The T18 design was criticized for its vertical armor, which provided poor ballistic protection. The design was modified so the side armor was sloped at 30 degrees. The 75 mm Howitzer M1A1 was located on the vertical center line, giving it a traverse of 15 degrees to each side and an elevation range of +20 to -10 degrees. A gun shield was also added to the howitzer itself to provide improved protection to the crew. A wooden mock-up was built in April 1942. This vehicle was designated as the T41 howitzer motor carriage and a single pilot was authorized for construction.
However, the T41 was soon modified by shifting the howitzer to the right of the vertical center line. The external shield was eliminated, replaced by additional armor on the interior of the vehicle. But the design of the howitzer prevented complete shielding of the weapon. It was directed that the T41 use the M3 light chassis, as it was expected to be more readily available than the newer M5 light chassis. But before the single pilot could be built, the mock-up of the newer T47 howitzer motor carriage was up for review. It was considered to be superior to the T41 in every respect, and as a result the T41 project was cancelled.
The T41 HMC is essentially a T18 HMC with sloped armor. It could be see some minor gun handling improvements over the T18, but otherwise its characteristics should be expected to be the same. However, because of the heavily sloped front plate and the outstanding gun depression, it might be possible for this tank to be played more aggressively and forward than most other SPGs.
Guns: 75 mm Howitzer M1A1
Engines: Guiberson T-1020-4 (245 hp); Continental W-670-9A (262 hp)
Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T41 HMC (??); T41 HMC Modified (??)
Hull Armor (mm): 51/32/25
Top Speed: 48 km/h
Crew: 3 (Driver; Gunner/Commander/Radio; Loader)
Children: T47 HMC
Sources:
Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992.
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