M3 Half-track
History, technical sheet and photo
M3 Half-track history
In 1931, the American Army wanted to equip itself with a semi-tracked troop transport vehicle, as in the French Army. Inspired by various models, and in particular the French Ke17resse P17, the Americans are developing their own half-track vehicle.
In 1940, when nearly 70 different models were proposed to US land forces, the decision was made on the M3 model, which began to be produced the same year. Widely used during the Battle of Normandy, they are particularly well suited to the Normandy bocage, especially during the heavy periods of rain which transform the fields into vast expanses of mud.
Although these vehicles were used until the end of the Second World War, production of the M3 Half-track stopped in 1944.
Different versions of the M3 Half-track were also produced between 1940 and 1944, including a model (named ACP) armed with a 75 mm anti-tank gun.
M3 Half-track specification
Creator/User: United States of America
Denomination: Carrier, Personnel Half-track M3
Length: 6,17 m
Width: 2,22 m
Height: 2,26 m
Weight: 5,610 kg
Maximum speed: 72 km/h
Operational range: 312 km
Armament: one 12,7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Crew: 3
Transport capacity: 10 equipped soldiers
Engine: White 160AX 147 hp (110 kW) at 3,000 rpm
Front armor : 13 mm
Rear armor: 7 mm
