M40 GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE

M40 GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE
Image: M40 GMC (IWM)
YearFebruary 1945
Vehicle Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced418 (24 Co
Crew8 (Commander, Gunner, Two Loaders, Two Ammunition Bearers, Radio Operator & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 155mm L/45 M1A1 or M2 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-5° to +45°
Turret Traverse18° Left & Right (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight7.12m
Secondary ArmamentNone
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried20 x 155mm
Height3.30m
Width3.15m
Length7.12m
Combat Weight37.000 kg
Ground Clearance0.43m
Fording Depth1.20m
Trench Crossing2.30m
Obstacle Clearance0.61m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioSCR 619
ArmourUpper Hull Front: 13mm.
Lower Hull Front: 13mm.
Upper Hull Sides: 13mm.
Lower Hull Sides: 25mm.
Hull Rear: 13mm.
Hull Top: 13mm.
Hull Bottom: 13mm.
Open Gun Compartment.
EngineContinental R975 C4 (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range116 miles (187 km)
Maximum Cross Country Range80 miles (130 km)
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed21 mph (34 kph)
Maximum Cross Country Speed20 mph (32 kph)
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe M40 was developed to provide longer range support fire and replace the M12. It was based on the M4 chassis and had a wider hull and tracks. It mounted the 155mm M2 gun in an open compartment which featured a folding platform to extend out to allow for more room. A few pilot versions managed to get to Europe before the end of World War Two, but the M40 mainly saw action in the Korean War.