T48 Gun Motor Carriage file photo [15762]

T48 Gun Motor Carriage

CountryUnited States
ManufacturerDiamond-T Motor Company, Chicago, Illinois, US
Primary RoleSelf-Propelled Gun

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe T48 Gun Motor Carriage was a self-propelled anti-tank gun, based on the M3 halftrack weapons carrier, built by the Diamond-T Motor Company, Chicago, Illinois, United States.

ww2dbaseDevelopment was begun by the US Ordnance Department in April 1942 as an interim measure pending the eventual development of a 57-millimeter self-propelled tank destroyer on a full-tracked carriage, though this never appeared. The T48 was armed with the 57-millimeter M1 anti-tank gun (a copy of the British 6-pounder) firing forward over the driver's head.

ww2dbaseIt was originally intended to supply the vehicle to both the British and American armies but, at a late stage, the Americans decided against taking it, preferring to wait for a heavier weapon. The British agreed to take those already built, seeing a use for them in the Western Desert, but by the time they eventually arrived, that campaign was over and heavier self-propelled anti-tank guns of 75-millimeter (and later 17-pounder) calibre were already making their appearance. Ultimately less than 1,000 were built and shipped to Great Britain, where they were almost immediately re-shipped to Russia under the Soviet Aid programme.

ww2dbaseSource:
Ian V. Hogg & John Weeks, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles (Hamlyn, 1980)

Last Major Revision: Jul 2012

SPECIFICATIONS

T48
Machinery6326cc White 160AX 6-cylinder petrol engine rated at 128bhp
Armament1x57mm M1 anti-tank gun with 99 rounds
Armor6-12mm
Crew5
Length6.40 m
Width2.15 m
Height2.13 m
Weight8.6 t
Speed72 km/h
Range320 km




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. joe says:
11 Jun 2015 06:20:13 PM

Movie "Battle of the Bulge". American initial retreat showed a full tracked, open top, forward cannon and rh MG turret vehicle. Had opn cargo/troop area & appeared to have each corner protected circle What was it?

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