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Thursday, August 17, 2017

M37



There were several unsuccessful attempts to install a 105 mm howitzer on a lightweight tank chassis, including but not necessarily limited to the M2A1 and the M5A1. Some success was found with the M7 HMC, but the desire for a vehicle based on a lighter chassis persisted. It wasn't until the T24 light tank entered development did the idea of a lightweight howitzer motor carriage finally come into proper fruition.

The turret and top plates of the T24 were removed so that the M4 howitzer, which proved its worth mounted in the M4 medium tank, could be mounted on a pedestal behind the driver. Two pilot vehicles were constructed, designated as the T76 HMC, and delivered to Aberdeen in July 1944.



After some revisions, it was decided to standardize the T76 as the M37 in January 1945. However, the end of the war would limit the total production run to just 150 vehicles. None would be shipped to the European theater and the M37 would see combat use during the Korean War.

I'm not proposing any significant changes to this tank. The M3 howitzer, while as far as I can tell never actually being considered for this tank, would indeed serve as a decent stock option. I've also eliminated the stock engine, for the same reasons given in regards to the M24 Chaffee.

Guns: 105 mm Howitzer M3; 105 mm Howitzer M4 

Engines: Twin Cadillac, Series 44T4 (296 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M37 Early (20.86); M37 (20.86)

Hull Armor (mm): 13/13/13

Top Speed: 56 km/h

Crew: 6 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Loader; Commander; Radio)



Parent: M7 Priest
Children: T64 GMC
See Also: M24 Chaffee

Sources:
Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992. 

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