M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage
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Added by Fargo84The M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage or "Scott" was an SPG that was used by the United States during WWII. It was based on the M5 Stuart Tank and had a crew of four.
The M8 also had two Cadillac Series 42 Engine that were capable of propelling it at speeds of up to 56 km/h. The armament of the M8 consisted of a single 75mm M2 Howitzer and a .50 Browning M2 Machine Gun mounted on top of the turret.
The turret of the M8 was open-topped and was very vulnerable to grenades and rifle fire. Armor thickness varied from 44mm thick in the front to 25mm in the rear.[1]
The type of transmission used on the M8 was six speed forward, 1 speed backwards system and the suspension system was a vertical volute type. The M8 also had a maximum range of 209.2 kilometers.[2] The total weight of the Scott was aproximately 15,600 kg and the total length was 4.3 meters. The Scott could also carry up to forty-six rounds of ammunition for its howitzer main gun and 400 rounds for its MG.
Due to this low ammunition capacity, the Scott often towed or had an ammunition trailer nearby. That is why the M8 was fitted with a trailer hook towards the rear.
Variants
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The M8 Scott only had one variant and it was the M8A1. The M8A1 was very much the same as the original M8 only that it was based on the M5A1 Stuart's chassis not the regular M5.
Added by Fargo84HistoryEdit
The M8 was first developed in 1942 and the first successful prototype was known as the T47 Howitzer Motor Carriage. After being tested, production began soon after in late 1942. Production of the M8 Scott continued into 1944 when production was finally cancelled.
The M8 was originally designed to serve in an infantry support role and after the M7 Priest saw mass production, the M8's use began to decline until it was used only in minor roles such as reconnaissance. The M8 first saw service in Italy in 1943 and saw widespread use in Europe soon after. It even saw service in the Pacific Theater. In total, about 1,700 models were produced throughout the war.
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ http://www.wwiivehicles.com/usa/self-propelled-guns/m8.asp
- ↑ http://www.battletanks.com/m8_sp_howitzer.htm
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