T79/T80

Artistic rendition of the T79 GMC.

Very little is known about these two SPGs. Following the success of the M12, a new 155 mm SPG was proposed based on the T23 medium tank chassis. This vehicle was designated as the T79 Gun Motor Carriage. Another version was proposed using the 8-inch Howizter M1, designated as the T80 Howitzer Motor Carriage. However, objections by the Army Ground Forces towards the use of vehicles equipped with electric drives resulted in the rejection of these designs.

Beyond what Hunnicutt provides, there isn't much I've been able to uncover about these vehicles. One might imagine it would have a visually similar superstructure to the M40/M43, but simply with the chassis of the T23, as I've rendered. 

This tank would essentially replace the M40/M43 as we have it now, at Tier VIII. This would move the M40/M43 to Tier IX where it would receive some handling and mobility improvements.

The T79/T80 also starts a new trend for the rest of this SPG branch. As the M12 branch favored accuracy and gun handling, and the M44 branch favored damage output and splash, the T79/T80 offers a choice of either flavor. The 155 mm gun would be more accurate and have better characteristics, while the 8-Inch howitzer does more damage and has a larger splash radius. This makes either weapon a viable choice.

Guns: 155 mm Gun M1; 8-Inch Howitzer M1

Engines: Ford GAF (500 hp); Ford GAN (525 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T79 (??); T80 (??)

Hull Armor (mm): ??/??/??

Top Speed: ?? km/h

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



Parents: M12, M44
Children: M40/M43

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P., Pershing, 2015