
Cold War
1946
Cold War
1966