T67 GMC

T49 gun motor carriage. Note the coaxil and hull-integrated machine guns.

Compared to the T42, the T49 had an additional roadwheel which increased the length and height of the vehicle. The armor was functionally identical and the number of crew was increased to five. Two Buick Series 60 engines could propel the tank at 330 hp at a desired speed of 55 mph. However, testing showed the maximum achievable speed was only 38 mph. Nonetheless, the new suspension gave the T49 excellent ride characteristics.

Meanwhile, Tank Destroyer Command concluded the 75 mm Gun M3 was superior to the 57 mm Gun M1. In response to this, on 10 October 1942, it was recommended the second pilot mount the 75 mm gun in an open-top turret. This second pilot was designated as the T67. The hull was also redesigned to eliminate the bow machine gun found on the T49. Tests at Aberdeen concluded the engine was inadequate and sought something with higher horsepower. Specifically, the Continental R-975-C1.

Again, in the meantime, Tank Destroyer Command concluded the 76 mm Gun M1 to be superior to the 75 mm Gun M3. Again in response, the 75 mm gun was removed from the T67 and exchanged with the 76 mm cannon. This new vehicle was designated as the T70 and six pilots were commissioned in early January, 1943.

The T67 mounting the 76 mm Gun M1. Note the eliminated machine guns.

As it is already, the T67 we have in-game is a combination of both the T49 and T67. However, in its top configuration, what we have is an overpowered mess. In order to better balance this vehicle, and make it behave a little more like it actually did, I think it will be necessary to remove the 76 mm gun from the tank. In return, its traverse speeds, gun handling, and overall maneuverability would see considerable improvement. But we can't just gimp the tank completely, so I think giving it the 75 mm Gun M6 as a new top option would be okay.

Now, the T67 can be best compared to the M24 Chaffee. This makes sense because for the longest time, it was undecided if this line of tanks (from the T42 to the M18) would be light tanks or tank destroyers. The T67 is considerably more agile and has better gun handling, with comparable armament, but it has worse armor and lacks the camo-on-the-move bonus of light tanks. I think this would make the tank better balanced.

To those who fret over the loss of the 76 mm gun, don't worry! The old T67 can be found at Tier VI, along with all the mobility and handling improvements of the new T67 GMC I'm proposing.

Guns: 57 mm Gun M1; 75 mm Gun M3; 75 mm Gun M6

Engines: Twin Buick, Series 60 (330 hp); Continental R-975-C1 (350 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): T49 (??/??/??); T67 (??/??/??)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T49 (??); T67 (??)

Hull Armor (mm): 22/10/10

Top Speed: 61 km/h

Crew: 5 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander; Radio)




Parent: T42 GMC
Children: M18 Hellcat
See Also: T67(76M1)

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992.