modern self propelled tank destroyer 2020

While the M7 mounted the capable '105mm M1/M2' howitzer gun system (based on the successful M101 field howitzer), the M37 was afforded the similar '105mm M4' model (also based on the M101, the same as fitted to howitzer-armed Shermans). The M37 itself was developed to replace the M7 'Priest' which themselves were built upon the medium-class M3 Lee / M4 Sherman tanks being fielded en mass during the war (prior to the arrival of the war-winning M4 Sherman). Its light armor protection made it susceptible to enemy tank and anti-tank crews in turn so tanker crews needed to exercise care with each engagement.Īs a conversion of the M24, the M37 incorporated the same running gear with an all-new, fixed open-air superstructure. When utilized against lightly-armored or unprotected vehicles and in the fast reconnaissance role, the little M24 excelled thanks to inherently good mobility and speed. The standard operating crew was five personnel and power was supplied by way of 2 x Cadillac Series 44T24 8-cylinder engines developing 110 horsepower each. Three track return rollers were identified along the upper track sections.

The hull was stout, each side straddled by exposed running gear consisting of five double-tired road wheels, front-mounted drive sprocket and rear-mounted track idler. 30-06 Browning M1919A4 general purpose machine guns. The Chaffee was therefore armed with a capable 75mm M6 L/40 main gun, 1 x 0.50 caliber Browning M2HB heavy machine gun and 2 x. The M24 was intended to replace (and ultimately improve upon) the preceding M3/M5 Stuart light tanks. It was used extensively in the closing months of World War 2 in the light tank role, supporting infantry actions and reconnoitering enemy positions and movements.

The original M25 Chaffee ('Light Tank M24') appeared in 1944 and saw 4,731 units produced into August of 1945. Total production ultimately reached 316 units of the 448 originally ordered, all delivered from General Motors. Despite this, the M37 missed out on combat actions in the war altogether though it managed to remain in inventory into the Korean War (1950-1953).

Initial examples were delivered in 1945, the last year of the war. The type was developed from the existing chassis of the M24 Chaffee Light Tank as a faster, lighter alternative to the heavier, slower M7 'Priest'. The M37 Gun Motor Carriage was a self-propelled gun of the American military appearing towards the end of World War 2.

Modern self propelled tank destroyer 2020