TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Page

U.S. Light Tank M1917 6 Ton Radio Tank

3

U.S. Amphibian Personnel Carrier Landing Vehicle, Tracked, 1 (LVT 1)

91

U.S. Self Propelled Gun Mark VII, Model 1916

5

U.S. Self Propelled Gun, Model 1920

7

U.S. Amphibian Personnel Carrier Landing Vehicle, Tracked, 2 (LVT 2)

93

U.S. Prime Mover—T2 Carrier, Cargo

9

U.S. Light Tank-T5 Combat Car

11

U.S. Amphibious Tank, Armored 1, (LVT(A)1)

95

U.S. Light Tank-T5E1 Combat Car

13

U.S. Light Tank-T1E4

15

U.S. Amphibious Tank, Armored 4, (LVT(A)4)

97

U.S. Light Tank-T2

17

U.S. Light Tank-T2 (Modified)

19

U.S. Amphibious Tank, Armored 5, (LVT(A)5)

99

U.S. Light Tank-T2E1

21

U.S. Medium Tank-T1

23

British Medium Tank—Comet

101

U.S. Medium Tank-T6

25

British Medium Tank—Centaur Mark III

103

U.S. Medium Tank-T23

27

British Armored Engineer Vehicle, Churchill Avre Mk. 7

105

U.S. Medium Tank-T23E3

29

U.S. Medium Tank-T25

31

Czechoslovakian Light Tank—S.1

107

Canadian Armored Carrier No. 2 MK 11

33

French Armored Car—Panhard AMD 35

109

British Armored Car-T17E2 (Staghound AA)

35

French Heavy Tank—Char de Manoevure B-1

111

U.S. Self Propelled Gun-T48, 57mm

37

French Light Tank-Char A.M.X. 13

113

German Armored Car Kfz-13

115

U.S. Tank Recovery Vehicle-M74 (VTR-M74)

39

German Light Armored Car SdKfz 221

117

U.S. Light Tank-M2A3

41

German Armored Car SdKfz 222

119

U.S. Light Tank-M2A4

43

German Armored Car SdKfz 223

121

U.S. Light Tank-M3 (Prototype)

45

German Armored Car 6 Wheels SdKfz 232

123

U.S. Light Tank-M3A3

47

German Self Propelled Gun 15cm s.L.G. 33 on PzKpfw II-SdKfz 121

125

U.S. Medium Tank-M3

49

U.S. Medium Tank-M3A1

51

German Light Tank PzKpfw 1 Commander's Model

127

U.S. Medium Tank-M3A2

53

U.S. Medium Tank-M3A3

55

German Heavy Tank PzKpfw 5

129

U.S. Medium Tank-M3A4

57

Japanese Amphibious Tank—Type 2

131

U.S. Medium Tank-M3A5

59

Japanese Medium Tank—2597 (Chi-Ha)

133

U.S. Medium Tank—M4 (105mm Howitzer)

61

Soviet Armored Car—BA-64

135

U.S. Self Propelled Gun-M8 75mm

63

Soviet Self Propelled Gun-SU-37

137

Soviet Self Propelled Gun-SU-85

139

U.S. M10 3 Inch Gun Motor Carriage

65

Soviet Self Propelled Gun-SU-100

141

U.S. Medium Tank-M48A1

67

Soviet Self Propelled Gun-JSU-122

143

U.S. Self Propelled Gun-M56 90mm Gun

69

Soviet Self Propelled Gun-JSU-152

145

U.S. Medium Tank-M60 105mm Gun

71

Soviet Light Tank-T-60

147

U.S. Heavy Tank-M103

73

Soviet Light Tank-T-70

149

U.S. Light Tank-Mi Combat Car

75

Soviet Heavy Tank—KV-2

151

U.S. Armored Car-M3A1 Scout Car

77

Soviet Heavy Tank—JS-2

153

U.S. Armored Car-M8 Light

79

Soviet Amphibious Tank PT 76

155

U.S. Armored Car-M20 Utility

81

Soviet Medium Tank T-54

157

U.S. Armored Personnel Carrier—M2 Half Track

83

U.S. Armored Personnel Carrier—M3 Half Track

85

Tanks In Cross Section

158-183

U.S. Self Propelled Gun-M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage

87

Tanks In Pictures

184-206

Pictorial History of Russian Tanks

207-213

U.S. Self Propelled Mortar—M4 81mm Carrier

89

Armor In World War 2

214-219

NOMENCLATURE

British

As the British Navy was in charge of the first large scale program of tank design, a system of nomenclature of naval origin was originally used by both the British and the United States. The present day practice retains some of these terms. Parts of the "landships" are still called sponson, bow, hull, etc.

United States

The Army Ordnance Department uses the following system: The designation T1, T2, etc., indicates a developmental item. While in the developmental stage, when a major change is incorporated, the item will take the designation "T1E1," "T2E1," etc. Such designation indicates a change affecting military characteristics or installation. When an item has been adopted as a standard by the Ordnance Technical Committee, the item is given the designation "M1," "M2," etc. When a change which is considered major occurs in an item adopted as standard, such as one which affects military characteristics, installations, manufacture, storage or use, the designation changes to "M1A1," "M1A2," etc. The designation "M1B2," etc., or "M1A1-B1," indicates that a different type material is used which constitutes a major change in production because of scarcity of material. When a standard article has been modified by the development of an experimental non-standard process or procedure, it takes the designation "M1E1," "M1E2," etc. If the item thus modified is adopted as standard by the Ordnance Department, it takes a designation in the proper sequence of the M1A series; e. g., an item designated as M1E6 may become M1A4 if it is the fourth item adopted as standard in that type of material.

[1]

U. S. LIGHT TANK M1917 6 TON RADIO TANK

This radio tank is one of the first U. S. attempts to provide a command radio vehicle for tank units. It is a modified U. S. M1917 light tank, modified in accord with French ideas. The radio set is the SCR 189 (T2E1) sending and receiving set. The tank illustrated was used by the U. S. Marine Corps. Fifty (50) of these radio vehicles were produced in the U. S.

EMPLOYMENT: Command Tank, Tank Platoon and Company

HORSEPOWER: 42

TRANSMISSION: 4 Forward, 1 Reverse Speed, Sliding gear

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1918

MANUFACTURER: Renault (France)

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

CREW: 2

SUSPENSION: 1-three wheel and 3-two wheel pivoting bogies carried on coil and leaf spring with 6 return rollers on each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 15,400 lbs.

LENGTH: 16 ft. 5 in.

WIDTH: 5 ft. 10-1/2 in.

TURRET: Fixed

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 9 in.

ARMOR: Hull -- Front, .6 in; Sides, .6 in; Rear .6 in; @ 0 Degrees

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17 in.

SPEED 5.5 MPH On Road

ARMAMENT: None

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft.

PITCH OF TRACK 9.8 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 32

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

TREAD CENTERS: 56 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 Degree Slope

GROUND CONTACT: 126 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 30 Miles, Road — 25 Miles, Crosscountry

WIDTH OF TRACK: 13-3/8 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, Dry Pin

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

GROUND PRESSURE: 6.3 lb/sq in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 30 U.S. Gal

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1 Mile/Gal.

ENGINE: 4 Cylinder Liquid Cooled, in line Buda HU

[3]

U.S. SELF PROPELLED GUN MARK VII
Self Propelled Mount for 75MM Gun M1916

Two of these self propelled guns were built in 1919. The purpose behind them was to provide a self propelled, tracked vehicle with a powerful gun to support the less powerful armed tanks of the period. The chassis is that of a commercial tractor and the gun is a U. S. 75mm field piece, adapted to the tractor. A spade, hinged to the axle of the rear sprocket was lowered and embedded into the ground prior to firing. The reader might contrast this vehicle to the M56 90mm self propelled gun, issued forty years later — not much new is there!

EMPLOYMENT: Light artillery battery

TRANSMISSION: 3 Forward, 1 Reverse Speed, Sliding Gear

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1919

MANUFACTURER: Holt Caterpillar Co.

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

CREW: 4

SUSPENSION: Rigid, tractor type, 6 steel bogie wheels and four return rollers each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 10,600 lbs.

LENGTH: 11 ft. 3-1/4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull -- Front .25 in;
Sides .25 in; @ 0 Degrees

WIDTH: 6 ft.

HEIGHT: 6 ft.

ARMAMENT: 1-75mm Gun M1916, 490 Miles traverse 0 to 45 degrees elevation

SPEED 14 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY: 1805 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 10 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 75mm HE type; 12.18 lb.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 Degree Slope

PITCH OF TRACK: 5 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 36 Miles, road

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 49

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TREAD CENTERS: 48 in.

FUEL CAPACITY 18 U. S. Gal

GROUND CONTACT: 56 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

WIDTH OF TRACK: 8 in.

ENGINE: V8 Cyl, Liquid Cooled, Cadillac

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel plate, dry pin

HORSEPOWER: 70

GROUND PRESSURE: 11.8 lb/sq in.

[5]

U. S. SELF PROPELLED GUN
MODEL 1920 75mm GUN AND 105mm HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE

The Model 1920 Motor Carriage was another of the continuing efforts to provide an efficient carriage for a self propelled gun to accompany tanks. This vehicle was intended for use with either a 75mm gun or a 105mm howitzer, the latter version is shown. The M1920 carriage was supposed to rectify the faults of the Mark VII Carriage.

EMPLOYMENT: Self Propelled Assault Gun, Experimental

STEERING: Clutch-brake

ARMAMENT: 1-75mm Gun or 105mm Howitzer M1920, 0 - 70 degrees elevation, 12 degrees traverse each side of center

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1920

MANUFACTURER: U. S. Ordnance Dept. and Holt Caterpillar Corp.

CREW: 2

PROJ. WEIGHT: 36 lb HE type

COMBAT WEIGHT: 13,200 lbs.

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

LENGTH: 12 ft. 3/4 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 46

WIDTH: 6 ft. 5-1/4 in.

TREAD CENTERS: 63 in.

HEIGHT: 9 ft.

GROUND CONTACT: 75 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel plate, dry pin

FUEL CAPACITY: 32 U. S. gal

GROUND PRESSURE: 16-3/4 lb/sq.in.

ENGINE: V-8 cylinder, liquid cooled,Holt

HORSEPOWER: 95

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds

[7]

U. S. PRIME MOVER - T2 CARRIER, CARGO

The T2 Cargo Carrier was an unarmored version of the T2 light tank. It was to be used as a supply and ammunition carrier for mechanized/armored divisions. Budget considerations caused the development of this neat appearing vehicle to be terminated, but the "High Speed Tractors" of World War II show the influence of the T2 Cargo Carrier.

EMPLOYMENT: Developmental cargo

HORSEPOWER: 250

carrier and prime mover

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1936

STEERING: Controlled differential

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

SUSPENSION: 2 rubber tired double

wheeled bogies, vertical volute springing and 3 return rollers on each side

CREW: 2

COMBAT WEIGHT: Approx. 6 tons

LENGTH: 14 ft. 5 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 5.5 in.

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

HEIGHT: 5 ft.

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14.5 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

SPEED: 35 MPH

WIDTH OF TRACK: 13-1/4 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree

TYPE OF TRACK: Forged steel plates with rubber pads and rubber bushed track pins

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

ENGINE: Radial, 7 cylinder, air cooled, continental

[9]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - T5 COMBAT CAR

The Cavalry, forbidden by law to possess "Tanks" pursued the development of "Combat Cars". The Combat Car, as opposed to the Infantry "tank" was characterized by high speed, light armament and the ability to park in the middle of a cross roads and fire down any road. Hence, most combat cars had two turrets each with 270° traverse. Other than the turret arrangement, the T5 Combat Car was almost identical to the T2 (modified) light tank.

EMPLOYMENT: Cavalry Tank, Mechanized Cavalry Regiment

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1934

STEERING: Controlled differential

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

SUSPENSION: 2 rubber tired, double wheeled bogies, vertical volute springing and 2 return rollers on each side

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 9.7 Tons

TURRET: 2,270 degrees traverse, each

LENGTH: 14 ft. 4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .625 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; at 0 degrees —
Turret -
Front .625 in;
Sides .625 in; at 0 degrees

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14. 5 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. 1-.50 cal M2 machine gun (left turret)
b. 2-.30 cal. M2 machine guns (1 in right turret, 1 in bow)

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. Ball, 2900 ft/sec
b. Ball, 2800 ft/sec

RADIUS OF ACTION: 130 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

PITCH OF TRACK: 5.5 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 miles/gal

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

ENGINE: 7 cylinder, air cooled, continental radial aircraft

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11.6 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, with rubber bushed track pins

[11]

U. S. LIGHT TANK T5E1 COMBAT CAR

The T5E1 Combat Car was another version of the T5 Combat Car; its design was still influenced by the "shoot in 4 directions down a cross road" concept. The revolving turrets of the T5 were replaced by the box like casement structure and a machine gun port was installed in each side. This vehicle soon faded into well deserved oblivion. It was probably the most unesthetic tank ever produced in the U. S.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental Cavalry Tank

TRANSMISSION:
5 Forward, 1 Reverse Speeds — Synchromesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1935

STEERING:
Controlled Differential

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

SUSPENSION:
2 Double Wheel Bogies, Vertical Volute Springing, 2 Return Rollers Each Side

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: Approx. 9.5 Tons

TURRET: None

LENGTH: 14 ft. 4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull -- Front, .625 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 Degrees;
Casement —
Front .625 in;
Sides .625 in. @ 0 Degrees

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 10 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14.5 in.

SPEED: 30 MPH on Road

ARMAMENT:
One .50 Cal HBM2 Machine Gun,
Four .30 Cal M1919 Machine Gun

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 Degree Slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 130 Miles, Road

MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2900 Ft/Sec

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. Gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 5. 5 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 Miles/Gal.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

ENGINE: 7 Cylinder, Air Cooled, Continental Radial

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11.6 in.

[13]

U.S. LIGHT TANK - T1E4 LIGHT TANK

The T1E4 was the highest development of the T1 series light tanks that employed the Vickers-Armstrong type suspension. It differed from the earlier T1 light tanks in that it had a centrally located turret and the long barrel gun was replaced by a short barrel weapon. An improved version, the T1E6 with rubber tired return rollers and bogie wheels and with an American LaFrance V12, 248 HP liquid cooled engine was also produced. The improved suspension of the T1E6 was utilized in the early versions of the T2 light tanks.

EMPLOYMENT: Developmental Infantry Tank

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds, Cotta sliding gear type

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1932

STEERING: Individual track brakes

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

SUSPENSION: Vickers type, 2-four wheeled articulated bogies with rubber tired road wheels, semi elliptic springing, four return rollers on each side

CREW: 4

WEIGHT: 8.6 Tons

LENGTH: 15 ft. 5 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2-3/4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front 0.625 in;
Sides .25 in; @ 0 degrees --
Turret - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in; @ 0 degrees

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6-3/4 in.

SPEED: 20 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
a. 1-37mm semi automatic gun M1924;
b. 1-.30 cal M1919A2 machine gun (coaxial)

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 2 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
|a. 80 rounds
b. 3000 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 85 miles, road

PITCH OF TRACK 4 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

WIDTH OF TRACK: 13-1/4 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 50 U.S. gal

TYPE OF TRACK: Forge steel plates

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.7 miles/gal

ENGINE: V-8 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Cunningham

HORSEPOWER: 140

[15]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - T2 LIGHT TANK

The T2 Light Tank is one of the little known vehicles, yet in several ways, it is one of the most important American tanks. It pioneered the use of lightweight, powerful aircraft engines in tanks and it was the first tank to use the long lifed rubber bushed track pins. This particular prototype used the Vickers type suspension of the T1E6 light tank. The T2 light tank eventually evolved into the M2A2 light tank.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental

STEERING: Controlled differential

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: Early 1934

SUSPENSION: Double leaf semi elliptic spring articulated bogies, each with four dual solid rubber tired wheels, and two return rollers on each side

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 6.3 tons, empty

TURRET: 360 degree traverse, manual

LENGTH: 14 ft. 4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front 0.625 in;
Sides 0.375 in;
Rear 0.375 in;
Turret - Front 0.625 in;
Sides 0.625 in.

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 Cal M2;
b. Two .30 Cal M2 Machine Guns, (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)

SPEED: 27. 1 MPH

RADIUS OF ACTION: 160 miles

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. Ball: 2930 ft/sec
b. Ball: 2800 ft/sec

FUEL CAPACITY: 50 U. S. gal

ENGINE: 7 cylinder air cooled radial aircraft type, Continental

PROJ. WEIGHT: .50 - 709 grains; .30 - 150 grains

HORSEPOWER: 250

PITCH OF TRACK: 4 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speed

WIDTH OF TRACK: 13-1/4 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Forged steel plates with rubber bushed track pins

[17]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - T2 LIGHT TANK (MODIFIED)

The T2 (Modified) Light Tank was a rapid evolvement of the T2. Basically this is a T2 fitted with the paired wheel, vertical volute spring bogies that later were a characteristic of U. S. tanks through World War II. The T2 (Modified) was first to use this suspension. Its hull and running gear were excellent, but its turret was not too satisfactory and a later variant, the T2E1 had a different turret.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: Late 1934

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

STEERING: Controlled differential

CREW: 4

SUSPENSION: 2-rubber tired double wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and 2 return rollers on each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 6.3 tons

LENGTH: 14 ft. 4 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2 in.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .625 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret - Front .625 in;
Sides .625 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14.5 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 Cal M2 Machine Gun;
b. Two .30 Cal M2 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)

SPEED: 28 MPH on road

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 135 miles, road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. Ball: 2900 ft/sec
b. Ball: 2800 ft/sec

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

PITCH OF TRACK: 5.5 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 miles/gal

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

ENGINE: 7 cylinder air cooled, radial aircraft type, Continental

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 96 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11.6 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Forged steel plates with rubber pads and rubber bushed track pins

[19]

U. S. LIGHT TANK T2E1 LIGHT TANK

Nine T2E1 Light Tanks were produced in 1934-5 and comparison of this vehicle with its predecessors, the T2 and T2 modified light tanks and its successors, the M2A3 and M2A4 light tanks (illustrated in this volume) offers an interesting study of the evolution of U.S. light tanks in the 1930's. The T2E1 was standardized as the M2A1 single turret tank in 1938. A contemporary vehicle, the T2E2 was identical except that it had twin side by side turrets. This vehicle was standardized as the M2A2 light tank. The T2E1 hull was also used to mount a 75mm howitzer. An M2A2E1 with a Gurberson Diesel engine, and M2A2E2 with thicker armor and an M2A2E3 with a G. S. unit were also built.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental

STEERING: Controlled differential

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: Late 1934

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

CREW: 4

SUSPENSION: 2 rubber tired, double

wheeled bogies, vertical volute springing and 2 return rollers, each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 15, 580 lbs.

LENGTH: 14 ft. 4 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual

WIDTH: 7 ft. 2 in.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .625 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; at 0 degrees —
Turret -Front .625 in;
Sides .625 in; at 0 degrees

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6 in.

SPEED: 46.5 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
1-.50 cal. HBM2 Machine Gun;
2-.30 cal. M2 Machine Guns

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

PITCH OF TRACK: 5.5 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 130 miles, road

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 miles/gal

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11.6 in.

ENGINE: 7 cylinder, air cooled, radial, aircraft type continental

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, dry pin with rubber pads, T-16

HORSEPOWER: 250

GROUND PRESSURE: 9 lb/sq in

[21]

U.S. MEDIUM TANK - T1 MEDIUM TANK

The T1 medium tank was the developmental successor to the Medium A and Medium M1922 tanks. All of these tanks followed British tank concepts and like their British contemporaries, were excessively heavy. The Packard engine of the T1 was replaced by 338 horsepower, liquid cooled V8 Liberty engine; the tank when so re-engined was designated the T1E1 medium tank. Later modifications brought forth designations of Ml and T1E2 medium tanks. In one instance, at least, an additional 47mm gun and a .50 caliber machine gun were installed.

EMPLOYMENT: Developmental Infantry Tank

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, planetary

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1925

STEERING: Controlled differential

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

SUSPENSION: Two articulated bogies of 4 bogies wheels each, with 2 vertical coil springs per bogie

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 22 tons

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual operation

LENGTH: 21 ft. 6 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 1.0 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees
Turret-Front 1.0 in;
Sides 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 8 ft.

HEIGHT: 9 ft. 7-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 22 in.

SPEED: 11.3 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
a. 1-57mm (6 pounder) gun
b. 2-.30 Cal M1919A2 machine guns (1 cupola, 1 coaxial)

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 7 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 131 rounds
b. 4200 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 50 miles, road

PITCH OF TRACK: 8-1/8 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

WIDTH OF TRACK: 18 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 95 U.S. gal.

TYPE OF TRACK: Forged steel

ENGINE: 8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Packard

HORSEPOWER: 200

[23]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - T6 MEDIUM TANK

The T6 Medium Tank was the prototype of the famous M4 Sherman Tank. Its design was undoubtedly based on the Canadian RAM I Tank, and in fact, the T6 looks (from the side) like a RAM I with an M2 75mm gun replacing the 6 pounder of the Canadian vehicle. The hull front was also extensively redesigned. The T6 was developed because of the limitations of the M3 series medium tanks caused by the very limited traverse of the M3's main armament; refer to TANK DATA I pages 179 and 183. The T6 in 1942 was the most powerfully armed U. S. tank with a 360 degree rotation turret. The T6's hull was constructed by attaching a cast armor upper hull to a riveted box-like lower hull. The counterweight on the muzzle of the 75mm gun indicated that this gun was gyrostabilized.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental, developmental

SUSPENSION: Three 2-wheel bogies per side, each w/2 solid rubber tired bogie wheels. Vertical volute springing, 3 return rollers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: Late 1941

MANUFACTURER: U. S. Ordnance Dept.

TURRET: 360 degree traverse, power or manual operation

CREW: 5

COMBAT WEIGHT: Approx. 30 tons

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2-3 in;
Sides 1-1/4-2-1/4 in;
Turret-Front 3 in;
Sides 2-1/2-3 in.

LENGTH: 19 ft.

WIDTH: 9 ft. 5 in.

ARMAMENT:
One M2 75mm gun; Four
.30 Cal. M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 flexible bow mount, 2 fixed in front plate)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 9 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. 75mm 1850 ft/sec

b. 30 Cal 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft. 5 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 40 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT:
75mm HE - 14.4 lb.

30 Cal - 150 grains

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 24 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 degree slope

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79

FUEL CAPACITY: 146 U.S. gal

TREAD CENTERS: 6 ft. 11 in.

ENGINE: Continental R975 air cooled, 7 cylinder radial aircraft type

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16-1/2 in.

HORSEPOWER: 400

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel with rubber blocks and rubber bushed track pins

TRANSMISSION: Synchromesh, 5 forward and 1 reverse speeds

GROUND PRESSURE: Approx 13 lb/sq. in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

[25]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - T23 MEDIUM TANK

The T23 was an attempt to provide a medium tank with a larger gun than that used on the M4 series tanks. The proven M4 suspension was retained, but an electric drive with dual controls was used. The hull and turret were of new design and the turret forecasts the general design of U. S. turrets for the next 15 years. The T23 was a developmental vehicle and saw no combat.

EMPLOYMENT: Developmental, Limited Production

SUSPENSION: Vertical volute spring -similar to M4 series medium tank

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: June 1943

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

CREW: 5

COMBAT WEIGHT: 73,500 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3 in;
Sides 2 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3.5 in;
Sides 2.5 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 24 ft. 9-1/2 in. over gun

WIDTH: 10 ft. 2-1/2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 76mm Gun M1A1; -10 to +25 degrees elevation, gyrostabilized
b. One .50 Cal M2HB Browning Machine Gun
c. Two .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 4 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 19-5/8 in.

SPEED: 35 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 3-1/4 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. 2600 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 68 rounds
b. 300 rounds
c. 5,000 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades
e. 12-2 in. smoke bombs

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 100 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 186 U.S. gal.

PRO J. WEIGHT:
76mm APC - 15.4 lbs.
76mm HVAP - 9.4 lbs.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.8 gals./mile

ENGINE: V8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Ford GAN

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

HORSEPOWER: 420

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 78 per track

TRANSMISSION: Electric, infinitely variable

TREAD CENTERS: 102 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

STEERING: Through electric transmission

 

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16-9/16 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Rubber or steel, rubber bushed track pin

GROUND PRESSURE: 15 lb/sq. in.

[27]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - T23E3 MEDIUM TANK

Contrast the T23E3 to its prototype, the T23; the differences are enough so as to make it appear these are two entirely different tanks. Yet, the only main change is the torsion bar suspension On the E3. This tank set the trend for U. S. tanks for the next 15 years.

EMPLOYMENT: Developmental

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

CREW: 5

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3 in;
Sides 2 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3.5 in;
Sides 2.5 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 73, 000 lbs.

LENGTH: 24 ft. 9-1/2 in. over gun

ARMAMENT:
a. One 76mm Gun M1A1; -10 to +25 degrees elevation, gyrostabilized
b. One .50 M2HB Browning Machine Gun
c. Two .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)

WIDTH: 10 ft. 2-1/2 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 4 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 19-5/8 in.

SPEED: 40 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. 2600 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 3-1/4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 68 rounds
b. 300 rounds
c. 5,000 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades
e. 12-2" smoke bombs

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 100 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT:
76mm APC - 15.4 lbs.
76mm HVAP -9.4 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 186 U.S. gal.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1. 8 gals./mile

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

ENGINE: V8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Ford GAN

TREAD CENTERS: 102 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

HORSEPOWER: 420

WIDTH OF TRACK: 19 in.

TRANSMISSION: Electric, infinitely variable

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel skeleton, rubber bushed track pins

STEERING: Through electric transmission

GROUND PRESSURE: 15 lb/sq. in.

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, 6 dual road wheels, 5 return rollers

[29]

U.S. MEDIUM TANK - T25 MEDIUM TANK

The T25 tank was another in the series of experimental medium tanks intended as replacements for the M4 tank. It was one of the first U. S. tanks to be fitted with the horizontal volute suspension later used so successfully in the M4A3E8 series tanks. The T25 was later fitted with torsion bar suspension. This version was designated T25E1. Further development was not warrented because of the similarity of the T25E1 and T26 tanks; further effort was spent on the T26.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: June 1943

CREW: 5

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3 in;
Sides 2 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3.5 in;
Sides 2.5 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 77,590 lbs.

LENGTH: 26 ft. 11-5/16 in. over gun

ARMAMENT:
a. One 90mm Gun M3, -10 to +25 degrees elevation
b. One .50 Cal HBM2 Machine Gun (AA)
c. Two .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)

WIDTH: 10 ft. 6-5/16 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 4 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-11/16 in.

SPEED: 35 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. APC - 2800 ft/sec.

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft. 11 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 42 rounds
b. 500 rounds
c. 5000 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades
e. 12-2 in. smoke bombs

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft. 6 in.

C LIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 90 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT:
APC - 24.11 lbs.
HVAP: 16.8 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 200 U.S. gal.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 0.4 miles/gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

ENGINE: V8 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Ford GAF

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 82 per track
TREAD CENTERS: 105 in.

HORSEPOWER: 470

GROUND CONTACT: 152-1/2 in. right 148-5/16 in. left

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds, Torqmatic

WIDTH OF TRACK: 19 in.

STEERING: Controlled differential
SUSPENSION: Horizontal volute, 6 road wheels, 5 return rollers each side

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber bushed track pins

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.9 lb/sq. in.

[31]

CANADIAN ARMORED CARRIER
Carrier, Universal, No. 2 Mark II*

The Canadian Universal Carrier is a version of the British Bren Gun Carrier. This sprightly little vehicle served at the beginning of World War II as a tracked jeep. It normally carried a Bren light machine gun or a Boys Antitank rifle; the latter was replaced with a P.I.A.T. (Projector, Infantry, Antitank). This carrier could also be fitted with a "Ronson" flame thrower.
There are several similar vehicles; the Windsor carrier, which had four bogie wheels and the U. S. T16 Universal carrier. These carriers (including the No. 2 MK II) were often used to tow light artillery, carry infantry mortars, and heavy machine guns.
The Universal carrier served in the Canadian Army until after the Korean War

EMPLOYMENT: Personnel Carrier

ENGINE: V8 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Ford 90° L Head

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1938

MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Co. of Canada and Canadian Bridge Co.

HORSEPOWER: 85

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds

CREW: 2 + 2 to 4 passenger

COMBAT WEIGHT: 9885 lbs.

STEERING: 2 stage, front bogie shift and braking

LENGTH: 12 ft. 4 in.

SUSPENSION: Modified Carden Lloyd/ Horstman 1 two wheel bogie w/ret roller and one single wheel bogie, coil springing

WIDTH: 6 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 5 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 10-1/2 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 7/32 in;
Sides 9/ Rear 9/38 in; @ 0 degrees

SPEED: 32 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft. 3 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. Bren light machine gun or
b. 55 Cal Boys A. T. rifle

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 8 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 4-1/2 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 1.78 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 38 degree slope

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 174 per

RADIUS OF ACTION: 160 miles, road

TREAD CENTERS: 62-1/2 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

GROUND CONTACT: 75 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 24 U.S. gal.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 9-1/2 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7 miles/gal.

TYPE OF TRACK: Cast Steel

GROUND PRESSURE: 8 lb./sq. in.

[33]

BRITISH ARMORED CAR - T17E2 ANTIAIRCRAFT ARMORED CAR
(STAGHOUND AA)

The T17E2 armored car was made in the United States for British Lend Lease during World War II; this is why it bears a U.S. Ordnance Corps designation, although it never saw service with U. S. units. 500 were produced. The basic chassis is that of the T17E1 armored car, also made exclusively for the British in the United States. The T17E2, with its fast firing twin 50's in a power operated turret was very effective against low flying aircraft.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Car Regiments, Artillery Regiments, Headquarters, AA Defense

STEERING: Nut and recirculating ball, power assist, front wheels only

SUSPENSION: Semi-elliptic springing

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1943

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, Fraser-Nash hydraulic powered

MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Co.

CREW: 3

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .875 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.25 in;
Sides 1.25 in: @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 28,000 lbs.

LENGTH: 17 ft. 7 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. Two .50 Cal HB M2 type Machine Guns, -10 to +80 degrees elevation
b. One .45 Cal Thompson Submachinegun

WIDTH: 8 ft. 10 in.

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 13-1/4 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. API: 2930 ft/sec

SPEED: 55 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 2610 rounds
b. 450 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 8 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 57 degree slope

GROUND PRESSURE: 18 lb/sq. in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 450 miles, road

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TIRE SIZE: 14.00 X 20

FUEL CAPACITY: 90 U. S. gal.

WHEEL CENTERS: 89 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3 miles/gal.

WHEEL BASE: 120 in.

ENGINE: Two 6 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Chevrolet OHV

TURNING RADIUS: 28 ft.

HORSEPOWER: 176 (total)

TRANSMISSION: 8 forward, 2 reverse speeds, Hydromatic with dual range transfer case

[35]

U.S. SELF PROPELLED GUN - T48
57mm GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE

The T48 self propelled gun is one of the lesser known variants of the U. S. half track. None of these were ever used by the U. S.; they were a Lend Lease item produced exclusively for Russia. The basic M3 half track chassis was used to mount the 57mm gun of British design (this gun was also standard for the U. S.), and this gun probably was chosen by the Russians because of the ammunition already being supplied by the British. The T48 probably was effective only against the German Mark I through IV tanks; upon the appearance of the Panther and Tiger tanks, the T48 lost much of its value as an AT weapon.

EMPLOYMENT: Self propelled antitank gun

SUSPENSION:
Front -- semi-elliptic spring
Rear — articulated, dual wheeled, 4-wheel bogie, vertical volute springing and one return roller on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Diamond T or Autocar

CREW: 5

TURRET: Gun shield, limited traverse

COMBAT WEIGHT: 21,000 lbs

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 20 ft. 3-1/2 in. over gun

WIDTH: 7 ft. 1 in.

ARMAMENT: One 57mm Gun Ml

HEIGHT: 8 ft. (approx.)

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
HE: 2720 ft/sec

AP: 2700 ft/sec

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-3/16 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: 50 rounds

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE type; 6-1/4 lbs.

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

TREAD CENTERS: 63-3/16 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

GROUND CONTACT: 46-3/4 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 220 miles, road

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TYPE OF TRACK: Endless band

FUEL CAPACITY: 60 U. S. gal

GROUND PRESSURE: 12.3 lb/sq.in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.6 miles/gal

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 2 X 1/2 track all powered

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, inline White 160 AX

TIRE SIZE: 8.25 X 20

HORSEPOWER: 147

WHEEL CENTERS: 64-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 8 forward, 2 reverse speeds, dual range synchromesh

WHEEL BASE: 135-1/2 in.

STEERING: Cam and twin lever

TURNING RADIUS: 30 ft.

[37]

U. S. TANK RECOVERY VEHICLE M74
TANK RECOVERY VEHICLE (VTR-M74)

This is the "wrecker" version of the M4A3E8 medium tank. It is equipped with a fixed superstructure, a boom for lifting and heavy duty winching equipment. The boom can lift 25,000 lbs. and the winch can pull 90,000 lbs. A spade to brace the retriever during lifting or winching is mounted on front. This spade is operated from within the vehicle and, in emergencies, can be used as a bulldozer blade. These retrievers are usually referred to as VTR's — vehicle, tank recovery.

EMPLOYMENT: Medium Tank Battalions

STEERING: Controlled differential

SUSPENSION: 3 double wheel (dual rubber tired) bogies with horizontal volute springing; 2 return rollers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1945

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 93,750 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 26 ft. 1 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 Cal M2 Machine Gun
b. One .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Gun (bow)
c. One 3.5 in. M20 Rocket Launcher

WIDTH: 10 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 2-1/2 in. (to top of turret)

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15.5 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. API - 2900 ft/sec
b. AP - 2800 ft/sec

SPEED: 21 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft. 6 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 1,050 rounds
b. 2000 rounds
c. 6 rounds 3.5"

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 100 miles, road

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79 per track

FUEL CAPACITY: 168 U.S. gal.

TREAD CENTERS: 88 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 0.6 miles/gal.

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

ENGINE: V8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Ford, GAA

WIDTH OF TRACK: 23 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel with rubber pads, dry, rubber bushed pin

HORSEPOWER: 525

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.6 lb/sq. in.

[39]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - M2A3 LIGHT TANK

The M2A3 is an improved M2A2 with thicker armor. It was the last of the so-called "cavalry" tanks with double turrets; future U. S. light tanks held to a single, 360 degree traverse turret and, in addition, used a cannon instead of machine guns as main armament. The M2A3, except for its turrets, is identical to the Ml Combat Car (later Ml light tank).

EMPLOYMENT: Tank Companies

STEERING: Controlled differential

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1938

SUSPENSION: 2 rubber tired double wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and 2 return rollers on each side

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

CREW: 4

TURRET: 2-manual operation

COMBAT WEIGHT: 19,460 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .875 in;
Sides .625 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .875 in;
Sides .625 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 14 ft. 7 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 4 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6 in.

SPEED: 38 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 Cal HB M5 Machine Gun (left turret)
b. Two .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1-right turret, 1-bow)

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 6 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 125 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PITCH OF TRACK: 5.5 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66 per track

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.5 miles/gal

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

ENGINE: 7 cylinder, air cooled, radial aircraft type Continental WG 70

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-5/8 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber bushed track pins, rubber pads

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.75 lb/sq. in.

[41]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - M2A4 LIGHT TANK

The M2A4 light tank was similar to the M2A3 light tank but with a 37mm gun and thicker armor. 373 of these tanks were produced and they were used not only by the U. S. Army, but were also furnished to the U. S. Marine Corps, the British and the Russians. The M2A4 was an excellent light tank for its time, well armored and armed, fast, quiet and reliable. The major discernible change between this tank and its successor, the M3 light tank lies in the idler wheel at the rear: high on the M2A4, trailing on the ground on the M3. The M2A4 illustrated is the first one produced.

EMPLOYMENT: Light tank companies

SUSPENSION: 2 rubber tired double-wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and 2 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1940

MANUFACTURER: ACF

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual, fine traverse in gun mount

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 24,125 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull- Front 1 in;
Sides 1 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees
Turret-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1.25 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 14 ft. 7 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 4 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 2-1/2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm Gun M5;

b. Four .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 flexible bow, 1 turret top, 1 fixed in each sponson)

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14-1/2 in.

SPEED: 35 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 6 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2900 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 26 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 78 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 104 rounds
b. 7,900 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

PROJ. WEIGHT: AP type: 1.9 lbs.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.5 miles/gal

PITCH OF TRACK 5-1/2 in.

ENGINE: 7 cylinder, air cooled, radial aircraft, Continental WG70

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-5/8 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber pads and rubber bushed track pins

STEERING: Controlled differential

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.75 lb/sq. in.

[43]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - M3 LIGHT TANK
(Prototype)

The M3 light tank shown in the picture is interesting because it is serial number 1, the prototype of the series. At first glance, it could easily be mistaken for an M2A4 but the trailing idler wheel at the rear identifies it as an M3, as does the prominent riveting of the hull, absent in the M2A4. The turret, however, is an M2A4 turret, but it has been fitted with a new gun mount so that a coaxial .30 caliber machine gun can be fitted--a feature absent in the M2A4. The turret in the production M3's, was either smoothly welded or rolled from armor plate and was without riveting. This prototype undoubtedly was made from an extensively reworked M2A4.

EMPLOYMENT: Prototype

SUSPENSION: Two rubber tired double wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and two return rollers on each side.

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1940

MANUFACTURER: ACF

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse

CREW: 4

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1 in;
Rear 1 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1-1/4 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 28,114 lbs.

LENGTH: 14 ft. 10 in.

WIDTH: 7 ft. 4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm Gun M6 gyrostabilized, -10 to +20 degrees elevation;
b. Five .30 Cal. M1919A4 machine guns (1 coaxial, 1 AA, 1 in bow, 1 in each side spansion - fixed)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 16-1/2 in.

SPEED: 37 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2900 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 103 rounds
b. 8270 rounds
12 rounds hand grenades

CLIMBING ABILITY: 26 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 125 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT: 37 AP Type: 1.9 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

PITCH OF TRACK: 5-1/2 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.3 miles/gal.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

ENGINE: 7 cylinder, air cooled, radial, Continental W670-9a

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 116 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-5/8 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel rubber blocks and rubber bushed track pins

STEERING: Controlled differential

GROUND PRESSURE: 10.4 lb/sq. in.

[45]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - M3A3 LIGHT TANK

The M3A3 light tank was the final version of the M3 series, and is, by far the best looking one of the family. Its smooth welded hull has the sponsons extended to the rear of the vehicle to provide increased fuel and ammunition storage. The turret has a large bulge or overhang at the rear to accommodate an improved radio installation — not as apparent is the reinforced front plate for crew protection and the use of periscopes, instead of the earlier protectoscopes, for vision.
There was no M3A2 light tank; this nomenclature was reserved for a welded hull version of the M3 light tank that was never produced. The M3A1 was an M3 with a hydraulic or manually operated cupola-less turret.
Some of these tanks could carry two 25 gallon jettisonable auxiliary tanks, but because they contained gasoline, were never used to a great degree.

EMPLOYMENT: Light Tank Co., Tank Battalions, Armored Regiments

SUSPENSION: Two rubber tired, double wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and two return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: ACF

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual or hydraulic

CREW: 4

ARMOR:
Hull- Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1 in;
Rear 1 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1-1/4 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 29,700 lbs.

LENGTH: 14 ft. 10 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 3 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm Gun M6-gyrostabilized -10 to +20 degrees elevation;
b. Three .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 bow, flexible, 1-AA)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 16-1/2 in.

SPEED: 31 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2900 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 174 rounds
b. 7500 rounds
12 rounds, hand grenades

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 125 miles, road

PROJ. WEIGHT: 37mm AP Type: 1.9 lb.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline or Diesel,

PITCH OF TRACK: 5-1/2 in.

depending on engine

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66 per track

ENGINE: Gas-7 cylinder air cooled, radial, Continental W670-9A; Diesel-9 cylinder air cooled radial Guiberson T1020-4

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 116 in.

HORSEPOWER: Gasoline-250; Diesel-185

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-5/8 IN.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber blocks and rubber bushed track pins

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

GROUND PRESSURE: 10.4 lb/sq. in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

[47]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M3 MEDIUM TANK

This was the first medium tank produced in quantity in the United States prior to entry of the United States into World War n. The M3, although its main gun was limited in traverse, compared favorably with other contemporary medium tanks. It was supplied to the British and helped to bring their victory in North Africa; in addition a number were given to the Russians as Lend Lease. Battle experience in North Africa suggested that improvements were needed; this, plus the need to expand production led to a number of variations of the basic M3. The M4 tank was, to a great degree based on the design of the power train and suspension of the M3, and upon standardization of the M4 in October 1941, the M3 was declared Substitute Standard. In April 1943, it was declared Limited Standard, but its life was extended because it was used as the chassis of the M7 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Divisions

TURRET: 75mm-15 degrees traverse 37mm-360 degrees power or manual traverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1940

MANUFACTURER: Chrysler, Baldwin Locomotive, ALCO and others

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.25 in;
Sides 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 62,280 lbs.

ARMAMENT:
a. 1-75mm Gun M2 -9 to +20 elevation-gyrostabilized
b. 1-37mm Gun M6 -7 to +60 elevation
c. 4-.30 Cal M1919A4 machine guns (1 coaxial w/37mm, 1 cupola, 2 fixed in bow)

LENGTH: 18 ft. 6 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 1,290 ft/sec

b. AP: 2900 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 178 rounds
c. 9,200 rounds
12 hand grenades

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION:

PROJ. WEIGHT: 75mm AP type: 14.4 lbs. 37mm AP type: 1.9 lbs.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline or Diesel Oil

FUEL CAPACITY: 175 U. S. gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

ENGINE: 9 cylinder air cooled radial aircraft type, either Continental R975-EC (Gasoline) or Guiberson T-1400 (Diesel)

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79 1

TREAD CENTERS: 81 in.

HORSEPOWER: Continental: 340 Guiberson: 345

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

[49]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M3A1 MEDIUM TANK

This tank was a production variation to utilize the facilities of ALCO that could produce very large castings and the M3A1 differed from the basic M3 only in that it had a cast hull. The smooth flowing lines of the M3A1 hull make it very easy to identify. 300 of these tanks were produced and an M3A1E1 version with three Lycoming engines as its power plant was made.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Divisions

TURRET: 75mm-15 degrees traverse each way, gyrostabilized; 37mm-360 degrees power or manual traverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1940

MANUFACTURER: ALCO

ARMOR:
Hull- Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.25 in;
Sides 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 63,880 lbs.

LENGTH: 18 ft. 6 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Gun M2 -9 to plus 20 degrees elevation;
b. One 37mm Gun M6 -7 to +60 degrees elevation;
c. Four .30 M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial w/37mm, 1 in cupola, 2 fixed in bow)

WIDTH: 8 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 2 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 1290 ft/sec
b. AP: 2900 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 178 rounds
c. 9200 rounds
12 hand grenades

RADIUS OF ACTION: 120 miles, road w/ Continental engine; 140 miles, crosscountry w/Guiberson engine

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline or Diesel oil

PROJ. WEIGHT:
75mm AP type: 14.4 lbs.

37mm AP type: 1.9 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 175 U.S. gal

ENGINE: 9 cylinder air cooled radial aircraft type, either Continental R975-EC1 (gasoline) or Guiberson T-1400 (diesel)

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79

TREAD CENTERS: 81 in.

HORSEPOWER: Continental -340 Guiberson - 345

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel blocks w/rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

STEERING: Controlled differential

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.25 lb/sq. in.

SUSPENSION: Three 2-wheeled rubber tired bogies with vertical volute springing and 3 return rollers

[51]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M3A2 MEDIUM TANK

This tank was another production variant of the basic M3 Medium Tank. The M3A2 had a welded hull instead of the riveted hull of the M3 or cast hull of the M3A1. In addition, only the Continental engine was used in these tanks.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored divisions

TURRET:
75mm - 15 degrees traverse each way;
37mm - 360 degree power or manual traverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: Baldwin Locomotive Works

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.25 in;
Sides 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 61,780 lbs.

LENGTH: 18 ft. 6 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Gun M2 -9 to +20 degrees elevation gyrostabilized;
b. One 37mm Gun M6-7 to plus 60 degrees elevation;
c. Four .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial w/37mm, 1 in cupola, 2 fixed in bow)

WIDTH: 8 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 1290 ft/sec
b. AP: 2900 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 178 rounds
c. 9200 rounds
12 hand grenades

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 120 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT:
75mm AP type: 14.4 lb.

37mm AP type: 1.9 lb.

FUEL CAPACITY: 175 U.S. gal

ENGINE: 9 cylinder air cooled radial aircraft type, Continental R975-EC2

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

HORSEPOWER: 340

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

TREAD CENTERS: 81 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16 in.

SUSPENSION: Three 2-wheeled rubber tired bogies with vertical volute springing and 3 return rollers on each side

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel blocks w/rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.25 lb/sq.in.

[53]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M3A3 MEDIUM TANK

The M3A3 was developed as a result of the lessons learned in North Africa. The hull construction is a composite of the riveted M3 and welded M3A2, because it was found that the rivets in the M3 type hull front plate, when hit by machine gun bullets, popped out and became lethal missiles inside the tank. The hull front of the M3A3 is welded so as to preclude the use of rivets, and the useless twin bow machine guns have been eliminated. The 370 HP GMC diesel gave this tank the greatest cruising range of any of the M3 series.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored divisions

TURRET:
75mm-15 degrees traverse each way;
37mm-360 power or manual traverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: Baldwin Locomotive Works

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.25 in;
Sides 2.25 in;@ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 66,480 lbs.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Gun M2 -9 to +20 degrees elevation, gyrostabilized;
b. One 37mm Gun M6 -7 to +60 degrees elevation;
c. Two .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial w/37mm, 1 in cupola)

LENGTH: 18 ft. 6 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 1290 ft/sec
b. AP: 2900 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

SPEED: 26 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 2in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 178 rounds
c. 9200 rounds
12 hand grenades

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 160 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

PROJ. WEIGHT:
75mm AP: 14. 4 lbs
37mm AP: 1.9 lbs

FUEL CAPACITY: 150 U. S. gal

ENGINE: 12 cylinder liquid cooled, dual, inline GM 6-7 1 6046

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79

HORSEPOWER: 370 (total)

TREAD CENTERS: 81 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16 in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel blocks w/rubber rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

SUSPENSION: Three 2-wheeled rubber tired bogies with vertical volute springing and three return rollers on each side

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.25 lb/sq. in.

 [55]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M3A4 MEDIUM TANK

The M3A4 Medium Tank is basically an original riveted hull M3, but it has the Chrysler A-57 multibank engine. This power plant is composed of five conventional passenger car engines geared together and arranged in a star layout. This engine was developed when the needs of the Army Air Force for radial engines made it imperative to provide a readily available source of engines. The use of the multi-bank engine caused an increase in the overall length and necessitated an extra four blocks in each track.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Divisions

TURRET:
75mm: 15 degrees traverse each way;
37mm: 360 degree power or manual traverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Chrysler

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.25 in;
Sides 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 67,280 lbs.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Gun M2 -9 to +20 degrees elevation, gyrostabilized;
b. One 37mm Gun M6 -7 to +60 degrees elevation;

c. Four .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial w/37mm; 1 in cupola, 2 fixed in bow)

LENGTH: 19 ft. 8 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 1290 ft/sec
b. AP: 2900 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 178 rounds
c. 9200 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 120 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 175 U. S. gal

PROJ. WEIGHT:
75mm AP type: 14.4 lbs.;
37mm AP type: 1.9 lbs.

ENGINE: 30 cylinder, liquid cooled, multibank Chrysler A-57

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

HORSEPOWER: 370

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 83

TREAD CENTERS: 81 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

GROUND CONTACT: 160 in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16 in.

SUSPENSION: Three 2-wheeled rubber fired bogies with vertical volute springing and three return rollers on each side

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel blocks w/rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

GROUND PRESSURE: 12.9 lb/sq.in.

[57]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M3A5 MEDIUM TANK

The M3A5 Medium Tank is simply a variation of the basic M3 and differs only in that the M3A5 has the GM dual inline 6-71 diesel engine.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Divisions

TURRET:
75mm-15 degrees traverse each way;
37mm-360 degrees power or manual traverse

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: Chrysler, Baldwin Locomotive, ALCO and others

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2 in;
Sides 1.5 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.25 in;
Sides 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 65,000 lbs.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Gun M2 -9 to +20 degrees elevation, gyrostabilized;
b. One 37mm Gun M6 -7 to +60 degrees elevation;
c. Four .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial w/37mm, 1 in cupola, 2 fixed in bow)

LENGTH: 18 ft. 6 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 1290 ft/sec
b. AP: 2900 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 178 rounds
c. 9200 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 160 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

PROJ. WEIGHT:
75mm AP: 14.4 lbs.

37mm AP: 1.9 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 175 U. S. gal

ENGINE: 12 cylinder, liquid cooled, dual inline GM 6-71 6046

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79

HORSEPOWER: 375 (total)

TREAD CENTERS: 81 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16 in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel blocks w/rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

SUSPENSION: Three 2-wheeled rubber tired bogies with vertical volute springing and three return rollers on each side

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.25 lb/sq. in.

[59]

U.S. MEDIUM TANK - M4 MEDIUM TANK (105mm HOWITZER)

The M4 (105mm Howitzer) medium tank is an up-gunned version of the regular M4 tank. It was intended to provide greater fire power than did the conventional 75mm gun when fortifications or strong points had to be reduced. The 105mm howitzer is not gyrostabilized. These tanks often doubled as conventional field artillery as they were equipped with indirect fire direction equipment. An M4A4 tank, mounting the 105mm howitzer was designated the M4A4E1 which was later, after necessary changes, designated M4E5. The M4A3 tanks were also often fitted with the 105mm Howitzer. This vehicle weighed 68,500 lbs. and was 19 ft. 4-1/2 in. long.

EMPLOYMENT: Close support tank

SUSPENSION: Three double wheeled bogies, each side, vertical volute springs, and three return rollers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: August 1943

MANUFACTURER: Various -- depends on original hull mfrs.

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

CREW: 5

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2. in;
Sides 1.5-2 in;
Rear 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3. in;
Sides 2. in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 66,500 lbs.

LENGTH: 19 ft. 4 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 7 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 105mm Howitzer M4, -10 to +35 degrees elevation;
b. One .50 HB Machine Gun (on turret for AA);
c. Two .30 M1919A4 Machine Gun (1 in bow, 1 coaxial)

HEIGHT: 9 ft. 2-11/16 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-1/8 in.

SPEED: 24 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE 1,550 ft/sec
b. 2900 ft/sec
c. 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft. 5 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 66 rounds
b. 300 rounds
c. 4,000 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 120 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 175 U.S. gal

PROJ. WEIGHT: 36 lbs. (HE)

FUEL CONSUMPTION: Approx. 1.1 miles per gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79 per track

ENGINE: 9 cylinder, air cooled, Wright R975-C1 aircraft radial

TREAD CENTERS: 83 in.

HORSEPOWER: 435

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

WIDTH OF TRACK: 16-1/2 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Rubber block w/steel back, rubber bushed pins

STEERING: Controlled differential

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.7 lb/sq.in.

[61]

U.S. SELF PROPELLED GUN - M8 75mm HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE

The M8 self-propelled 75mm howitzer was used to give close support artillery fire to infantry units in the attack. It was built on the chassis and hull of the M5 light tank, but had a large open-topped turret. This turret was later installed in the LVT(A)5 amphibious landing vehicle. The M8 was under gunned and was, in time, replaced by the more powerful M7 self-propelled gun with its 105mm howitzer. During development, the M8 howitzer motor carriage was known as the T47.

EMPLOYMENT: Support weapon, Infantry Regiment

SUSPENSION: 2 rubber tired double wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and 2 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Cadillac Motor Car Co.

TURRET: 360 degrees manual traverse

CREW: 4

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1.125 in;
Rear 1 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1. in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 33,000 lbs.

LENGTH: 14 ft. 6-3/4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. 1-75mm Howitzer M3 -20 to +40 degrees elevation
b. 1-.50 Cal HBM2 (AA) Machine Gun

WIDTH: 7 ft. 4-1/4 in.

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 6-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 6-1/2 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE: 1250 ft/sec
b. API: 2900 ft/sec

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft. 5 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 46 rounds
b. 400 rounds

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 6 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 75HE type: 18 lbs.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

PITCH OF TRACK: 5-1/2 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 180 miles, road

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 67 per track

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 89 U. S. gal

GROUND CONTACT: 120 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2 miles/gal.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-5/8 in.

ENGINE: 2-V-8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Cadillac Series 42

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel or rubber with rubber bushed track pins

HORSEPOWER:220 (total)

GROUND PRESSURE: 11.83 lb/sq. in.

TRANSMISSION: 6 forward, 1 reverse speeds, Hydromatic

STEERING: Controlled differential

[63]

M10 3 INCH GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE

The M10 3 inch gun motor carriage was a very mobile anti-tank weapon; its basic role was that of a"tank hunter." The gun, a 3 inch antiaircraft gun converted to ground use, was one of the most powerful AT guns in use in 1942. The combination of a good chassis and gun made this a most effective weapon.
The basic chassis was from the M4A3 tank, but the upper hull and turret were peculiar to the M10. The bosses on the hull were for attachment of additional armor and the turret had a counterweight at the rear to balance the long barreled gun.
An almost identical vehicle was made by the Ford Motor Company. This was the M10A1 and differed only in that it used the Ford V-8 Cylinder, liquid cooled GAA engine. This engine was rated at 500 HP and the 192 gallons of gasoline carried gave a cruising range of 155 miles.
The British received some M10's via Lend-Lease and after replacing the 3 inch gun with a British 17 pounder, they called their version the Achilles SP 17 pdr M10.
The M10, when under development, was known as the T35E1 and later was fitted with a new turret and a 90mm gun and redesignated the M36 90mm Gun Motor Carriage.

EMPLOYMENT: Antitank Battalions

SUSPENSION: 3-two wheel bogies, vertical volute springing and three return rollers per side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Fisher Tank Div. G.M.C.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual only

CREW: 5

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 1.5 in;
Sides .75- 1.0 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret- Front 2.25 in;
Sides 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 59,600 lbs.

LENGTH: 19 ft. 7-1/8 in. over gun

WIDTH: 10 ft.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 3" Gun M7;

b. One .50 Cal HB M2 Machine Gun (AA)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 1-5/16 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17-3/8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2600 ft/sec
b. AP-1: 2900 ft/sec

SPEED: 26 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft. 5 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 54 rounds
b. 350 rounds

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 6 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

PROJ. WEIGHT: 3" AP type: 15 lbs.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 200 miles, road

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79 per side

FUEL CAPACITY: 164 U.S. gal.

TREAD CENTERS: 83 in.

ENGINE: 12 cylinder, liquid cooled, GMC Twin Diesel

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12-1/16 in.

HORSEPOWER: 400

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, Synchromesh

GROUND PRESSURE: 13-1/2 lb/sq.in.

[65]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M48A1 FULL TRACKED COMBAT TANK

The M48A1 medium tank is an M48 with the addition of a commander's dual purpose .50 caliber machine gun cupola and an enlarged drivers hatch. A later model, the M48A2 can be recognized by its enlarged engine cover and an M48A3 version, with a lengthened hull and M60 components, was also produced. The M48 series tanks are in wide use by the U. S. and its NATO allies; in addition, quantities have been furnished to many nations under Military Aid Programs. The M48 series are generally excellent armored vehicles, rugged and reliable, fast, and with a powerful gun.

EMPLOYMENT: Tank Battalions, Armored Division

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds, allision crossdrive

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1954

STEERING: Crossdrive through transmission

CREW: 4

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, 6 rubber tired road wheels and 5 return rollers each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 52 tons

LENGTH: 26 ft. 6-3/4 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees manual or power traverse

WIDTH: 11 ft. 11 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 3-5/16 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 4 in;
Sides 3-4 in;
Rear 3 in;
Turret-Front 4-1/2 in;
Sides 2-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15-1/2 in.

SPEED: 26 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
a. One 90mm Gun M41, -9 to +19 degrees elevation
b. One .50 Cal HB M2 Machine Gun
c. One .30 Cal M1919A4 or M37 Machine Gun

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft.6 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. (8 ft. with fording kit)

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP - 4,100 ft/sec
b. API - 2,900 ft./sec
c. AP - 2,800 ft/sec

RADIUS OF ACTION: 70 miles, road (135 miles w/jettison tanks)

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 60 rounds
b. 500 rounds
c. 5,900 rounds

FUEL CAPACITY: 200 U. S. Gal.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1/3 mile/gal.

ENGINE: V12 Cylinder, air cooled, Continental AV-1790-7C

TREAD CENTERS: 115 in.

HORSEPOWER: 812

GROUND CONTACT: 157-1/2 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 28 in.

GROUND PRESSURE: 11.5 lb/sq. in.

[67]

U.S. SELF PROPELLED GUN - M56 90mm SELF PROPELLED GUN

This small, lightweight vehicle is intended for use by airborne units as an antitank weapon. An unusual feature is the pneumatic tire equipped road wheels; this is one of the rare tracked vehicles that can be put out of action with a flat tire. The M56 is nicknamed the "Scorpion" and because its crew is exposed to the elements, is not overly popular with its crews. The M56 chassis has been used, experimentally, to mount 106mm recoilless rifles and quad .50 machine guns. The 90mm gun fires a round with the same cartridge case as is used by the 90mm tank gun M41. However, the gun on the SPAT (self propelled anti-tank), as it is sometimes called, requires a reduced propelling charge.

EMPLOYMENT: Airborne Division antitank weapon

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected, Continental A01-402-5

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1953

HORSEPOWER: 205

CREW: 4

TRANSMISSION: High, low, and reverse range GMC crossdrive CD-150-4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 15,475 lbs.

LENGTH: 18 ft. 2 in. over gun

STEERING: Cross drive

WIDTH: 8 ft. 2 in.

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, 4 rubber pneumatic tired road wheels on ea. side

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 2-1/2 in.

ARMOR: Aluminum

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 90mm Gun M54 on M88 mount; -10 to +15 degree elevation

SPEED: 28 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 3 ft. 11 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 5 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: a. 29 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 6 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 20 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

TYPE OF TRACK: Endless band

RADIUS OF ACTION: 140 miles, road

GROUND PRESSURE: 4.25 lb/sq. in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 55 U.S. gal

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2-1/2 miles/gal.

[69]

U. S. MEDIUM TANK - M60 COMBAT TANK, 105mm GUN

The M60 tank, while based on the basic design of the M48 tank, is sufficiently improved to warrant its new designation. It mounts a 105mm high velocity gun, the most powerful weapon ever carried by any U. S. medium tank. It is powered by a Diesel engine, a radical change in U. S. tank design. The armor thickness of the M60 is classified; however, it should be at least as thick, and probably thicker than that of the M48A1 tank. The enlarged chamber wrapped around the middle of the tube is a bore evacuator, to pull fumes from the turret when the 105 gun is fired. This is a prime recognition feature.

EMPLOYMENT: Standard medium tank

TRANSMISSION: High, low, and reverse range GMC Crossdrive CD-850-6

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1959

CREW: 4

STEERING: Crossdrive

COMBAT WEIGHT: 102,000 lbs.

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, 6 dual rubber tired road wheels, 3 return rollers each side

LENGTH: 30 ft. 2 in. over gun

WIDTH: 11 ft. 11 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 6-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 105mm Gun M68, -9 to +20 degrees elevation
b. One .50 Cal M85 Machine Gun (in cupola)
c. One 7.62mm M73 Coaxial Machine Gun

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 9 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 57 rounds
b. 846 rounds
c. 5000 rounds
d. 8 hand grenades

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 250 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

FUEL CAPACITY: 375 U. S. gal.

TREAD CENTERS: 115 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.4 gals/mile

GROUND CONTACT: 166-3/4 in.

ENGINE: V12 Cylinder, air cooled, Allision AVDS-1790-2

WIDTH OF TRACK: 28 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel with rubber pads, rubber bushed track pins

HORSEPOWER: 750

GROUND PRESSURE: 11 lb/sq. in.

[71]

U. S. HEAVY TANK - M103 HEAVY TANK

The M103 is the only heavy tank in use by the U. S.; it is used by both the Army and Marine Corps. The 120mm gun is the most powerful gun ever installed on any standard U. S. tank and its projectile can pierce any tank. The integral range finder gives an excellent first round hit probability. This is a huge tank and it has a two deck turret; the tank commander rides on the upper deck. A later version, the M103A1 has a number of internal changes, the most notable one being that a turret basket, rotating with the turret is installed.

EMPLOYMENT: Heavy Tank Battalions, Armored Division

STEERING: Crossdrive

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, 7 rubber tired road wheels with 6 return rollers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1953

CREW: 5

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual and power operation

COMBAT WEIGHT: 62 tons

LENGTH: 37 ft. 1-1/2 in. over gun

ARMOR: Classified

WIDTH: 12 ft. 4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 120mm Gun M58, -8 to +15 degree elevation, gyrostabilized
b. One .50 Cal M2 Machine Gun (AA)
c. One .30 Cal M37 Tank Machine Gun

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 1-3/8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15-3/8 in.

SPEED: 21 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP - 3500 ft/sec
b. API - 2900 ft/sec
c. AP - 2800 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 7 ft. 4 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft.(w/o fording equip.)

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 38 rounds
b. 1050 rounds
c. 5250 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 80 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PITCH OF TRACK: 6 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 268 U.S. gal.

TREAD CENTERS: 115 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: .35 miles/gal.

GROUND CONTACT: 173-1/2 in.

ENGINE: V12 Cylinder, air cooled, Continental AV-1790-5B or 7C

WIDTH OF TRACK: 28 in.

HORSEPOWER: 810

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber pads & bushed pins

TRANSMISSION: Automatic dual range w/reverse

GROUND PRESSURE: 12.8 lb/sq.in.

[73]

U. S. LIGHT TANK - M1 COMBAT CAR

The Ml Combat Car was the standardized version of the T5 combat car series. The all around fire concept of the double turret or casement versions has been abandoned in favor of an all around traverse turret that mounts the two machine guns side by side. The Ml combat car was redesignated the Ml light tank, finally stopping the comedy of tank-combat car, caused by an ill advised section of a congressional bill. The Ml light tank was one of the most numerous and important vehicles prior to World War H.

EMPLOYMENT: Cavalry Regiment (Mechanized)

STEERING: Controlled differential

SUSPENSION: 2 double wheel bogies, vertical volute springing, and 2 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1935

MANUFACTURER: Rock Island Arsenal

CREW: 4

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse

COMBAT WEIGHT: 19,200 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .625 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret -Front .625 in;
Sides .25 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 13 ft. 7 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 2-1/2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 cal M2 machine gun;
b. Three .30 cal M2 machine guns (1 in bow, 1 in turret, 1 in AA mount)

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 9 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14-1/2 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2850 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

CLIMBING ABILITY: 26 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 130 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 1,500 rounds
b. 2,380 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U. S. gal

PITCH OF TRACK: 5-1/2 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 miles/gal

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 66

ENGINE: 7 cylinder, air cooled, radial aircraft type, Continental WG70

TREAD CENTERS: 73 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 97 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, rubber pads, dry pin

GROUND PRESSURE: 9 lb/sq. in.

[75]

U. S. ARMORED CAR - M3A1 SCOUT CAR

The M3A1 Scout Car is essentially an open topped armored body mounted on a commercial truck chassis. It served as a general utility and reconnaissance car and at times as a prime mover for light artillery. The two (sometimes an extra .30 is mounted) machine guns are on a skate mount that extends around the entire inside of the body, thus giving a 360 degree field of fire. The car illustrated has its canvas top in place, usually this was not installed. The M3 version of this car was slightly lighter in weight and did not have the roller in front. There was also an M4 version, identical to the M3, 38 of which were produced for the National Guard in 1937. These 9,300 lb. vehicles were made from 1/4 inch cold rolled steel instead of armor and had a Ford V8, 85 HP engine.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance Platoons

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, dual range synchromesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: June 1939

MANUFACTURER: White Motor Co.

STEERING: Front wheels only, cam and twin lever

CREW: 8

SUSPENSION: semi elliptic springs

COMBAT WEIGHT: 13,000 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 18 ft. 5-1/4 in.

WIDTH: 6 ft. 5-1/4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 Cal HB M2
Machine Gun;
b. One 30 Cal. M1917A1 or M1919A4 Machine Gun

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 11-1/8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-7/8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2850 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

SPEED: 55 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 8000 rounds
b. 600 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 2 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

RADIUS OF ACTION: 250 miles, road

TIRE SIZE: 8.25 X 20

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

WHEEL CENTERS: 65-1/4 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 30 U.S. gal

WHEEL BASE: 131 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 8 miles/gal.

TURNING RADIUS: 30 ft.

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, Hercules JXD

HORSEPOWER: 110

[77]

U. S. ARMORED CAR - M8 LIGHT ARMORED CAR

The M8 armored car was known as the T22 when in the developmental stage. It was, during the war, the most extensively used U. S. armored car, and after the war, performed yeoman duty with constabulary units in occupied Germany and Japan. The British obtained a number of M8's and gave them the nickname "Greyhound"; the British vehicles differed only in their communication equipment.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance and Military Police Units

STEERING: Worm and roller, front wheels only

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

SUSPENSION: Semi elliptical springs

MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Co.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual

CREW: 4

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .625 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret - Front .875 in;
Sides .750 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 16,400 lbs

LENGTH: 15 ft. 8-1/4 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 3-5/8 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm gun M6, 10 degrees to plus 18 degrees elevation;
b. One .30 cal M1919A4 machine gun, coaxial w/37mm;
c. Some M8's had .50 cal HB M2 machine guns mounted on top of turret

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 6 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-1/4 in.

SPEED: 55 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2900 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec
c. API: 2930 ft/sec

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 250 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 80 rounds
b. 1575 rounds
c. 420 rounds (.50)
d. 4 smokepots
e. 6 antitank mines

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U.S. gal

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6.6 miles/gal

ENGINE: 6 cylinder liquid cooled, Hercules Model JXD

PROJ. WEIGHT: 37-AP type; 1.9 lbs.

HORSEPOWER: 110

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 6X6

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

TIRE SIZE: 9.00 X 20

WHEEL CENTERS: 76 in.

WHEEL BASE: 79 plus 48 in.

TURNING RADIUS: 28 ft.

[79]

U. S. ARMORED CAR - M20 ARMORED UTILITY CAR

The M20 armored utility car is based on the M8 light armored car, and in fact, is an M8 with the turret removed and an M66 ring mount installed. The M20 was intended for use by commanders of mobile units, and was equipped with command radio sets. The 2.36 inch rocket launcher (Bazooka) was the only weapon carried that could defend against enemy armor, and this item was carried, stowed, inside the M20. The M20 often was pressed into service where its speed and armor were useful.

EMPLOYMENT: Command vehicle, armored personnel or cargo carrier, reconnaissance

STEERING: Worm and roller, front wheels only

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1943

SUSPENSION: semi-elliptical springs

MANUFACTURER: General Motors Corp.

TURRET: M66 ring mount with 360 degree traverse for .50 machine gun installed over center of hull

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 15,650 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .625 in;
Sides .375 in;
Rear .375 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 16 ft. 5 in.

WIDTH: 8 ft. 4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. 1-.50 cal HB, M2 machine gun;
b. 1-2.36 inch M9A1 or M18 rocket launcher

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 7 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11.5 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. API: 2930 ft/sec;
b. Heat: 300 ft/sec

SPEED: 56 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 1,050 rounds
b. 10 rounds
c. 4 smokepots
d. 3 antitank mines

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 250 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT: 2.36 Heat type; 3.41 lbs

FUEL CAPACITY: 54 U.S. gal

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 6X6

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5 miles/gal

TIRE SIZE: 9.00 X 20

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, Hercules Model JXD

WHEEL CENTERS: 76 in.

WHEEL BASE: 79 plus 48 in.

HORSEPOWER: 110

TURNING RADIUS: 28 ft

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

[81]

U.S. ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER - M2 HALF TRACK CAR

The M2 Half Track Car closely resembles the M3 half track personnel carrier, but the M2 is about 10 inches shorter and seats 10 rather than 13 men. The M2 half track, in addition to its infantry role, was also used as a prime mover for the 105mm howitzer. A skate mount rail encircles the entire inside of the vehicle and allows a 360 degree field of fire for all guns. The addition of a ring mount, enclosed in an armored shield, over the right front seat, changed the designation to M2A1 half track car. The M2 was used as the basis of the M4 and M4A1 81mm mortar carriage. The M2, while under development, was known as the T14.

EMPLOYMENT: Mechanized Infantry Regt.

SUSPENSION:
Front - semi elliptic springs;
Rear - articulated, dual wheeled, 4-wheel bogie, vertical volute springing and one return roller on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: White Motor Co.

CREW: 10

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 17,600 lbs.

LENGTH: 19 ft. 6-3/4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 cal HB M2 Machine Gun;
b. One or Two .30 cal M1917A1 Or M1919A4 Machine Guns

WIDTH: 6 ft. 5-1/4 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 1/2 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2850 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2800 ft/sec

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-3/16 in.

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 540 rounds
b. 7,750 rounds
c. 10 rounds hand grenades
d. 12 rounds M1 AT mine

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

PITCH OF TRACK: 4 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 200 miles, road

TREAD CENTERS: 63-13/16 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

GROUND CONTACT: 60 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 60 U.S. gal

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.3 miles/gal

TYPE OF TRACK: Endless band

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, White 160AX

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 2 X 1/2 track all powered

HORSEPOWER: 147

TIRE SIZE: 8.25 X 20

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds + double range transfer case

WHEEL CENTERS: 64-1/2 in.

STEERING: Front wheels, Ross steering gear

WHEEL BASE: 135-1/2 in.

TURNING RADIUS: 30 ft.

[83]

U.S. ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER - M3 HALF TRACK

The M3 Personnel Carrier resembled the M2, but the M3 was 10 inches longer. This half tracked vehicle was widely used to transport infantry during World War II and in addition its chassis was often used as the foundation for self propelled weapons. A seldom used set of bows and canvas top, when used, raised the height 6 inches to 7' 7" and the front roller aided the M3 to cross deep depressions and narrow trenches. A winch sometimes replaced the roller.

EMPLOYMENT: Mechanized Infantry Regt.

SUSPENSION:
Front - semi elliptic spring;
Rear - articulated, dual wheeled, 4-wheel bogie, vertical volute springing and one return roller on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1940

MANUFACTURER: White (Prototype), Diamond T and Autocar

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 2 plus 11 riders

COMBAT WEIGHT: 20,000 lbs.

ARMAMENT: One .30 cal M1919A4 machine gun on pedestal mount

LENGTH: 20 ft. 3-1/2 in. over roller

WIDTH: 7 ft. 1 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: Ball - 2800 ft/sec

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 9 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 4000 rounds
b. 22 hand grenades
c. 24 Ml antitank mines

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-3/16 in.

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

TREAD CENTERS: 63-3/16 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

GROUND CONTACT: 46-3/4 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 220 miles, road

WIDTH OF TRACK 12 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TYPE OF TRACK: Endless band

FUEL CAPACITY: 60 U.S. gal

GROUND PRESSURE: 12.3 lb/sq. in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.6 miles/gal

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 2 X 1/2 track all powered

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, inline. White 160AX

TIRE SIZE: 8.25 X 20

HORSEPOWER: 147

WHEEL CENTERS: 64-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 8 forward, 2 reverse speeds, dual range, synchromesh

WHEEL BASE: 135-1/2 in.

TURNING RADIUS: 30 ft.

STEERING: Cam and lever, front wheels only

[85]

U.S. SELF PROPELLED GUN - M3 75mm GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE

The M3 75mm gun motor carriage was the M3 half track with a 75mm field gun mounted on it. The field gun carriage was cut down until it could fit into the body of the half track and then welded into place. There was an M3A1 75mm gun motor carriage; this used a slightly different field gun mount and had a few degrees more traverse. This was one of the first widely use U. S. self propelled guns,

EMPLOYMENT: Infantry Regt. Support; Antitank Companies

SUSPENSION:
Front - Semi elliptic spring;
Rear - Articulated dual wheeled, four-wheel bogie vertical volute springing and one return roller, each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: Autocar

SHIELD AND GUN: 19 degrees left, 21 degrees right manual traverse

CREW: 5

COMBAT WEIGHT: 18,085 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees;
Shield -Front .625 in;
Sides .25 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 20 ft. 5-1/2 in.

WIDTH: 7 ft. 1 in.

ARMAMENT: One 75mm Gun M1897A4, -10 to +29 degrees elevation

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 2-5/8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-3/16 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: APC: 2000 ft/sec

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: 59 rounds

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 75mm APC type; 18 lbs.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

TREAD CENTERS: 63-3/16 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 200 miles, road

GROUND CONTACT: 46-3/4 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 60 U. S. gal

TYPE OF TRACK: Endless band

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.5 miles/gal

GROUND PRESSURE: 12 lb/sq. in.

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, White 160 AX

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 2 X 1/2 track all powered

HORSEPOWER: 147

TIRE SIZE: 8.25 X 20

TRANSMISSION: 8 forward, 2 reverse speeds, dual range synchromesh

WHEEL CENTERS: 64-1/2 in.

WHEEL BASE: 135-1/2 in.

STEERING: Cam and lever, front wheels only

TURNING RADIUS: 30 ft.

[87]

U.S. SELF PROPELLED MORTAR - M4 81mm MORTAR CARRIER

The M4 81mm Mortar Carrier was used to give mobility to the 81mm mortar platoons of the Mechanized infantry. The 81mm mortar could be fired from the vehicle only in emergencies and normally had to be dismounted for use from the ground. A similar appearing carrier, the M4A1 permitted the mortar to be normally fired from the vehicle and the mortar traverse was increased from a very limited 130 mils to 600 mils. Both the M4 and the M4A1 carriers required the mortar to be fired rearward; a still later version,the M21 permitted the mortar to be fired forward. The M4 and M4A1 carriers were based on the M2 half track chassis; the M21 was based on the M3 chassis.

EMPLOYMENT: Mechanized Infantry Company, Mortar Platoon

SUSPENSION:
Front - semi elliptic springs;
Rear - articulated, dual wheeled, 4-wheel bogie vertical volute springing and one return roller on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: White Motor Co.

ARMOR:
Hull - Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 17, 325 lbs.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 81mm Ml;

b. One .30 cal M1919A4 Browning Machine Gun

LENGTH: 19 ft. 6-3/4 in.

WIDTH: 6 ft. 5-1/4 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. 700 ft/sec

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 5 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 112 rounds
b. 12,000 rounds

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-3/16 in.

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 8 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft.

TREAD CENTERS: 63-13/16 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

GROUND CONTACT: 60 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 200 miles, road

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TYPE OF TRACK: Endless band

FUEL CAPACITY: 60 U.S. gal

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 2 X 1/2 Track

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.3 miles/gal.

TIRE SIZE: 8.25 X 20

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, White 160AX

WHEEL CENTERS: 64-1/2 in.

WHEEL BASE: 135-1/2 in.

HORSEPOWER: 147

TURNING RADIUS: 30 ft.

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, + double range transfer case

STEERING: Front wheels, Ross steering gear

[89]

U.S. AMPHIBIAN PERSONNEL CARRIER LANDING VEHICLE, TRACKED, 1 (LVT 1)

The LVT 1 was the first truly military version of the Roebling tractor. This vehicle, while armed, was unarmored, and was intended for supply duties. As the war progressed, its combat landing potential was recognized and many improvements were made. The LVT 1 was especially unsatisfactory with regards to its tracks and suspension; yet this was the first of the famous "Amtracs" that contributed to the U. S. victory in the Pacific and the LVT 1 earned its laurels at Tarawa.

EMPLOYMENT: Amphibian Tractor Companies (USMC)

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.9 miles/gal (land)

ENGINE: 6 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Hercules WXLC3

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

MANUFACTURER: Food Machinery Corp.

HORSEPOWER: 146

CREW: 3

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds

COMBAT WEIGHT: 21,800 lbs.

LENGTH: 21 ft. 6 in.

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

WIDTH: 9 ft. 10 in.

SUSPENSION: Unsprung, rollers in track ride in guides on sponson

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 1 in.

ARMOR: Unarmored

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 HB M2 Machine Gun
b. One .30 M1919A4 Machine Gun

SPEED: 12 MPH on road, 6.1 MPH water

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft. 4 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 3.26 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 6 in.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 79

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

GROUND CONTACT: 140 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles road, 60 miles water

WIDTH OF TRACK: 10 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Link-Belt roller chains connected by curved aluminum cleats

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 80 U. S. gal

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.9 lb/sq. in.

[91]

U. S. AMPHIBIOUS PERSONNEL CARRIER
LANDING VEHICLE, TRACKED, 2 (LVT 2) or LANDING VEHICLE, TRACKED(ARMORED) 2 (LVT(A)2)

The LVT 2 was intended to correct the deficiencies of the LVT 1, which it did to a large degree. The unarmored hull was fitted with the complete, excellent power train from the M3A1 light tank and the increased power and reliability resulted in an excellent vehicle. In early 1944, armored cabs were fitted and an applique armor kit for the bow (.5") and sides (.25") was supplied. The LVT was the father of a family of amphibious vehicles based on its hull. The almost identical LVT(A)2 has an armored instead of mild steel hull, and this hull was used as the basis of the LVT(A)1, LVT(A)4 and LVT(A) 5.

EMPLOYMENT: Amphibian Tractor Battalions, Army and USMC

HORSEPOWER: 250

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Food Machinery &

STEERING: Controlled differential

Chemical Corp.

SUSPENSION: Torsilastic springs, 11 single rubber tired bogie wheel assemblies & 2 return rollers each side

CREW: 6 (LVT2) 4 (LVT(A)2)

COMBAT WEIGHT: 31,200 lbs. LVT2 32,200 lbs. LVT(A)2

ARMOR:
LVT(A)2 Only:
Hull-Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 26 ft. 1 in.

WIDTH: 10 ft. 8 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One .50 Cal HB M2 Machine Gun
b. One .30 M1919A4 Machine Gun (3 M1919A4 on USMC LVT's)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 1 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

SPEED: 20 MPH on road, 7.5 MPH water

PITCH OF TRACK: 4-1/8 in.

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 73 per track

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

TREAD CENTERS: 113-1/2 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

GROUND CONTACT: 126-1/2 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles road, 50 miles water TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

WIDTH OF TRACK: 14-1/4 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, twin chains with "W" shaped grousers

FUEL CAPACITY: 110 U.S. gal LVT2 104 U. S. gal LVT(A)2

GROUND PRESSURE: 9.8 lb/sq. in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.0 miles/gal.

ENGINE: Radial, 7 cylinder, air cooled, Continental W670-9A

[93]

U. S. AMPHIBIOUS TANK LANDING VEHICLE, TRACKED (ARMORED) 1 (LVT(A)1)

The LVT(A)1 is an LVT(A)2 fitted with the turret of the M3 light tank. An open machine gun pit is located in the hull on each side of the turret. These gunners invariably were shot down during an assault landing and this suicidal feature was eliminated from later vehicles.

EMPLOYMENT: Army Amphibian Tank Bn, U. S. M. C. Amphibian Tractor Bn.

STEERING: Controlled differential

SUSPENSION: Torsilastic springs, 11 single rubber tired bogie wheel assemblies and 2 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Food Machinery & Chemical Corp.

CREW: 5

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual or power operation

COMBAT WEIGHT: 30,000 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.75 in;
Sides 1.25 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 26 ft. 1 in.

WIDTH: 10 ft. 8 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 1 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm Gun M6, gyrostabilized, -10 to +20 degrees elevation
b. Three .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 ring mount in hull beside turret)

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

SPEED: 20 MPH on road, 7.5 MPH water

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. 2900 ft/sec
b. 2800 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles, road, 75 miles, water

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 123 rounds
b. 6500 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 140 U.S. gal.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 1.9 lbs.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.0 miles/gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4-1/8 in.

ENGINE: Radial, 7 cylinder, air cooled, Continental W670-9A

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 73 per track

TREAD CENTERS: 113-1/2 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

GROUND CONTACT: 126-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

WIDTH OF TRACK: 14-1/4 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel twin chains with "W" shaped grousers

GROUND PRESSURE: 9.8 lb/sq. in.

[95]

U. S. AMPHIBIOUS TANK LANDING VEHICLE, TRACKED (ARMORED) 4 (LVT(A)4)

The 37mm gun of the LVT(A)1 was definitely underpowered, and as the war progressed, demands were given to up-gun the amphibian tractors. To do this, the entire turret assembly of the M8 75mm self propelled howitzer was grafted on to the LVT(A)2 hull. This powerful gun converted the LVT into a small warship and in the final stages of WW II, and in the waters and rivers of Korea, they often served as water-borne artillery. These vehicles are still in service with the Nationalist Chinese and some smaller countries.

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Amphibian Tractor Battalions, Amphibious Assault Gun

STEERING: Controlled differential

SUSPENSION: Torsilastic springs, 11 single rubber tired bogie wheel assemblies & 2 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

MANUFACTURER: Food Machinery & Chemical Corp.

TURRET: 360 degrees manual traverse

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .5 in;
Sides .25 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 39,460 lbs.

LENGTH: 26 ft. 2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Howitzer M3
b. One .50 Cal HB M2 Machine Gun
c. Three .30 Cal M1919A4 Machine Gun (in flexible mounts, each side of turret, 1 bow gun)

WIDTH: 10 ft. 8 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 2-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

SPEED: 15 MPH on road, 7 MPH water

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE: 1250 ft/sec
b. API: 2900 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 75 rounds
b. 420 rounds
c. 6000 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles, road, 100 miles, water

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT: 75 HE type: 18 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 140 U. S. gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4-1/8 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.0 miles/gal land,

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 73

0.7 miles/gal water

TREAD CENTERS: 113-1/2 in.

ENGINE: Radial, 7 cylinder, air cooled, Continental W670-9A

GROUND CONTACT: 126-1/2 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 14-1/4 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, twin chains w/ "W" shaped grousers

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, spicer synchromesh

GROUND PRESSURE: 9.9 lb/sq. in.

 

[97]

U. S. AMPHIBIOUS TANK LANDING VEHICLE, TRACKED, (ARMORED) 5(LVT(A)5)

The LVT(A)5 was a late World War H attempt to improve the LVT(A)4. The main change was the addition of a gyrostabilizer and a cover to the turret, and the vehicle shown has a modified bow to improve its water borne abilities. The LVT(A)5 did not see any combat in World War II, but it saw much action in Korea. All of the LVT's were roomy, but their rocking motion, both on land and in water, made them uncomfortable to ride for any length of time.

EMPLOYMENT: U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Tracker Battalion

SUSPENSION: Torsilastic springs, 11 single rubber tired bogie wheel assemblies and 2 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1945

MANUFACTURER: Food Machinery and Chemical Corp.

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

CREW: 6

ARMOR:
Hull- Front .5 in;
Sides .5 in;
Rear .25 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.5 in;
Sides 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 20 tons

LENGTH: 26 ft. 2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Howitzer M3
b. One 50 Cal HB M2 Machine Gun
c. Three 30 Cal M1919A4, flexible mounts on each side & at rear of turret

WIDTH: 10 ft. 8 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 2-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

SPEED: 15 MPH on road, 7-8 MPH in water

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE: 1250 ft/sec
b. AP-1: 2900 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 75 rounds
b. 420 rounds
c. 6000 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles, road, 100 miles, water

PROJ. WEIGHT: 75-HE: 18 lbs.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PITCH OF TRACK: 4-1/8 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 140 U. S. gal

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 73 per track

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.0 Miles/gal

TREAD CENTERS: 113-1/2 in.

ENGINE: Radial, 7 cylinder, air cooled, Continental W670-9A

GROUND CONTACT: 126-1/2 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 14-1/4 in.

HORSEPOWER: 250

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, twin chains with W shaped grousers

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds,

GROUND PRESSURE: 9.9 lb/sq. in.

STEERING: Controlled differential

 

[99]

BRITISH MEDIUM TANK - COMET

The Comet was one of the earliest British attempts to provide an effective main gun on a cruiser tank. The generally successful Cromwell cruiser tank was the basis of the Comet. However, there is little beyond a faint family resemblance between the two tanks. The new turret is obvious, but the four return rollers also offer an interesting change. The Comet was a great success; it was fast, reliable, and its powerful 77mm gun was very accurate.

EMPLOYMENT: Medium Tank Bns.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

MANUFACTURER: Leyland Motors Corp.

STEERING: Controlled differential

CREW: 5

SUSPENSION: Christie type torsion arm, 5 road wheels and 4 return rollers, each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 32.7 tons

LENGTH: 25 ft. 1-1/2 in. over gun

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual or power

WIDTH: 10 ft. 1-1/2 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 6 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3.0 in;
Sides 1.7 in;
Rear 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 4.0 in;
Sides 2.5 in; @ 0 degrees

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

SPEED: 29 MPH

ARMAMENT:
a. One 77mm Mark 2 Gun
b. Two 7.9mm Besa Machine Guns, (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)
c. One 303 Cal Bren Machine Gun

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 8 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 61 rounds
b. 5175 rounds
c. 600 rounds

RADIUS OF ACTION: 123 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 116 U.S. gal.

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE type - Approx. 20 lbs.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1 miles/gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4.4 in.

ENGINE: V12 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Rolls Royce Meteor

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 114 per track

TREAD CENTERS: 100-1/4 in.

HORSEPOWER: 600

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 18 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, skeleton, dry

GROUND PRESSURE: 13.8 lb/sq. in.

[101]

BRITISH MEDIUM TANK - CENTAUR MARK III

The "Centaur" medium tank was originally known as the"Cromwell II" and in many respects resembles the regular "Cromwell" tanks. There were several different main armaments used; the Centaur I had a 6 pounder gun, the Centaur HI (shown) had a 75mm gun and the Centaur IV had a short-barrel 95mm howitzer with a prominent muzzle counterweight. Only the latter version saw action. The Royal Marines Armored Support Group supported the "D" Day landings with fire from their 95mm howitzer "Centaurs" shackled down in landing craft. After the landings, they continued inland to give continued fire support. The "Centaurs" were later modified to AA tanks and their guns were replaced by twin 20mm automatic cannon.

EMPLOYMENT: Heavy cruiser tank

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, Merritt-Brown type

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

MANUFACTURER: Leyland Motors Ltd.

STEERING: Controlled differential, hydraulic operated

CREW: 5

SUSPENSION: Christie type torsion arm, 5 rubber tired road wheels

COMBAT WEIGHT: 35 tons

LENGTH: 20 ft. 9 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual and power

WIDTH: 9 ft. 6.5 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 1 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2.5 in;
Sides 1.8 in;
Rear 1.2 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3 in;
Sides 2.5 in; @ 0 degrees

GROUND CLEARANCE: 16 in.

SPEED: 22 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
a. One 95mm Howitzer -12 to +20 degrees elevation
b. Two 7.92 Besa Machine Guns
c. One .303 Cal Bren Machine Gun

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. 6 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 51 rounds
b. 4950 rounds
c. 600 rounds

RADIUS OF ACTION: 165 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: GASOLINE

FUEL CAPACITY: 116 U.S. gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 3.9 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.5 miles/gal.

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 126

ENGINE: V12 cylinder, liquid cooled, Mk V Liberty

TREAD CENTERS: 97-3/4 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 147 in.

HORSEPOWER: 385

WIDTH OF TRACK: 14 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, dry pin

GROUND PRESSURE: 14.7 lb/sq. in.

[103]

BRITISH ARMORED ENGINEER VEHICLE
CHURCHILL AVRE (Armored Vehicle Royal Engineers) MK 7

This adaptation of the Churchill tank was intended for use by the Royal Engineers. The 6.5" demolition gun fired a thin-case, high capacity demolition shell intended to blow gaps in barbed wire and destroy field fortifications. The large circular hatch permitted rapid exit and entrance for the combat engineers on the battlefield.

EMPLOYMENT: Combat Engineer Companies

SUSPENSION: 22 independent bogies, vertical coil springs

CREW: 5

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, hand and power

COMBAT WEIGHT: 40 tons

LENGTH: 24 ft. 7 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 6 in;
Sides 3.75 in;
Rear 2 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 6 in;
Sides 3.5 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 9 ft. 4 in.

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 7 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 6.5 in. Mk1 demolition gun, -8 to +15 degrees elevation
b. One 7.9 Besa Machine Gun (in bow)
c. One 2 in. smoke mortar

GROUND CLEARANCE: 20 in.

SPEED: 12.7 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 10 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 31 rounds
b. 450 rounds
c. 20 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 6 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 50 miles, road

PITCH OF TRACK: 7.9 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 72 per track

FUEL CAPACITY: 150 U.S. gal.

TREAD CENTERS: 87-1/2 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1/3 miles/gal.

GROUND CONTACT: 168 in.

ENGINE: 12 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Bedford horizontal opposed

WIDTH OF TRACK: 22 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Cast steel, dry pin

HORSEPOWER: 350

GROUND PRESSURE: 14 lb/sq. in.

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, constant mesh

STEERING: Epicyclic

[105]

CZECHOSLOVAKS LIGHT TANK - S.1 LIGHT TANK

Very little is known about this tank. It was produced just before World War II in small quantities for export sales and was not used by the Czech Army. It is similar to the popular tankettes of the day, but carries the Czech 47mm gun in its front plate; more powerful armament than any other tankette. It is reported that this vehicle was used by the Roumanian and by the Yugoslav forces.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance, light tank companies

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 11 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1933

RADIUS OF ACTION: 100 miles, road

MANUFACTURER: Czech Gov't. -Skoda

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

CREW: 2

HORSEPOWER: 60

COMBAT WEIGHT: 4 tons

SUSPENSION: 2-double wheeled and 1-single wheel pivoting, semi elliptical spring bogies and 4 return rollers on each side

LENGTH: 8 ft. 6 in.

WIDTH: 6 ft.

HEIGHT: 4 ft. 6 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .55 in;
Sides .3 in;
Rear .3 in; @ 0 degrees

GROUND CLEARANCE: 9 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 47mm Gun, 12 degrees traverse each way
b. One 7.9mm ZB-37 Machine Gun

SPEED: 28 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 4 ft. 11 in

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 7 in.

[107]

FRENCH ARMORED CAR - Panhard AMD 35

The Panhard AMD 35 was one of the best of the many prewar French armored cars. Captured cars were put into use by the Nazis under the designation SdKfz 178(f). The engine was in the rear, but this vehicle could be driven at full speed in either direction. The ability to steer with all four wheels made this a most nimble car.

EMPLOYMENT: Cavalry Reconnaissance Units

ENGINE: 4 cylinder, liquid cooled, Panhard SS

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1935

HORSEPOWER: 105

MANUFACTURER: Panhard

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 4 reverse speeds

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 8.3 tons

STEERING: Front or all 4 wheels

LENGTH: 15 ft. 6 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse

WIDTH: 6 ft. 6 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .6 in;
Sides .5 in;
Rear .5 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .6 in;
Sides .6 in; @ 0 degrees

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 6 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 25mm Gun
b. One 7.5mm M31 Machine Gun

SPEED: 50 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. AP - 2953 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 40 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 150 rounds

b. 3150 rounds

RADIUS OF ACTION: 250 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT: AP Type - .7 lbs.

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

[109]

FRENCH HEAVY TANK - CHAR de MANOEVURE B-1

EMPLOYMENT: Armored Division

STEERING: Naeder double differential; used to align 75mm with target

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1936

MANUFACTURER: Renault-Satory

SUSPENSION: 16 paired, articulating vertical coil spring loaded bogie wheels on each side

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 31 tons

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse

LENGTH: 20 ft. 8 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2.25 in;
Sides .75 in;
Rear .75 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 2.35 in: @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 8 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 9 ft.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Howitzer, in hull, fixed, aimed by turning tank
b. One 37mm short barrel gun in turret
c. Two 7.5mm M31 tank machine guns, 1 fixed, in bow, 1 coaxial with 37mm

GROUND CLEARANCE: 19 in.

SPEED: 17 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 9 ft.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. 10 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft. 10 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a.

b. 1273 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 20 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 77 rounds
b. 50 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE type - 1.1 lbs.

HORSEPOWER: 270

PITCH OF TRACK: 9.5 in.

[111]

FRENCH LIGHT TANK - Char A.M.X. 13

The A.M.X. 13 is one of the best post World War II tanks. The powerful 75mm gun is fixed in the turret and the entire turret and gun elevate and depress as well as traverse. This type of mounting eliminates the bulky, space consuming conventional elevating mount and permits a very low silhouette. The A. M. X. 13 has been sold to many different nations and there are a number of variations on the basic chassis. The particular tank illustrated is a very early version; later versions had more powerful engines and different guns. A.M.X. 13's fought in the Indian-Pakistan war and opposed U. S. forces in the Dominican Republic.

EMPLOYMENT: Light Tank Companies, Reconnaissance

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1950

STEERING: Clevelend differential

MANUFACTURER: Atelier de Construction d'Issy les Moulineaux, Satory, France

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, 6 road wheels, 2 return rollers on each side

CREW: 3

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, oscillating, manual and hydraulic operation

COMBAT WEIGHT: 14.7 tons

LENGTH: 20 ft. 9 in. over gun

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 1.5 in;
Sides .75 in;
Rear .3 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.5 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 8 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14-1/2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Gun
b. One 7.5mm AAT-52 Tank Machine Gun, coaxial

SPEED: 40 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 3 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 7 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. 3280 ft/sec

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 2 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 37 rounds
b. 1050 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 210 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT: 18-20 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 99 U. S. gal.

TREAD CENTERS: 85 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2 miles/gal.

GROUND CONTACT: 110 in.

ENGINE: 8 cylinder, air cooled, Mathis flat opposed

WIDTH OF TRACK: 13-3/4 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel skeleton

HORSEPOWER: 250

GROUND PRESSURE: 10.7 lb/sq. in.

[113]

GERMAN ARMORED CAR
Machinengewehrkraftwagen (Kfz 13) M.G. Kw (Kfz 13)

The M. G. Kw (Kfz 13) was a lightly armored car issued to the machine gun companies of horse cavalry regiments. It is a rather primitive appearing vehicle; yet it participated in the Polish campaign of 1939. These cars greatly aided the Nazis in their development of the "Blitzkrieg" and can be considered the ancestor of the whole German armored force. The first car in the picture is the Kfz 13; it is followed by a companion vehicle -- the Funkkraftwagen (Kfz Fu 14). This latter vehicle is a radio command car and is unarmed, but carries a three man crew. Both the "13" and the "14" are built on the same chassis.

EMPLOYMENT: Cavalry Regimental Machine Gun Units, later Reconnaissance Platoons

HORSEPOWER: 59.2

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1933

STEERING: Front wheels only, conventional

MANUFACTURER: Adler

TURRET: None - Gun shield only

CREW: 2

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .4 in;
Sides .4 in;
Rear .4 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 4,850 lbs.

LENGTH: 13 ft. 9 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 7.9mm MG13

WIDTH: 5 ft. 7 in.

HEIGHT: 4 ft. 11 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. BALL: 2480 ft/sec

GROUND CLEARANCE: 7-1/8 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: Ball type: 196 grains

SPEED: 35 MPH on road

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 2X4

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 8 in.

TIRE SIZE: 6.75 X 18

CLIMBING ABILITY: 15 degree slope

WHEEL CENTERS: 56 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 135 miles, road

WHEEL BASE: 112 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TURNING RADIUS: 48 ft. 8 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 18.5 U.S. gal

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 9.4 miles/gal

ENGINE: 6 cylinder Horch, water cooled

[115]

GERMAN ARMORED CAR
Leichter Panzerspahwager (SdKfz 221) 1.PzSpWg (SdKfz 221)

This light armored car was built on the chassis of the Auto-Union A. G. Werk Horch 801 general purpose vehicle; thus having many components in common with German Army personnel and cargo carriers. The SdKfz 221 was often used as a commander's vehicle, and it in company with the SdKfz 223, often formed mobile command posts and artillery forward observation posts. The 221 can be distinguished from other similar cars by its seven sided turret, often with grenade netting over the opening in top, its light armament, only an MG 34 protruding from the turret face,- and the single armor flap in front of the driver's compartment. This was a very good vehicle that rendered excellent service in all theaters; in fact it could be considered as useful as the American "Jeep".

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance Company, Armored Recon Battalion

STEERING: 2 or 4 wheels

SUSPENSION: Independent springing for each wheel

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1937

MANUFACTURER: Horch

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manually operated

CREW: 3

COMBAT WEIGHT: 8,818 lbs.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .3 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .3 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 15 ft. 9 in.

WIDTH: 6 ft.5 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 7.9mm MG 34 Machine Gun
b. One 9mm MP 38 or MP 40 Submachinegun

HEIGHT: 5 ft. 7 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 9 in.

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. Ball: 2480 ft/sec
b. Ball: 1200 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 20 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 2000 rounds
b. 350 rounds

RADIUS OF ACTION: 175 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 29 U.S. gal

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7.1 miles/gal

TIRE SIZE: 8.27 X 18

ENGINE: V8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Auto- Union/Horch

WHEEL CENTERS: 63 in.

WHEEL BASE: 110 in.

HORSEPOWER: 85

TURNING RADIUS: 46 ft. 4 in. front wheels only; 26 ft. 3 in. all wheels

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, crash type

[117]

GERMAN ARMORED CAR
Leichter Panzerspahwagen (SdKfz 222) 1. PzSpWg (SdKfz 222)

The SdKfz 222 is another of the series of armored cars built on the Auto-Union/ Horch chassis. The 222 is more of a true scout or reconnaissance car than the others in the series, as evidenced by its armament. The 20mm Kwk is a fully automatic weapon, firing from a ten shot magazine at a rate of fire of 280 rounds per minute for the KwK 30 or 480 rounds per minute for the KwK 38. The armor piercing and high explosive shells that could be fired gave this vehicle quite a sting. The SdKfz 222 can be readily distinguished from others in the series by its 10-sided turret with prominent main gun and coaxial machine gun protruding from it and by the double hinged flaps in front of the drivers compartment. Some SdKfz 222's had a 28/20mm taper-bore high velocity antitank gun mounted in the turret in lieu of the KwK.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance Company, Tank Battalion

SUSPENSION: Independent springing for each wheel

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1938

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manually operated

MANUFACTURER: Horch

CREW: 3

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .3 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .3 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 10,582 lbs.

LENGTH: 15 ft. 9 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 20mm Automatic Gun, KwK30, later KwK 38
b. One 7.9mm MG 34 (coaxial)
c. One 9mm MP 38 or MP 40 Submachinegun

WIDTH: 6 ft. 5 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 7 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 9 in.

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. 2625 ft/sec
b. 2480 ft/sec
c. 1200 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 20 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 175 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 220 rounds
b. 2000 rounds
c. 350 rounds
d. 12 hand grenades

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 29 U.S. gal

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7.1 miles/gal

ENGINE: V8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Auto-Union/Horch

PROJ. WEIGHT: 20mm AP type: 5.2 oz.

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

HORSEPOWER: 85

TIRE SIZE: 8.27 X 18

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, crash type

WHEEL CENTERS: 63 in.

STEERING: 2 or 4 wheels

WHEEL BASE: 110 in.

TURNING RADIUS: 46 ft. 4 in. front wheels only; 26 ft. 3 in. all wheels

[119]

GERMAN ARMORED CAR
Leichter Panzerspahwagen Fu (SdKfz 223) 1.PzSpWg Fu (SdKfz 223)

The SdKfz 223 is the third in a series of armored cars intended to complement one another; this particular variant is a radio command vehicle. The SdKfz 221 and 222 do not have radios, therefore, this car carried the radio in units equipped with these vehicles. This car closely resembles the SdKfz 221, in that it has only a machine gun mounted in its turret, but it can be distinguished by the 9 sided turret, the twin armor flaps in front of the driver's compartment and the folding tubular radio antenna. This antenna, as shown, can be folded down so as to permit full traverse of the turret, but in use it is erected above the turret, where it forms a square framelike structure.

EMPLOYMENT: Radio Vehicle, Reconnaissance Company, Armored Recon Battalion

STEERING: 2 or 4 wheels

SUSPENSION: Independent springing for all wheels

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1937

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manually operated

MANUFACTURER: Horch

CREW: 3

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .3 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .3 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 9,700 lbs.

LENGTH: 15 ft. 9 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 7.9mm MG 34 Machine Gun
b. One 9mm MP 38 or MP 40 submachinegun

WIDTH: 6 ft. 5 in.

HEIGHT: 5 ft. 7 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 9 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. Ball: 2480 ft/sec
b. Ball: 1200 ft/sec

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 11 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 20 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 2000 rounds
b. 350 rounds

RADIUS OF ACTION: 175 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

FUEL CAPACITY: 29 U.S. gal

TIRE SIZE: 8.27 X 18

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6.7 miles/gal

WHEEL CENTERS: 63 in.

ENGINE: V8 cylinder, liquid cooled, Auto-Union/Horch

WHEEL BASE: 110 in.

TURNING RADIUS: 46 ft. 4 in. front wheels only, 26 ft. 3 in. all wheels

HORSEPOWER: 85

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, crash type

[121]

GERMAN ARMORED CAR
Panzerspahwagen (6-Rad) (SdKfz 232) (Fu) s. PzSpWg(SdKfz 232)(Fu)(6-Rad)

This 6-wheeled armored car is like the 4-wheeled armored cars, produced in a series of different variants. The SdKfz 232, illustrated, was the most common version and was used for general scouting and command purposes. The true scout car of the series, the 231 was externally identical, except that it did not have an antenna. A radio command car, the 263 had the antenna, but mounted only the MG 34 machine gun in its turret. These vehicles, scouting ahead of the tanks, contributed greatly to German successes in the 1939 and 1940 campaigns. They were underarmored and eventually were replaced by the heavy 8-wheeled armored cars.

EMPLOYMENT: Radio Command Vehicle, Armored Reconnaissance Company

TRANSMISSION: 6 forward, 6 reverse speeds, constant mesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1933

STEERING: Front wheels only, worm and nut

MANUFACTURER: Bussing N. A. G., Deutche-Werke, Keil

SUSPENSION: Semi-elliptical springs

CREW: 4

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manually operated

COMBAT WEIGHT: 13,778 lbs.

LENGTH: 18 ft. 4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .6 in;
Sides .28 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .6 in;
Sides .28 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 6 ft. 1 in.

HEIGHT: 9 ft. 6in. to top of antenna

ARMAMENT:
a. One 20mm KwK 30 Automatic Gun
b. One 7.9mm MG 34 Machine Gun (coaxial)

GROUND CLEARANCE: 9-1/2 in.

SPEED: 45 MPH on road

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 11 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP - 2625 ft/sec
b. BALL - 2480 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 13 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 156 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 200 rounds
b. 3000 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 26.4 U.S. gal.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.9 miles/gal.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 20mm AP Type: 5.2 oz.

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, Bussing N. A. G.

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 6X6

TIRE SIZE: 8.27 X 18

HORSEPOWER: 100

WHEEL CENTERS:
67 in. - Front

72 in. - Rear

WHEEL BASE: 98 plus 35 in.

TURNING RADIUS: 56 ft. 6 in.

[123]

GERMAN SELF PROPELLED GUN
150mm Heavy Infantry Gun on Tank n Chassis 15cm s.J.G. 33/PzKpfw II (SdKfz 121)

This small, but powerfully armed vehicle was another of the Germans' attempts to utilize the obsolete PzKw 11 chassis by mounting an old, obsolete howitzer on it and using the combination as a field artillery/assault gun. A version with a lengthened hull and six road wheels was also produced. The 15cm howitzer could fire a stick bomb. This was a large diameter projectile with a rod that fitted down the howitzer tube. This round was launched by a special blank cartridge and was intended for use as a demolition round. It had a very short range.

EMPLOYMENT: Infantry accompanying assault gun (Panzer Grenadier Regt)

ENGINE: 6 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Maybach HL62 TR

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

HORSEPOWER: 140

MANUFACTURER: Maschinenfabrik Augsburg - Nurmberg

TRANSMISSION: 6 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

CREW: 5

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

COMBAT WEIGHT: 12 tons

SUSPENSION: 5 independent leaf spring suspended bogie wheels and 4 return rollers each side

LENGTH: 15 ft. 2-3/4 in.

WIDTH: 7 ft. 4 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .6 in;
Sides .6 in;
Rear .6 in; @ 0 degrees

HEIGHT: 5 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 13 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 150mm Gun Model 1933; -0 to +73 degrees elevation

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft.

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. HE - 790 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE: 36.8 lbs. Stick Bomb: 197 lbs.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 6 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 3-5/8 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 degree slope

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 105/track

RADIUS OF ACTION: 120 miles, road

TREAD CENTERS: 74 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

GROUND CONTACT: 94 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 52 U. S. gal.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-1/8 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, skeleton type with floating pin

[125]

GERMAN LIGHT TANK
Panzerkampfwagen IB Commander's Model (kl.PzBefWg) (Sdkfz 265)

One of the problems encountered by the Nazis when perfecting their Panzer forces, was the control of the fast-moving, far-ranging armored vehicles. The radio equipment in the standard tank just wasn't up to the communications problems, and a special version of the PzKpFw I, for commanders was produced. This vehicle, armed only with a machine gun, had its turret replaced by a non-rotating box to accommodate the commander and elaborate radio equipment. This vehicle remained in use, both as a commander's vehicle and an artillery observation vehicle, long after the original tank version had been withdrawn from service.

EMPLOYMENT: Command vehicle, Light Tank Units

ENGINE: 6 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Maybach NL38 TRKM

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1936

HORSEPOWER: 100

MANUFACTURER: Maschinenfabrik Augsburg - Nurmberg

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds

CREW: 3

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

COMBAT WEIGHT: 5.8 tons

SUSPENSION: 5 Single rubber tired bogie wheels (rear acts as idler);
4 rear bogie wheels connected by girder and with semi elliptic springing.
Front bogie wheel independent, with coil springing, 4 return rollers each side

LENGTH: 14 ft. 6 in.

WIDTH: 6 ft. 9 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 6 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 11-1/2 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .6 + .6 in;
Sides .6;
Rear .6 in; @ 0 degrees

SPEED: 32 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 4 ft. 7 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 7.92mm MG 34

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 900 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 1 ft. 2 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 3-11/16 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 99/track

RADIUS OF ACTION: 87 miles, road

TREAD CENTERS: 65 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

GROUND CONTACT: 95 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, skeleton, floating dry pin

[127]

GERMAN HEAVY TANK
Fruher Panzer Kampfwagen V (NbF2) "NbFz" PzKpfw V

This tank is a German example of the multi-turreted heavy tanks that had a limited popularity in the late 1920's and early 30's. This vehicle probably had an English engine. Three of these tanks were produced; two were destroyed in Norway in 1941, the remaining one was destroyed by the Russians near Roumania later in the war. A version of the Fruher PzKpFw V, the "VI", with a 105mm gun replacing the 75mm was also produced.

EMPLOYMENT: Experimental

ENGINE: V12 Cylinder, liquid cooled, Maybach HL 120 TRM

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1933

MANUFACTURER: Rheinmetall Borsig

HORSEPOWER: 350

CREW: 6

SUSPENSION: 10 paired road wheels, pivoted to Christie type torsion arms, with 1 track tensioner and 4 return rollers on each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 35 tons

LENGTH: 25 ft.

WIDTH: 9 ft.

TURRET: Main 360 degrees power traverse, machine gun turrets limited to approx. 200 degrees traverse

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 11 in.

SPEED: 13 MPH on road

ARMOR:
Hull - Front 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees
Turret - Front 2.25 in; @ 0 degrees

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 11 ft. 6 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 4 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 75mm Short Gun
b. One 37mm Gun, coaxial
c. Two 7.9mm MG 13 or MG 34 (1 in each auxiliary turret)

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 4 ft. 7 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 80 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

[129]

JAPANESE AMPHIBIOUS TANK - Type 2 AMPHIBIOUS TANK

This Japanese amphibious tank was based on the 2597 tankette. All normal openings are sealed against water entrance. The large fore and aft pontoons can be released after landing from within the tank by means of handwheels which release the pontoon clamps. The tank was controlled in the water by two rudders operated by the tank commander from the turret. The typical Japanese rocking type suspension is used. The control springs, however, are located horizontally within the hull.

EMPLOYMENT: Special Landing Forces

SUSPENSION: 2 bogies, each with 2 bogie wheels mounted on bell cranks powered by compression springs inside hull (modified Lloyd Garden)

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

CREW: 5

COMBAT WEIGHT:

24,915 lbs. w/pontoons

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .47 in;
Sides .35 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .52 in;
Sides .52 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 24 ft. 4 in. w/pontoons

WIDTH: 9 ft. 2 in.

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 8 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm Type 1 Gun -11-1/2 to +5-1/2 degrees elevation
b. Two 7.7mm Type 97 Tank Machine Guns (1 coaxial, 1 in bow)

GROUND CLEARANCE: 14 in.

SPEED: 23 MPH on road, 6 MPH in water

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6ft. 7 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. AP: 2300 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2375 ft/sec

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 5 in.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 124 miles, road; 93 miles, water

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 132 rounds
b. 3500 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel oil

FUEL CAPACITY: 53 U.S. gal.

PROJ. WEIGHT: AP Type -1.5 lbs.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 miles/gal.

PITCH OF TRACK: 3-5/16 in.

ENGINE: 6 Cylinder, air cooled

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 103 per side

HORSEPOWER: 120

TREAD CENTERS: 96-1/4 in.

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, high and low ranges

GROUND CONTACT: 130 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 12 in.

STEERING: Clutch-Brake on land, rudders in water

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, dry pin

[131]

JAPANESE MEDIUM TANK - 2597 Medium Tank (Chi-Ha)

The Type 97 was the first modern Japanese tank and although it fought at about the same weight as the U. S. M5 series light tank, its heavier armament caused the Type 97 to be classified as a medium tank. The fighting compartment is lined with asbestos padding; this probably was an insulator against the heat of the tropics. The odd arrangement of armament, i. e., a 57mm gun in the front of the turret and a 7.7mm machine gun in the rear of the turret, was probably dictated by the fact that this tank was not expected to face enemy armor so much as it was expected to destroy enemy troops and when so used, the turret could be traversed so that the machine gun faced forward. This was sort of a compromise as exemplified by the separate U.S. Cavalry and infantry type tanks. This tank was later fitted with a high velocity 47mm gun.

EMPLOYMENT: Medium Tank Companies, Infantry Division

STEERING: Epicycle and Clutch-Brake

SUSPENSION: 6 road wheels each side, front & rear wheels independently sprung, others in pairs, opposed by armor covered horizontal coil springs, 3 return rollers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1937

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 29,685 lbs.

LENGTH: 18 ft. 2 in.

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual traverse

WIDTH: 7 ft. 7 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 1.0 in;
Sides 1.0 in;
Rear .78 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.3 in;
Sides 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 9 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 13-1/2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 57mm Type 97 Tank Gun
b. Two 7.7mm Type 97 Machine Guns (1 in bow, 1 turret rear)

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 3 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 3 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE: 1260 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2375 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 40 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 130 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 120 rounds
b. 3825 rounds

FUEL CAPACITY: 51.7 U.S. gal.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.7 gal/hour at 9.3 MPH

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE: Approx. 6 lbs.

PITCH OF TRACK: 5-1/8 in.

ENGINE: V12 Cylinder, air cooled

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 97 per track

HORSEPOWER: 150

GROUND CONTACT: 12 ft. 2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, high & low ranges

WIDTH OF TRACK 13 in.

GROUND PRESSURE: 8.5 lb/sq. in.

[133]

SOVIET ARMORED CAR - BA-64

The BA-64 was the most widely used Soviet World War n armored car. It was based on the Russian copy of the Ford Model "A" chassis and engine, combined with a 4 wheel drive from the 1/2 ton jeep. The BA-64 was a rugged, reliable vehicle, if somewhat underarmed. Some in fact replaced the DT machine gun with a 14.5mm PTRD single shot antitank rifle. Its four wheel drive gave good off-road mobility, useful to recon units. These vehicles were furnished by the Soviets to their allies after World War II and were encountered by U. S. forces in the Korean War.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance and Signal Units

HORSEPOWER: 80

TRANSMISSION: 3 forward, 1 reverse speeds w/transfer case, synchromesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1943

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

STEERING: Front wheels only

CREW: 2

SUSPENSION: Semi elliptical leaf spring

COMBAT WEIGHT: 2-1/2 tons

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual traverse

LENGTH: 12 ft. 1 in.

WIDTH: 5 ft.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .59 in;
Sides .24in;
Rear .16 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .24 in;
Sides .24 in; @ 0 degrees

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 8-1/4 in.

SPEED: 50 MPH on road

ARMAMENT:
a. One 7.62mm DT Tank Machine Gun

FORDING DEPTH: 1 ft. 8 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. BALL: 2750 ft/sec

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 372 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 1,070 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

FUEL CAPACITY: 23.8 gal

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4X4

ENGINE: 4 cylinder, liquid cooled, Model Ml (probably copy of Ford "A")

WHEEL CENTERS: 57 in.

[135]

SOVIET SELF PROPELLED GUN - SU-37

The SU-37 is one of the lesser known World War II Soviet armored vehicles. It was built on the chassis of the T-70 light tank and the M1939 gun was a fully automatic, 5-shot clip fed weapon. The gun had a rate of fire of 160 to 180 rounds per minute and was effective against low flying aircraft of the period. The manually traversed turret limited the SU-37's ability to engage fast aircraft. Like the other vehicle in its family, the T-70 light tank and SU-76 self propelled gun, the SU-37 was unpopular with its crews. This was because its gasoline tanks were easily ignited and these vehicles were (unofficially) nicknamed "A coffin for six brothers."

EMPLOYMENT: Mobile Antiaircraft Companies

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, synchromesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1943

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

MANUFACTURER: Soviet arsenals

SUSPENSION: Torsion bar, six road wheels and three return rollers on each side

CREW: 6

COMBAT WEIGHT: 10.5 tons

TURRET: Open top, shield type, 360 degree traverse

LENGTH: 16 ft. 2 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .6 in;
Sides .3 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 8 ft. 9 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 10 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 37mm Gun M1937, plus 83 degree elevation

GROUND CLEARANCE: 12-1/2 ins.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY: a. HE-T:2887 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 6 ft. 5 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: a. 320 rounds

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 11 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE-T Type: 1.6 lbs.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 2 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 4.5 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 25 degree slope

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 89

RADIUS OF ACTION: 170 miles, road

TREAD CENTERS: 93 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

GROUND CONTACT: 120 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 116 U.S. gal

WIDTH OF TRACK: 11-3/4 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.4 miles/gal.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, dry pin

ENGINE: Two 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, inline, tandem arrangement

GROUND PRESSURE: 7.8 lb/sq. in.

HORSEPOWER: 140 (total)

[137]

SOVIET SELF PROPELLED GUN - SU-85

The SU-85 was a unique Soviet effort to up-gun an existing tank, the T-34. The size of the gun that can be carried on a tank is limited by the size of the turret and usually there is just not enough room to install any other gun than the original one. The Soviets, however, took the turret off the T-34/76 and designed a mount that would permit installation of the powerful 85mm gun in the front plate. This mount, of course, suffered from very limited traverse and elevation. It is difficult to really classify these as self propelled guns because they were used tactically as tanks as well as artillery. The advent of the T34/85 with the same 85mm gun doomed the SU-85. However, many were converted to the more powerful SU-100.

EMPLOYMENT: Self propelled antitank and general artillery weapon

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds, constant mesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1943

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

MANUFACTURER: Soviet arsenals

SUSPENSION: Christie coil spring torsion bar, 5 road wheels each side

CREW: 4

COMBAT WEIGHT: 29.6 tons

TURRET: None

LENGTH: 21 ft. 10 in.

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3 in;
Sides 1.75 in;
Rear 1.75 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 9 ft. 9 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 85mm Gun

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 4 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HVAP: 3650 ft/sec

b. AP-T: 2575 ft/sec

SPEED: 35 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 2 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 48 rounds

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 11 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 25 lbs.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 6 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 7 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 35 degree slope

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 72

RADIUS OF ACTION: 210 miles, road

TREAD CENTERS: 97 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

GROUND CONTACT: 158 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 100 U.S. gal plus 104 gallons in auxiliary tanks

WIDTH OF TRACK: 20 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2-3 miles/gal.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, dry pin

ENGINE: 12 cylinder, liquid cooled, Model W-2

GROUND PRESSURE: 10 lb/sq. in.

HORSEPOWER: 500

[139]

SOVIET SELF PROPELLED GUN SU-100

The SU-100 was designed as a replacement for the lesser powerful SU-85 which it closely resembles. The SU-100 is built on the T34-85 chassis and represents an attempt to place an extremely powerful cannon on a fairly light chassis. This vehicle was a great success and even though it phased out of Soviet service in the 1950's, it is in wide use by the satellite and allied communist states. It is effective against most contemporary armored vehicles even though its basic design dates back more than twenty years.

EMPLOYMENT: Mobile Antitank/ Artillery Weapon

HORSEPOWER: 500

TRANSMISSION: 5 Forward, 1 Reverse Speeds, Constant Mesh

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

CREW: 4

SUSPENSION: Christie Type Coil-Spring Loaded Torsion Arms

COMBAT WEIGHT: 31.6 Tons

LENGTH: 32 ft. 10 in. Over/Gun

TURRET: None

WIDTH: 9 ft. 10 in.

ARMOR:
Hull -- Front 3 in;
Sides 1.77 in;
Rear 1.77 in; @ 0 Degrees

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 4 in.

ARMAMENT: 1-100MM M-1944 (DS-10) Gun

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15 in.

SPEED: 35 MPH On Road

MUZZLE VELOCITY: AP -- 2,950 Ft/Sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 9 ft. 10 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: AP Type — 34.5 lbs.

FORDING DEPTH: 2 ft. 11 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: 35 Rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 1 in.

PITCH OF TRACK: 7 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 Degree Slope

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 72

RADIUS OF ACTION: 185 Miles, Road

TREAD CENTERS: 98 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

GROUND CONTACT: 146 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 80 U. S. Gal.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 19.8 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2-3 Miles Per Gal.

TYPE OF TRACK: Cast Alloy Steel, Dry, Loose Pin

ENGINE: 12 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, V Type, Model W-2

GROUND PRESSURE: 10 Lb/Sq. in.

[141]

SOVIET SELF PROPELLED GUN - JSU-122

The JSU-122 was intended for use as an assault (direct fire) artillery weapon. The chassis of the old KV-series or JS-1 tank is used as a basis for this weapon and two different guns were mounted, the long D25S (illustrated) with a muzzle brake and recoil mechanism contained within the mantle,and the less powerful A- 19S gun. The latter weapon did not have a muzzle brake and part of the recoil mechanism projected from the mantle under the barrel. Both guns are set offside to the left. The 12.7mm DShK-38 machine gun could be used against both ground and aircraft targets; its bullet was approximately as powerful as the U. S. .50 caliber bullet.

EMPLOYMENT: Support Artillery, Tank Division

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

SUSPENSION: Christie type coil-spring torsion bar, 6 road wheels, 3 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

CREW: 5

TURRET: None

COMBAT WEIGHT: 46 tons

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3 in;
Sides 1.77 in;
Rear 1.77 in; @ 0 degrees;
Gun mantle 7.75 in.

LENGTH: 33 ft. 5 in. over gun

WIDTH: 10 ft.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 122mm Gun D25S or A-19S
b. One 12.7mm DShK-38 Machine Gun (In AA mount on roof)

HEIGHT: 8 ft. 2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 18 in.

SPEED: 23 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE: 2620 ft/sec
b. AP-1: 2880 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. 3 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 30 rounds
b. 450 rounds

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft. 3 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 36 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles, road

PITCH OF TRACK: 6-1/4 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 87-90

FUEL CAPACITY: 110 U. S. gal

TREAD CENTERS: 86 in.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.3 miles/gal

GROUND CONTACT: 169 in.

ENGINE: V12 cylinder, liquid cooled, Model W-2

WIDTH OF TRACK: 27-1/2 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel skeleton, dry pin

HORSEPOWER: 520

TRANSMISSION: 8 forward, 2 reverse speeds, dual range epicycle

GROUND PRESSURE: 11.6 lb/sq. in.

[143]

SOVIET SELF PROPELLED GUN - JSU-152

The JSU-152 assault gun is built on the JS-2 heavy tank chassis and mounts a modified M1937 152mm gun-howitzer. It is the heaviest caliber self propelled gun produced by the Soviets during World War II, and despite its age, is still in use by many Communist nations. An earlier version, the SU-152 is built on the similar KV-1 tank chassis and the 152 closely resembles its companion, the JSU-122. The guns can be differentiated, however, by their tubes, the JSU-152 gun is short and thick and has a multi-baffle muzzle brake.

EMPLOYMENT: Assault gun/artillery weapon, heavy Tank Brigade

STEERING: Probably clutch and brake

SUSPENSION: Torsion arm, six steel road wheels and three return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

CREW: 5

TURRET: None-gun can traverse 10 degrees each way

COMBAT WEIGHT: 46 tons

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 2.95 in;
Sides 2.36 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 29 ft. 7in. including gun

WIDTH: 10 ft.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 152mm Gun M1937/43 (ML-20S); -3 degrees to +20 degrees elevation
b. One 12.7mm DShK-38 Machine Gun (in AA mount)

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 9-1/2 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 13-3/4 in.

SPEED: 23 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 2 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. HE: 2149 ft/sec
b. AP-1: 2800 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. 4-3/4 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft. 2 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 20 rounds
b. 1000 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 36 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 132 miles, road

PROJ. WEIGHT: HE type: 96 lbs.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

PITCH OF TRACK: 6-1/4 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 114 gal. plus 66 gal. in auxiliary tanks

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 87-90

ENGINE: V-12 cylinder, liquid cooled, Model V2K

TREAD CENTERS: 97-1/4 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 171-1/4 in.

HORSEPOWER: 520

WIDTH OF TRACK: 25-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds

TYPE OF TRACK: Cast alloy steel, dry pin

GROUND PRESSURE: 11.4 lb/sq. in.

[145]

SOVIET LIGHT TANK - T-60 Tank

The T-60 is one of the rarest of all World War H Soviet tanks. It entered service in 1941 and was replaced by the T-70 light tank in 1942. It was made in small numbers and most, because of their thin armor, appear to have been destroyed by the German invaders. The T-60 is based on the earlier T-40 amphibious tank, but the T-60 is not amphibious and has a larger turret with a 20mm aircraft type machine cannon in lieu of the T-40's 12.7mm machine gun. Some T-60's were used to mount multiple rocket launcher tubes. The suspension of this old light tank looks much like the suspension of the modern Soviet ASU 57 airborne assault gun.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance Units

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1941

SUSPENSION: Christie type coil spring torsion arm, 4 road wheels and 3 return rollers on each side

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

CREW: 2

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, manual

COMBAT WEIGHT: 6 tons

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .75 in;
Sides in;
Rear .4 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front .75 in;
Sides .75 in; @ 0 degrees

LENGTH: 12 ft. 5 in.

WIDTH: 7 ft. 8 in.

HEIGHT: 5 ft. 9 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 20mm Shvak aircraft automatic gun
b. One 7.62 mm DT tank machine gun

SPEED: 27. 5 MPH on road

RADIUS OF ACTION: 270 miles, road

WIDTH OF TRACK: 17-1/2 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, skeleton, dry pin

ENGINE: 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, probably copy of U.S. Dodge truck engine

HORSEPOWER: 85

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speeds

[147]

SOVIET LIGHT TANK - T-70 TANK

The T-70 light tank replaced the T-60 in Soviet reconnaissance units. The T-70, because of its thin armor and ease with which its gasoline fuel could be ignited, was unpopular with its crew (see comment under SU-37), and by 1943, the T-70 had been withdrawn from use; probably replaced by U. S. made Lend Lease M3 and M5 light tanks. The T-70 did represent an asset and after lengthening the hull, removing the turret and installing a sixth road wheel, the T-70 chassis became the basis of the SU-37 and SU-76 self propelled guns. The tandem engine occupied a lot of space and this caused the off-side turret installations; this plus the 5 road wheels differentiates the T-70 from the T-60.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance

HORSEPOWER: 140 (total)

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

TRANSMISSION: 4 forward, 1 reverse speed

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

CREW: 2

SUSPENSION: Christie type coil spring torsion arm, 5 rubber tired road wheels and 3 return rollers on each side

COMBAT WEIGHT: 10.1 tons

LENGTH: 14 ft. 1 in.

ARMOR:
Hull- Front 1.37-1.77 in;
Sides .6 in;
Rear 1.0 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 1.37 in;
Sides 1.37 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 7 ft. 8 in.

HEIGHT: 6 ft. 8 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 12 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 45mm Gun
b. One 7.62mm DT Tank Machine Gun

SPEED: 21 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 5 ft. 11 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. APHE: 2500 ft/sec
b. BALL: 2750 ft/sec

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 2 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 34 degree slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 70 rounds
b. 945 rounds

RADIUS OF ACTION: 280 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Gasoline

PROJ. WEIGHT: APHE Type: 3.2 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 96.8 U.S. gal

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 91

ENGINE: Two 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, Dodge type, in tandem

TREAD CENTERS: 62-1/2 in.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 17-1/2 in.

[149]

SOVIET HEAVY TANK - KV-2 TANK

The KV-2, despite its appearance, is a tank and is not a self propelled gun. It mounted the heaviest caliber gun ever used on a mass produced tank, but the KV-2 was not a success. Among its major faults was that the turret could not be traversed unless the KV-2 was level. The KV-2 quickly disappeared from the battlefield when the infinitely more practical and better thought out SU-152 appeared. As its name implies, the KV-2 was built on the excellent KV chassis and undoubtedly, the KV-2's were reworked into KV-3's or self propelled guns. Some KV-2 tanks are reported to have mounted a 122mm instead of the normal 152mm howitzer. The illustration is from an official German 1942 recognition manual.

EMPLOYMENT: Heavy Tank Battalion

STEERING: Clutch-Brake

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1942

SUSPENSION: Christie type coil-spring torsion arm, 6 road wheels and 3 return rollers on each side

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

CREW: 6

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, hand or power

COMBAT WEIGHT: 52 tons

LENGTH: 22 ft. 2-1/4 in. over gun

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3 in;
Sides 3 in;
Rear 3 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3 in;
Sides 3 in; @ 0 degrees

WIDTH: 10 ft. 11-1/4 in.

HEIGHT: 10 ft. 7-1/2 in.

ARMAMENT:
a. One 152mm Howitzer M1938/40;
-5 degrees to +12 degrees elevation
b. Three 7.62mm DT machine guns (1-coaxial, 1-bow, 1-turret rear)

GROUND CLEARANCE: 17 in.

SPEED: 15 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 9 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 3 ft. 9 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. 1400 ft/sec
b. 2750 ft/sec

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft.

RADIUS OF ACTION: 150 miles, road

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 36 rounds
b. 3087 rounds

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

FUEL CAPACITY: 131.2 gal

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.3 miles/gal

PROJ. WEIGHT: APHE type: 112 lbs.

ENGINE: V-12 cylinder, liquid cooled, Model W-2

PITCH OF TRACK: 6.25 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 173 in.

HORSEPOWER: 600

WIDTH OF TRACK: 27-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, sliding mesh

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel skeleton, dry pin

GROUND PRESSURE: 12.3 lb/sq. in.

[151]

SOVIET HEAVY TANK - JS-2 TANK

The JS-2 was the second in the Joseph Stalin series of heavy tanks; it differed from the JS-1 in that the JS-2 front plate was cast as a straight flat plate, whereas the JS-1 had a definite step in its front plate. The JS tanks were the most powerful tanks of WW H and their 122mm guns were able to penetrate even the heavily armored German Tiger and King Tiger tanks. The JS tanks are based on the KV series and an examination of the photographs in "Tank Data I and H" will show the similarity in suspension and running gear. It is interesting that the current Soviet heavy tank, the T-10 can be traced in design back through the JS series to the old KV's of 1939. The Soviets seem to like to stick with a good thing.

EMPLOYMENT: Heavy Tank/Assault Regiment, Armored Corps

SUSPENSION: Torsion arm, 6 steel road wheels & 3 return rollers on each side

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1944

TURRET: 360 degrees traverse, electric or manual

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Arsenals

CREW: 4

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 4.3 in;
Sides 3.5in;
Rear 2 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 3.9 in;
Sides 3.7 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 50.6 tons

LENGTH: 31 ft. 6-3/4 in. over gun

ARMAMENT:
a. One 122mm gun M1943(D-25); -4 degrees to +20 degrees elevation
b. One 12.7mm DShK-38 Machine Gun
c. Three 7.62mm DT or DTM Machine Guns (1 coaxial; 1 bow; 1 turret-rear)

WIDTH: 14 ft. 3-1/4 in.

HEIGHT: 9 ft. w/o AAMG

GROUND CLEARANCE: 13-3/4 in.

SPEED: 25 MPH on road

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. APHE: 2600 ft/sec
b. AP-1: 2800 ft/sec
c. BALL: 2750 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 2 in.

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. 3 in.

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft. 3 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE:
a. 28 rounds
b. 350 rounds
c. 3,024 rounds

CLIMBING ABILITY: 24 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 160 miles, road

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

PITCH OF TRACK: 6-1/4 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 158 gal. + 104 gal. in auxiliary tanks

NUMBER OF TRACK LINKS: 87-90

ENGINE: V12 cylinder, Liquid cooled, Model V2K

TREAD CENTERS: 97-1/4 in.

GROUND CONTACT: 171-1/4 in.

HORSEPOWER: 600

WIDTH OF TRACK: 25-1/2 in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 forward, 1 reverse speeds, sliding mesh

TYPE OF TRACK: Cast alloy steel, dry pin

GROUND PRESSURE: 12.6 lb/sq.in.

STEERING: Probably Clutch-Brake

[153]

SOVIET AMPHIBIOUS TANK - PT-76

The PT-76 is a rather unique vehicle. It is not an armored amphibian in the sense of the U. S. LVT's because it cannot exist in surf, and it definitely is not a true tank; its armor is too thin. It is really a continuation of the tracked, armored amphibious reconnaissance vehicles, so popular with the Russians since their early use of armor. The PT-76 is in wide use by most Communist nations and U.S. forces have encountered and easily destroyed the thin skinned vehicle. The 76mm gun, however is a potent weapon, and can pierce most light tanks and APC's.

EMPLOYMENT: Reconnaissance Units

SUSPENSION: Torsion Bar, Christie System

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1955

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Union Arsenals

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

CREW: 3

ARMOR:
Hull-Front .4 in;
Sides .6 in;
Turret-Front .4 in.

COMBAT WEIGHT: 14 Tons

LENGTH: 22 ft. 7 in. (w/o Gun)

ARMAMENT:
a. One 76mm D-56T or D56TM Gun, -4 to +30 degrees elevation
b. One 7.62mm SGMT tank machine gun (coaxial)

WIDTH: 10 ft. 5 in.

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 3 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 15.8 in.

SPEED: 27 MPH on road 6.2 MPH in water

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. 76HE: 2230 ft/sec
b. 76HVAP: 3170 ft/sec

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 9 ft. 2 in.

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: a. 40 rounds - 76mm

FORDING DEPTH: Floats

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 3 ft. 7 in.

PROJ. WEIGHT: 76HE: 13.7 lbs. 87HVAP: 6.7 lbs.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 38 degree slope

RADIUS OF ACTION: 155 miles, road 62.5 miles, water

TREAD CENTERS: 108 in.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

GROUND CONTACT: 116 in.

ENGINE: 6 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled.

WIDTH OF TRACK: 13.8 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, skeleton

HORSEPOWER: 240

GROUND PRESSURE: 6.75 lb/sq. in.

[155]

SOVIET MEDIUM TANK T-54

The T-54 was the standard medium tank of the Soviet Army until recently and still is the major tank of most Warsaw Pact countries. There are at least five variations of this tank. The earliest model has a bulbous undercut turret and is rarely seen. The other models are the T-54A with bore evacuator near the muzzle; the T-54B fitted with infra red sights and searchlights and the T-54(X) like T-54B but without AA 12.7mm machine gun and right hand turret cupola removed. The T-54(x) was a transition vehicle between the T-54 and current T-55 series, and it is difficult to distinguish between a T-54(x) and T-55. The T-54(x) has a turret dome ventilator, which is not present in the T-55. The T-54 series are excellent tanks with well designed armor; however, they probably are very crowded internally and lack many refinements that are believed to be necessary in Free World Tanks.

EMPLOYMENT: Tank Battalions, Tank Co., Infantry Regt, etc.

STEERING: Epicyclic

SUSPENSION: Torsion Bar, Christie System

DATE OF INTRODUCTION: 1954

TURRET: 360 degrees, manual and power operation

MANUFACTURER: Soviet Union Arsenals

CREW: 4

ARMOR:
Hull-Front 3.9 in;
Sides 2.8 in; @ 0 degrees;
Turret-Front 6.7 in; @ 0 degrees

COMBAT WEIGHT: 40 Tons

LENGTH: 21 ft. 2-1/2 in. W/O Gun

ARMAMENT:
a. One 100mm Gun, D-10T, -4 to +17 degrees elevation
b. Two 7.62mm SGMT Tank machine guns (1 coaxial, 1 bow)
c. One 12.7 DSkK 36/48 heavy machine gun (on turret top)

WIDTH: 10 ft. 9 in.

HEIGHT: 7 ft. 7 in.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 16.7 in.

SPEED: 30 MPH on road

TRENCH CROSSING ABILITY: 8 ft. 11 in.

MUZZLE VELOCITY:
a. 100mm HE: 2950 ft/sec
b. 100mm APHE: 3280 ft/sec

FORDING DEPTH: 4 ft. 7 in. W/O Snorkel

OBSTACLE ABILITY: 2 ft. 7-1/2 in.

CLIMBING ABILITY: 30 Degree Slope

AMMUNITION STOWAGE: 34 rounds, 100mm

RADIUS OF ACTION: 250 Miles, Road

PROJ. WEIGHT: 100mm HE: 34.6 lbs.

TYPE OF FUEL: Diesel

TREAD CENTERS: 104.5 in.

FUEL CAPACITY: 158 U. S. Gal.

GROUND CONTACT: 112 in.

ENGINE: V-12 Cylinder, Water Cooled, Diesel V-54

WIDTH OF TRACK: 22.8 in.

TYPE OF TRACK: Steel, skeleton type

HORSEPOWER: 526

GROUND PRESSURE: 11.4 lb/sq. in.

TRANSMISSION: 5 Forward, 1 Reverse Speeds

[157]

United States Armored Vehicles Nomenclature

The Army Ordnance Department uses the following system: The designation T1, T2, etc., indicates a developmental item. While in the developmental stage, when a major change is incorporated, the item will take the designation "T1E1," "T2E1," etc. Such designation indicates a change affecting military characteristics or installation. When an item has been adopted as a standard by the Ordnance Technical Committee, the item is given the designation "M1," "M2," etc. When a change which is considered major occurs in an item adopted as standard, such as one which affects military characteristics, installations, manufacture, storage or use, the designation changes to "M1A1," "M1A2," etc. The designation "M1B2," etc., or "M1A1-B1," indicates that a different type material is used which constitutes a major change in production because of scarcity of material. When a standard article has been modified by the development of an experimental non-standard process or procedure, it takes the designation "M1E1," "M1E2," etc. If the item thus modified is adopted as standard by the Ordnance Department, it takes a designation in the proper sequence of the M1A series; e.g., an item designated as M1E6 may become M1A4 if it is the fourth item adopted as standard in that type of material.

T99 MOTOR CARRIAGE FOR 155 mm HOWITZER

[159]

M3A1 LIGHT TANK WITH 37mm GUN

M3 LIGHT TANK WITH 37mm GUN

[160]

T39E1 HEAVY TANK WITH 155mm GUN

M3A5 MEDIUM TANK WITH 75mm MAIN BATTERY GUN

[161]

T73 ARMORED INFANTRY VEHICLE

T29 HEAVY TANK WITH A 105mm GUN

[162]

M26 MEDIUM TANK WITH A 90mm GUN

541E1 LIGHT TANK WITH A 76mm GUN

 [163]

M46 MEDIUM TANK WITH A 90mm GUN

 T48 MEDIUM TANK WITH A 90mm GUN

[164]

 

M5A1 LIGHT TANK WITH A 37mm GUN

M4A3 MEDIUM TANK WITH 75mm GUN

[165]

ITALIAN M13-40 LIGHT TANK

CUTAWAY SHOWING INTERIOR OF RUSSIAN T34 TANK

[166]

 

ITALIAN M13-40 TANK

[167]

10.5 cm le F.H. 18/2 on Gw II WASP (WESPE)

[168]

PzKw II Model F

[169]

PzKw IV

[170]

Pz.Kpfw. Tiger, Model E

[171]

PzKw 38T MOUNTING A 7.62 cm P.A.K. 36 r GUN

[172]

GERMAN TANK PRODUCTION

During 1940 and 1941 various tanks of the 30 to 35-ton class were under development and tentatively scheduled for 1942 production. All these plans were dropped in the first months after the invasion of Russia when the T-34 tank was encountered. This tank made a deep impression on all men concerned with the German tank industry, since many of its features were copied in Germany. The two most important features seem to have been the gun with large overhang, which Germans had thought impractical, and the ballistically favorable shape of the hull.

In order to be sure to overmatch the T-34, and any developments of it that the Russians might have, the German staff decided to go immediately up to tanks of 45 to 50-ton size, and to guns of 88 mm. This meant that for the first time a new model had to be planned without being able to use components already on test. Besides that, the development time had to be shortened to a little over one year. The result was that the new models, the Tiger and the Panther, showed many mechanical difficulties and service failures.

In 1942 work was begun on a series of super tanks. Two vehicles were started, the "Maus" by Dr. Porsche and the E-100 in 1943 by Adler Werke, Frankfurt. Both were to use a turret mounting a 128 mm gun; one layout showed a 150 mm gun as main armament with a coaxial 75 mm gun. The armor was about 30 percent heavier than on the Tiger II. The weight of the "Maus" is about 200 tons and the E-100 about 150 tons. For the "Maus", Porsche was developing all his own components, and the E-100 was to use Tiger II components until larger power plants were developed. Both developments were progressing quite slowly and at the end of the war, interest in them had ceased completely.

A great many layout studies were found at Krupp-Egeln showing vehicles of 110-, 130-, 150- and 170-ton size, all called "Krupp Maus" and dated during 1942. There was also a study for a vehicle called the "Bear", which is of the "Maus" size, but carries a 30.5 cm breech-loading mortar (not rocket type). The most spectacular was a layout for a 1500 ton vehicle, mounting an 80 cm gun as main armament and two 15 cm guns in rear quarter turrets. The frontal armor was 250 mm at 45 degrees. The project had not gone very far, but some layouts on power plant installations were found evidently using four submarine-type Diesel engines.

It is well known that there had been a constant increase of gun caliber or gun length in all German tanks. The following drawings were found at the Krupp-Egeln office and show a proposal for increased gun sizes in all existing German vehicles. They were all dated November 1944, but they do not seem to represent any official program, especially since it is known that some of these vehicles were to go out of production in 1945. These sketches must be taken only as a proposal by the Krupp armament designers, indicating what they considered feasible equipment for these tanks.

[173]

Pz.Kpfw. 38T (proposed upgun)

[174]

Panzerjager 38T (proposed upgun)

[175]

Pz.Kpfw IV with 7.5 cm L/70 (KwK.42) (proposed upgun)

[176]

Panzerjager Wg IV with 8.8 cm L/71 (Pak 43/3) (proposed)

[177]

Pz.Kpfw. "Panther" with 8.8 cm L/71 (KwK. 43) (proposed upgun)

[178]

Panzerjager "Panther" with 12.8 cm L/55 (Pak 80) (proposed)

[179]

Tiger-Jager with 12.8 cm L/66 (proposed upgun)

[180]

Pz.Kpfw. VI "Tiger" with 10.5 L/68 (proposed upgun)

[181]

German Armored Vehicles Nomenclature

The nomenclature used for German army vehicles and components was somewhat similar to that followed by the United States Army. Separate designations were assigned experimental and production vehicles. As an example, the German experimental tanks ordered by the Heereswaffenamt (German Army Ordnance Office) were designated as Vollketten-Kraft-Fahrzeug (full-tracked vehicle) and their prefix was VK, based on a system as follows:

VK (X) 1234, where the initial VK indicated the Vollketten-Kraft-Fahrzeug; the (X), when used, indicated the manufacturer; the first two digits (12) indicated the weight classification in tons; and the last two digits (34) the prototype number assigned that series. Thus the VK 4501 was a 45 ton experimental tank and the first (01) of that development series.

Near the end of World War n another system was adopted in which the VK prefix was dropped and the experimental vehicles indicated by the prefix "E" and a series of digits, indicating the weight of the vehicles in tons. When the vehicle was standardized and adapted for service use, its designation was changed to Sonder Kraft-Fahrzeug (Sd. Kfz.) and a serial number assigned. Along with this designation, the tanks were also noted as Panzerkampfwagens (Pz. Kpfw.), such as the series Pz. Kpfw. I, II, and III.

Half-track vehicles all had model designations starting with the letters "HK" followed by a number. The basic chassis designation for such vehicles was Zugfuhrer Wagen (Z. W.).

The self-propelled artillery were called Selbstfahrlafette, abbreviated Sf. or Sfz. Dependent on the anti-tank vehicles' tactical mission, these were called Panzerjagerkanone (Pjk.) or Panzerabwerkanone (Pak.). Some tank hunters or anti-tank vehicles were also called Panzerjagers (Pz. Jag.) with the gun carriages, Geschutzwagen (G. W.). The assault guns were called Sturmkanone (Stu.K.).

This nomenclature was developed from the actual German names and was typical of their custom of combining root words to form a new word. Thus, where Panzer referred to armor, Jager meant hunter, Wagen meant wagon or vehicle, and Kampf meant war; the Panzerkampfwagen (Pz. Kfw.) was an armored war wagon.

[182]

Comparison of armor and main guns on Pz.Kpfws. III, IV, V (Panther), VI-E (Tiger) and Koneigs Tiger (King Tiger) II-B.

[183]

TANKS IN PICTURES

U.S. Second Armored Division on Parade, pre-WWII.

[184]

FRENCH CAR WITH BARBED WIRE CUTTER.

BELGIAN ARMORED CAR

FRENCH CHARRON CAR OF 1904

[185]

CANADIAN ARMORED CARS LINED UP DURING WORLD WAR I

U.S. MARINES ADVANCE BEHIND A MODIFIED KING ARMORED CAR DURING THE BANANA WARS

WHITE ARMORED TRUCK IN A 1920 SHAM BATTLE

[186]

U.S. ARMORED CAR #2 - JUNE 1916

WHITE ARMORED CAR WITH BODY BUILT BY THE VAN DORN IRON WORKS IN CLEVELAND DURING 1918

[187]

KING ARMORED CAR BUILT IN 1916

U.S. ARMORED CAR BUILT IN MID -1916

[188]

U.S. M14 HALF-TRACK WITH TWIN .50 CAL. MACHINE GUNS.

GERMAN SdKfz ARMORED CAR FLANKED BY TWO SdKfz 232'S

GERMAN LIGHT ARMORED CAR SdKfz 260 

[189]

HOLT GAS & ELECTRIC TANK OF 1918

EXPERIMENTAL TANK OF WWI

ONE MAN EXPERIMENTAL TANK OF THE 1918 PERIOD

[190]

 

U.S. MEDIUM TANK T1 - 23 TONS

U.S. MEDIUM TANK T3E2 CHRISTIE DESIGN

[191]

PHOTO COMPARISON OF U.S. T1 AND M48 TANKS 

[192]

JAPANESE 150mm SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER

JAPANESE TYPE 97 (1937) MEDIUM TANK (IMPROVED)

[193]

JAPANESE MEDIUM TANK MOD 2594 (1934)

JAPANESE LIGHT TANK MOD 2595 (1935)

[194]

U.S. AIRBORNE LIGHT TANK T9E1 WITH 37mm GUN

U.S. LIGHT TANK T41E1 WITH 76mm GUN

[195]

GERMAN RECOGNITION CHART OF THE RUSSIAN T34

GERMAN RECOGNITION CHART OF THE RUSSIAN KV-1 

[196]

 

GERMAN RECOGNITION CHART OF THE BRITISH MARK IV CHURCHILL TANK

GERMAN RECOGNITION CHART OF THE BRITISH MARK II MATILDA TANK

[197]

U.S. MEDIUM TANK T42 WITH 76mm GUN

U.S. MEDIUM TANK T26E4, 76mm HIG VELOCITY GUN

[198]

MEDIUM TANK M4E1 SHERMAN

MEDIUM TANK T20E3

[199]

U.S. HEAVY TANK T32 WITH 90mm GUN

U.S. HEAVY TANK T29, 69 TONS WITH 105mm GUN

[200]

JOINT U.S. & WEST GERMAN HEAVY TANK MBT-70 WITH 152mm GUN

U.S. T28 SUPER-HEAVY TANK RENAMED M95 MOTOR CARRIAGE 

[201]

4.7-in GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE MODEL 1922 IN FIRING POSITION 

[202]

155mm GUN AND 8-in HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE MODEL 1921

GERMAN 75mm STURM-KANONE 40 (L/48)

[203]

U.S. 3" GUN CARRIAGE MODEL T1

U.S.3" GUN CARRIAGE MODEL T57 

[204]

M4A3 SHERMAN MEDIUM TANK WITH ROCKET LAUNCHER MOUNTED

GERMAN "HERTER" ARMORED FLAME-THROWER

[205]

U.S. ENGINEERS' ARMORED VEHICLE T39

U.S. ACCV COMMUNICATIONS VEHICLE 

[206]

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