- Yes
- Yes, Light System only
- Yes, Heavy System only
- No
Vehicle Suggestion: M151A1D “The Special MUTT”
Nation: United States
Type: Wheeled Ground vehicle
Time Period: Early to Mid Cold War (1961-1971)
Battle Rating: 6.0-8.0 (Any will work though)
History of the Vehicle: The M151 “MUTT” was a 1/4-ton 4x4 military utility vehicle developed by Ford Motor Company to replace the aging World War II-era “Willys” Jeep. Produced from 1959 to 1982, the MUTT offered improved capabilities over the Jeep, with a more powerful engine, independent suspension, and the ability to be air-lifted. It served as the “Jeep” of the Vietnam War era, replacing the older M38 models.
However, the MUTT’s new suspension design led to stability issues, with the vehicle prone to rollovers at high speeds or during sharp turns. This led to numerous accidents and injuries. The M151A1 and M151A2 variants were introduced to address these problems, with modifications to the rear suspension and other improvements. Despite these changes, the MUTT continued to have a reputation for poor handling and safety concerns.
Ultimately, the MUTT was gradually phased out by the U.S. military, with decommissioned vehicles having their chassis destroyed to prevent civilian use. While some MUTT variants remain in service with other militaries, the vehicle’s safety issues and the development of newer light tactical vehicles like the Humvee led to its replacement. The MUTT’s legacy lives on as an iconic vehicle of the Cold War and Vietnam eras.
Description of the Vehicle: The M151A1D is a modification of the 106mm armed M151A1C modification of the M151A1, this modification mounted either the 120mm M28 Light System or the 155mm M29 Heavy System to the back of the vehicle. This can also be paired with the M101 trailer for extra ammunition storage.
Specifications: (without any armament)
Mass: 1,100 kg (2,400 lbs)
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2.16m (85 in), Length 3.37m (132.7 in), Width 1.63m (64.3 in), Height 1.8 m (71 in) with top up, with top down 1.35 m (53 in)
Engine: 2.2 Liter (141.5 cu in) 4 cylinder with 71-72 hp at 4000 rpm, and 174 N⋅m (128 ft⋅lbf) at 1,800 rpm
Speed: 112kph (65 mph)
Crew: 3-5
Ammunition Load: 3 Projectiles (2 in reserve, 1 mounted), 2 boxes of spotting ammunition
Ammunition Load with M101 Trailer: 5 Projectiles (4 in reserve, 1 mounted), 5 boxes of spotting ammunition
M101 Trailer:
Mass: 608.36 kg (1340 lbs)
Dimensions: Length 3.73m (147 in), Width 1.86m (73.5 in), Height .88m (35 in)
Armament:
The light and heavy systems are recoilless, open-breeched, muzzle-loaded, low angle-of-fire, and smoothbore. The light is equipped with the M69 Spotting gun, while the heavy is equipped with the M77 Spotting gun
M28 Light System (M63 and M69 together)
Mass: 52.73 kg(116.25 lbs)
Elevation: 0-800 mils (0–45 degrees)
Maximum Range: 2000 meters
Optics: M107 Elbow Telescope with a 6-power magnification, adjustable focus, and 7 degree FoV
M63 Recoilless gun
Caliber: 120mm
Mass: 34.93 kg (77 lbs)
M69 Spotting gun
Caliber: 20mm
Mass: 3.175 kg (7 lbs)
Ammunition:
M101
Velocity: 161.544 m/s
Mass: ~.45 kg (~1 lb)
Projectile Mass: 189.94 grams (~6.7 ounces) D-38 Alloy
Length: 190.5 mm (7.5 in)
Single shot, breech-loaded, manually operated, vertical sliding wedge breechblock weapon. Emits puff of white smoke upon impact, 2-3 meters in diameter, 2-5 meters in height
M29 Heavy system (M64 and M77 together)
Mass: 168.7364 kg (372 lbs)
Elevation: 5-800 mils (0.3–45 degrees)
Maximum Range: 4000 meters
Optics: M107 Elbow Telescope with a 6-power magnification, adjustable focus, and 7 degree FoV
M64 Recoilless Gun
Caliber: 155mm
Mass: 143.33 kg (316 lbs)
M77 Spotting Gun
Caliber: 37mm
Mass: 14.74 kg (32.5 lbs)
Ammunition:
M415E7
Max Range: 2000 m
M446E2
Max Range: 4000 m
Both rounds produce a flash and column of smoke of sufficient intensity and duration to be visible for 4,000 meters
Both systems fired the same projectiles, with both of the listed projectiles having the same size, weight, and aerodynamic features, which are also aerodynamically matched with the spotting rounds used by both the M69 and M77.
Spoiler
SURPRISE! This suggestion is actually for the M28 & M29 Davy Crockett weapon system! (mounted on the M151A1D, which was specifically made for the Davy Crockett)
Projectile, Atomic, Supercaliber, 279mm, M388
Explosive Mass: 11.7934 kg (26 lbs)
Fuse: 1-12 meter (3-40 ft) Airburst, 1 second arming time
Yield: ~20 tons of TNT
Overpressure: 100 psi at 29 meters, 10 psi at 84 meters
Fires started at a maximum of 122 meters
Estimated total destruction radius: 22-29 meters
Estimated lighter target destruction radius: up to 84 meters
Estimated lethal radiation radius (if modeled): 350-430 meters
Mass: 34.47 kg (76 lbs)
Diameter: 279.4 mm (11 in)
Length: 762 mm (30 in)
Velocity: 161.544 m/s
Projectile, Atomic, Supercaliber, 279mm, Practice, M390
Explosive Mass: 7.407 kg (16.33 lbs) of Composition B
Fuse: XM1117 Contact
Mass: 34.47 kg (76 lbs)
Diameter: 279.4 mm (11 in)
Length: 762 mm (30 in)
Velocity: 161.544 m/s
History of the Weapon System:
During the Cold War, as the U.S. Navy and Air Force maintained America’s strategic nuclear arsenal, the Army focused on developing tactical nuclear weapons for potential use on the battlefield. Beginning in the early 1950s, the Army introduced a wide range of nuclear-armed systems, from rockets and missiles to artillery and demolition charges. Among the smallest of these was the M28/M29 Davy Crockett, a recoilless gun system operated by a three to five-man crew that entered service in the early 1960s.
The development of the Davy Crockett was driven by advances in nuclear weapons technology that allowed for significant reductions in size and weight. This enabled the Army to pursue a man-portable nuclear weapon system that could be operated by frontline infantry units, in contrast to the large, heavy bombs of the World War II era. The Army’s Ordnance Corps explored various delivery options before settling on the recoilless gun design as the simplest and lightest option.
The Davy Crockett was produced in two variants - the 120mm M28 and the 155mm M29 - both of which fired the M388 nuclear-tipped projectile and the M390 Practice/Ranging projectile. The M388 projectile carried the W54 Mod 2 warhead, the smallest nuclear weapon deployed by the U.S. military, with a yield equivalent to only 10-20 tons of TNT. The Davy Crockett system was mounted on lightweight platforms, specifically the M38A1D “Willys” Jeep, the M151A1D MUTT, and the M116 and M113 APCs, allowing it to be rapidly deployed and fired.
To operate the Davy Crockett, the crew would first fire a spotting round to determine the proper distance and angle to the target. They would then load the M388 projectile and select the desired height of detonation, either 2-3 feet from the ground, or a 40 ft airburst. Upon firing, the projectile would leave the launcher at high speed, though accuracy was always a concern due to the smoothbore design. While lethal to the enemy, the initial radiation from the detonation also posed a threat to the Davy Crockett’s own crew.
The Army began deploying the first Davy Crockett systems to Europe in 1961, equipping units defending the Fulda Gap and other potential invasion routes. Davy Crockett units were also sent to other strategic locations like Guam, Hawaii, Okinawa, and South Korea. However, only two live M388 projectiles were ever detonated - during the “Little Feller” nuclear weapons tests in 1962.
Despite this limited live-fire experience, the Davy Crockett’s service was relatively brief. By 1967, the Army began withdrawing the system from Europe, and it was fully retired from service by 1971. This was likely due to concerns that “since it was essentially a platoon weapon, command and control was a problem, and there apparently was great fear that some sergeant would start a nuclear war” and “the resources that the Army had to provide to actually keep the Davy Crockett in the field were a higher price than the net worth of the weapon at that particular time”
Today, several Davy Crockett systems can be found in military museums across the United States, serving as a reminder of the tactical nuclear weapons developed by the Army during the Cold War. While never used in combat, the Davy Crockett represents an important chapter in the history of nuclear weapons and the Army’s efforts to prepare for a potential nuclear battlefield.
Looking back, the Davy Crockett’s development and deployment also highlights the complex and often troubling dynamics of the nuclear age, as both superpowers sought technological solutions to the threat of all-out nuclear war. Its legacy continues to be a subject of debate and historical reflection.
Pictures:
Justification for Inclusion:
The M28/M29 Davy Crockett would be a compelling and historically significant addition to War Thunder’s arsenal. As a nuclear-armed recoilless gun system mounted on the agile M151A1D MUTT utility vehicle, the Davy Crockett would offer players a high-risk, high-reward gameplay experience unlike any other in the game. The ability to rapidly deploy and fire a low-yield tactical nuclear weapon would provide players with a devastating trump card against massed enemy formations. With its small nuclear warhead and limited ammunition capacity, the Davy Crockett would require skilled and judicious use to maximize its impact on the battlefield. Overall, the inclusion of this Cold War relic would bring a fresh and thought-provoking dynamic to War Thunder’s gameplay, challenging players to weigh the incredible power of the Davy Crockett against the extreme risks involved in its employment. Also it would be pretty rad to play.
Balance:
Balancing the M28/M29 Davy Crockett for effective implementation in War Thunder would require careful consideration of its significant limitations. Most critically, the vehicle would have an extremely limited ammunition capacity, restricted to just 3-5 rounds total. This scarce supply of nuclear projectiles would force players to husband their shots carefully, along with a lengthy 60-90 second reload process, leaving the vehicle vulnerable. Additionally, the Davy Crockett’s lack of weapon depression would make it difficult to engage targets on reverse slopes or in defilade, while its slow projectile velocity would hamper long-range accuracy. The warhead’s ~160 meter minimum arming distance would also introduce an additional challenge and prevent the ability to “suicide charge”. Additionally the fuse on the M338 projectile is airburst only, meaning that you would have to range find the target first, such as with an HE-TF shell. Crucially, the complete lack of armor protection for the crew would leave them extremely vulnerable to any weapons fire.
P.S. It should have the characteristic actinic or hyper bright “double-flash” of nuclear weapons, seen in the Operational Test Video below.
P.P.S. It would be more work, but having the crewmembers be in the Pentomic Army Uniform would be pretty cool
Sources:
Spoiler
TM 9-1000-209-12
TM 9-2330-202-14 (for M101 Trailer)
FM 23-20 March 1967 & December 1961
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiM-RzPHyGs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv_q8q6Z9_I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPtPDr59aDI
Davy Crockett Weapons System in Infantry and Armor Units - United States. Department of the Army - Google Boeken
Martin Pfeiffer with
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