The T18 75 mm self-propelled howitzer ( Eng. T18 Howitzer Motor Carriage ) is a US self-propelled artillery installation of the Second World War based on the M3 tank [2] . Belonged to the class of self-propelled howitzers. Two prototypes were made.
| T18 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 75mm T18 HMC | |
| Classification | Self-propelled howitzer |
| Combat weight, t | 13.5 |
| Story | |
| Manufacturer | Firestone Tire & Rubber Company |
| Number issued, pcs. | 2 prototypes |
| Booking | |
| Cutting forehead, mm / city. | 51 mm [1] |
| Board turret, mm / deg. | 32 mm |
| Armament | |
| Caliber and brand gun | 75 mm M1A1 [2] |
| Gun type | howitzer |
| HV angles, deg. | –5 ... + 20 [2] |
| Angles GN, hail. | —20 ... + 20 |
| Sights | M1 |
| Machine guns | 2 .30m cal |
Description
In the USA , attempts were made to install a 75 mm howitzer on the chassis of the M3 Stuart tank. The previous experiment, the T3 HMC , was unsuccessful. Requirements for the characteristics of self-propelled howitzers were announced back in 1940 by the Department of Field Artillery. The development of the T18 began in September 1941, the tactical and technical task provided for the creation of a machine for direct support of light and medium tanks (close-support vehicle). Subsequently, the number of hatches on the wheelhouse was increased to two, and the ammunition load was reduced by three times. [1] The self-propelled guns had a good reservation: the crew was protected from fire by 37 mm guns. A self-propelled howitzer developed a top speed of 56 km / h. Firestone , which proposed this version of self-propelled guns, received an order to build two prototypes of the T18. [2] As early as May 7, 1942, an experimental self-propelled gun was demonstrated at the Aberdeen Proving Ground . During the tests, a number of serious T18 flaws were discovered: the bow of the self-propelled guns was too heavy, as a result of which the car leaned forward. In addition, the fighting compartment was cramped. [1] In April 1942, work on the project was phased out. At that time, the USA already had experimental self-propelled guns T41 and T47, which provided for the installation of a 75-mm gun in a rotating turret. [one]
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 Tank Achivers: T18 HMC: Quick Howitzer
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 75mm self-propelled howitzer T18 - 75mm T18 HMC
Sources
- 75mm self-propelled howitzer T18 - 75mm T18 HMC
- Tank Achivers: T18 HMC: Quick Howitzer