Holt 75

75 mm SPG based on the Holt 2.5-ton tractor.

Around 1918, the Ordnance Department commissioned designs for self-propelled artillery based on the Holt 2.5-ton and 5-ton artillery tractors as gun carriers. The 2.5-ton tractor was fitted an M1916 gun by extending the side plates of the tractor to support the trunnions in which the gun axle was fitted. A pair of outriggers were installed to stabilize the vehicle during firing, due its short length and tall profile.

The 5-ton tractor mounted the gun on frames bolted to the chassis. The gun was mounted more centrally than on the 2.5-ton, so outriggers weren't necessary. There was also sufficient space on the 5-ton to fit a deck behind the gun.

75 mm SPG based on the Holt 5-ton tractor.

The Holt 75 itself, which I'm proposing, is merely a combination of these 2.5-ton and 5-ton SPG designs. These tractors could reach a maximum speed of 24 km/h. Very little information about these vehicles exist, however there is some information we can infer. At the time, the 75 mm M1916 gun was intended to be standard light field gun for the US Army. However, the French 75 mm Mle. 1897 was found to be superior to the design and was licensed in the US to replace the M1916. This 1897 gun could be a decent secondary option for the Holt 75.

In line with the rest of the Holt SPG branch, the Holt 75 should have above-average accuracy for its tier. This can be mitigated by giving it a poor reload speed and/or aim time. Armor on these "tanks", while unknown to me, should be practically nonexistent—even for something as commonly unarmored as an SPG.

Guns: 75 mm Gun M1916; 75 mm Gun M1897

Engines: Cadillac V8 (70 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): Holt 2.5-ton (2.27); Holt 5-ton (4.54)

Hull Armor (mm): ??/??/??

Top Speed: 24 km/h

Crew: 4 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander/Radio/Loader)




Parent: T1 Cunningham
Children: CMC 1920

Sources:

http://landships.info/landships/tank_articles.html?load=tank_articles/Holt_SPGs.html#