M8A1

On 30 January 1943, a modified version of the M8 howitzer motor carriage was demonstrated at Aberdeen to determine the feasibility of mounting the 75 mm Gun M3 on the M3 light tank chassis. In order to mount the M3 gun in the M8 turret, the front opening was enlarged. The roof shelf at the end and the machine gun mount were removed. The new tank performed well during trials at Camp Hood and was considered to be a suitable interim tank destroyer until the M18 Hellcat became available. However, it was determined that production quantities of the M8A1 wouldn't be available prior to the availability of the M18, so the program was cancelled.

This tank is very much the same thing as the old M8A1 (Tier IV), just bumped up a tier. While the top modules remain, the other options (while still unhistorical) better reflect to quickness of the actual tank. In return for being essentially the same thing, the M8A1 would see dramatic improvements with its mobility, gun handling, and gun characteristics. This includes increasing the elevation angles to +40 and -20.

Guns: 75 mm Gun M3; 75 mm Gun M5; 3-Inch Gun M5; 3-Inch Gun M7

Engines: Twin Cadillac, Series 42 (295 hp); Continental R-975-C1 (350 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): M8A1 (38/25/25);

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M8A1 VVSS (15.69); M8A1 Improved (??)

Hull Armor (mm): 29/29/25

Top Speed: 58 km/h

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



Parent: T50 GMC
Children: M8 Scott

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992.