M41 HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE (Gorilla)

M41 HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE (Gorilla)
Image: M41 HMC (U.S. Signal Corps)
YearJune 1945
Vehicle Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced85
Crew5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Radio Operator & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 155mm L/20 M1 Howitzer
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-5° to +45°
Turret Traverse37° Left & Right (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight5.84m
Secondary ArmamentNone
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried22 x 155mm
Height2.40m
Width2.84m
Length5.84m
Combat Weight19.300 kg
Ground Clearance0.43m
Fording Depth1.70m
Trench Crossing2.74m
Obstacle Clearance1.0m
Climbing Ability31°
RadioSCR 619
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.
Gun Shield: 6.9mm.
Open Gun Compartment.
EngineTwin Cadillac Series 44T24 (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range174 miles (281 km)
Maximum Cross Country Range100 miles (161 km)
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed35 mph (56 kph)
Maximum Cross Country Speed25 mph (40 kph)
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe M41 was built along the same lines of the M19 GMC and M37 HMC, and utilised the light M24 tank chassis. The idea was to use the same chassis on three different vehicles thus creating a light combat team with combined weapons. The M41 mounted the 155mm M1 Howitzer in an open compartment. It came too late for World War Two but saw action in Korean War.