- Yes
- No
- 2.7
- 3.0
- 3.3
- 3.7
- I said no!
6-pdr 7-cwt S.P. Fox - The Canadian Pakwagen
Hello!
Today I would like to suggest the 6-pdr 7 cwt S.P. Fox, or Fox (6-pdr) for short - a Canadian wheeled tank destroyer armed with a 6-pdr gun.
The prototype 6-pdr armed Fox, front.
History:
In late 1942, a requirement was placed by Canadian Military Headquarters (CMHQ) for a wheeled, self-propelled 6-pdr mounting as a mobile anti-tank weapon to accompany the infantry. While still developing, the opinion of the time was that Canada’s industry was not suited for heavy engineering, but would find a better calling in wheeled motorization. This would materialize as 600,000 Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) trucks that put the Allies on wheels.
To satisfy CMHQ’s requirement, the Fox I Armoured Car was chosen to be modified by Directorate of Artillery (DArty). The Fox I was an armoured car based on the design of the British Humber, but built on the 15 cwt CMP pattern truck. CMHQ required the vehicle to be low-profile, carry 70-100 rounds, and possess a crew of five.
Army Technical Development Board (A.T.D.B.) Project No. 23’s pilot vehicle was produced, and in January 1943 it had undergone firing trials in Hamilton. While the trials were satisfactory, CMHQ was not satisfied with the vehicle as it lacked 360 degrees of traverse, had three crew, and had far too high of a profile. Not only this, but by February 1943 opinion had moved on from the 6-pdr, to the 17-pdr as the premier anti-tank gun. CMHQ, and Canadian Army Overseas (CAO) had no requirement for the system, and DArty had it sent to Borden for further trials. Ultimately, it saw no role as an armoured fighting vehicle, and was sent for scrap.
Side view of the prototype 6-pdr armed Fox.
Specifications:
Characteristics:
Combat Weight: 15000 lbs
Length: 176.25"
Width: 89.25"
Height: 99"
Powerplant: GMC 270 6 cylinder, generating 133hp at 3600rpm
Transmission: 4 forward, 1 reverse
Crew: 3 - Commander, Gunner, Driver
Armour: Protection against .303
Armaments:
Ordnance 6-pdr Mk III 57mm gun:
- Ammunition: 42 - 5 C264 Watertight Boxes with 6 rds in hull, 2 additional boxes at rear.
- Shot Mk. 5 AP
- Shot Mk. 5 HV AP
- Shot Mk. 8 APC
- Shot Mk. 9 APCBC
- Shell Mk. 10 HE
- Vertical Guidance: +15 degrees, - 5 degrees
- Horizontal Guidance: 30 degrees in each direction
Internal view of the 6-pdr armed Fox.
Do you want to see this in-game? Let me know what you think with a comment below!
Thanks,
Hydroxideblue
References:
- Lucy, R. (2006). Secret weapons of the Canadian Army. Service Publications.
- Canadian Military Headquarters. (January 11th, 1943). [Summary of A.T.D.B. Project No. 23, 6-pdr 7-cwt S.P. Fox]. Canadiana (RG 24, Canadian Military Headquarters, London, C-5792, images 3444 to 3487). Retrieved from: https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c5792/3444