Early US SPG

Discussions on all aspects of the United States of America during the Inter-War era and Second World War. Hosted by Carl Schwamberger.
Post Reply
OldBill
Member
Posts: 358
Joined: 04 Mar 2012, 10:19

Early US SPG

#1

Post by OldBill » 05 May 2018, 03:08

I found this photo online, and have since lost the link. I would really like to find more info on the vehicle in the background, which appears to be a US M2 but with a built up, open topped superstructure and a 37 or 47mm Anti Tank gun emplaced in it.
image067.jpg
image067.jpg (72.07 KiB) Viewed 12145 times

User avatar
Takao
Member
Posts: 3776
Joined: 10 Mar 2002, 20:27
Location: Reading, Pa

Re: Early US SPG

#2

Post by Takao » 06 May 2018, 02:22

It is an M2A1 chassis fitted with a semi-automatic 1.85-inch gun mounted in an open-topped turret. The tank was to function as a tank support gun and it's primary purpose was to engage and destroy AT guns - The idea being that they would be easier to spot with the better visibility from the open turret, and engaging enemy tanks was a second priority. However, the semiauto gun tended to jam often and it's penetration capability was less than expected. It was tested during the summer of 1937 and quickly dropped.
Image


OldBill
Member
Posts: 358
Joined: 04 Mar 2012, 10:19

Re: Early US SPG

#3

Post by OldBill » 06 May 2018, 05:31

Thanks Takao!

Carl Schwamberger
Host - Allied sections
Posts: 10056
Joined: 02 Sep 2006, 21:31
Location: USA

Re: Early US SPG

#4

Post by Carl Schwamberger » 08 May 2018, 14:59

US Army tested several support weapons like this in the 1920s & 30s.

Post Reply

Return to “USA 1919-1945”