T48 GMC

Original T48 GMC pilot, mounting the short QF 6-pdr Mk. III.

The successful employment of the M3 GMC led to the adaption of the M3 half-track as a self-propelled mount for other heavy weapons. On 15 April 1942, the development of the 57 mm GMC T48 was approved.

Intended primarily for Great Britain under the Lend-Lease program, the T48 was initially armed with the British 6-pdr antitank gun: specifically the Mark III and Mark V variants. But the Mark V, manufactured in the United States, was designated as the 57 mm Gun M1. The gun had a total traverse of 55 degrees and an elevation range from -5 to +15. The short barreled Mark III was installed in the original pilot, but the longer M1 (Mark V) was specified for production.

Although originally intended for Britain, only 30 T48s would be delivered. 650 of the vehicles would actually end up in and used by the Soviet Union, where they were known as the SU-57.

Unlike the two vehicles before it, in World Of Tanks the T48 GMC actually should have demonstrably decent, if not excellent, gun handling. It needs it, because the armor and speed for the vehicle remains unchanged from its Tier II and III counterparts. The guns it carries now should be able to put up a good fight against higher tiered opponents, favoring penetration and accuracy over the raw damage of its predecessors.

Guns: QF 6-pdr Mk. III; 57 mm Gun M1

Engines: White 160AX (147 hp); IHC RED 450 (160 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T48 GMC Pilot (8.62); T48 GMC Production (8.62)

Hull Armor (mm): 16/6/6

Top Speed: 72 km/h

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




Parents: M3 GMC
Children: T30 HMC

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Half-Track, 2015.