Name, characteristics, purpose.
T249 Vigilante is an American experimental anti-aircraft self-propelled gun with a caliber of 37 mm. ZSU was developed to replace the anti-aircraft gun (M1 - bofor) and the SPG M42 duster.
The installation was intended for use in naval airborne landing operations, as well as conventional land defensive and offensive operations. The main purpose of the installation: providing cover for troops from enemy jet attack aircraft. Secondary purpose: use as a means of strengthening anti-tank defense and fire support for land units.
Length — 5080 mm (200")
Width — 2743 mm (108")
Height (with folded antenna and anti-aircraft guns in stowed position) — 2083 mm (82")
Clearance — 355 mm (14")
Combat weight — 9.2 t
Flight weight when landing by parachute — 8.4 t
Specific ground pressure — 0.3726 kgf/cm² 5.3 psi Magazine type and capacity — drum, external mount for 1464 rounds
The project was also frozen in the early 60s, and 17 years later, it was resumed for improvement. Unfortunately, the anti-aircraft gun (version of 1977, was not saved), and the exhibit of 1960, at the moment, is in the open air exposition of the US Army Artillery Museum in Fort Sill near Lawton, Oklahoma.
