M37 HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE

M37 HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE
Image: M37 HMC (U.S. Army Photo)
YearSeptember 1945
Vehicle Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced150
Crew7 (Commander, Gunner, Aimer, Three Loaders & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 105mm L/22.5 M4 Howitzer
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10.5° to +42.8°
Turret Traverse25.4° Left & 26.3° Right (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight5.49m
Secondary Armament1 x .50 cal M2HB Heavy Machine Gun (AA Mount)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried126 x 105mm & 990 x .50 cal
Height2.84m
Width3.0m
Length5.49m
Combat Weight21.000 kg
Ground Clearance0.46m
Fording Depth1.07m
Trench Crossing2.74m
Obstacle Clearance0.91m
Climbing Ability31°
RadioSCR 610
ArmourUpper Hull Front: 13mm.
Lower Hull Front: 13mm.
Upper Hull Sides: 13mm.
Lower Hull Sides: 13mm.
Hull Rear: 13mm.
Hull Top: 13mm.
Hull Bottom: 13mm.
Howitzer Shield: 13mm.
Open Gun Compartment.
EngineTwin Cadillac Series 44T24 (Petrol)
Transmission8 Forward & 4 Reverse
Maximum Road Range124 miles (201 km)
Maximum Cross Country Range100 miles (161 km)
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed29 mph (48 kph)
Maximum Cross Country Speed15 mph (24 kph)
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe M37 was designed as a replacement for the M7. It was mounted on the chassis of the M24 light tank which gave it better mobility than its predecessor the M7 and mounted the improved M4 105mm howitzer. It had an open superstructure similar to the M7 and carried a .50 cal HMG in a raised gun turret. It was first issued in 1945 and came too late to see action in World War Two. Production numbers never equalled that of the M7 but it saw service in Korea War. It was finally replaced in front line service by the M52 HMC, but remained in use with the US National Guard.