Baker 4x4

In the Spring of 1941, the development of a new series of armored vehicles dubbed the "Turtle" series outlined the need for a highly mobile and lightly armored vehicle suitable for air transport. It was decided a wheeled vehicle would best suit this requirement and two basic models were studied: a four-wheel and eight-wheel variant, intended the carry the 40 mm Gun M1 and the British 17-pdr respectively. However, a variety of guns were considered for both vehicles.

For both vehicles, each wheel was individually powered and featured a hydraulic anti-recoil system. However, the most unusual aspect of these vehicles was that they utilized a new independent suspension system, designed to allow the vehicle to jump over ditches, fences, and other obstacles. The suspension was capable of very high energy absorption, permitting the chassis to squat before being accelerated upwards with enough energy for the entire vehicle to leave the ground.

Although no actual pilot was built, a full scale test unit of one wheel and its associated apparatus was completed. Testing concluded the vehicle could clear a height of 49 inches, or a distance of 47 feet at a speed of 40 miles per hour. The 4x4 version was estimated to weigh approximately 5 tons, with a wheel base of 137 inches and a width of 121 inches. Design work on the jumping vehicle was carried out by the Baker Manufacturing Company, so the vehicles were frequently referred to as the Baker tanks.

As with other armored cars in development of the time, the Baker tanks were intended to be sent overseas for use by the United Kingdom, hence the variety of British armaments being considered. The 4x4 variant had a limited-traverse turret, but it was capable of carrying almost any gun equal to or less than 77 mm. However, the inability to find interested buyers killed the project before either vehicle could enter the prototyping stage.

Clearly, if the jumping mechanism can be implemented in game, it absolutely should. It would be a fun and unique mechanic that might open up entirely new paths. But there's the obvious downside that if you misjudge your jump, you're going to crash and likely damage to yourself. 

The Baker 4x4 is kind of slow for an armored car, and its turret doesn't have full traverse, but even at Tier VIII it should still be a credible threat when equipped with a 17-pdr. The armor values and engines are unknown to me, so I've gone and left them blank. However, the armor should practically be nonexistent and the engines shouldn't be too powerful, which in and of itself isn't much of an issue given how lightweight the vehicle is it. A simple truck engine around 100 horsepower or so as a top option would do just fine.



Guns: 40 mm Gun M1 (autoloader); QF 6-pdr Mk. V; QF 17-pdr Mk. IV; QF 17-pdr Mk. VII

Engines: ??

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): Baker 4x4 (??/??/??)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): Baker 4x4 (4.53); Baker 4x4 Improved (4.53)

Hull Armor (mm): ??/??/??

Top Speed: 65 km/h

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



Parent: Staghound III
Children: CGC Scout, Cascaval
See Also: Baker 8x8

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Armored Car, 2002.

http://aviarmor.net/tww2/armored_cars/usa/ac_baker.htm