- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The M7 “Priest” came about when US observers realized that they needed a self propelled howitzer with the firepower to assist friendly units. after the success of the pilot vehicle, the T32, entered service as the M7 in April, 1942.
The M7 “Late” was an improvement that Recieved the same designation as the already produced M7, this modification, much like the M7B1, was built like on the Chassis of a M4 Sherman. (Thanks to @DMYEugen for pointing this out)
The M7 “Late”, came about when the the M3 Lee chassis was deemed outdated, and the chassis of the M7 swapped to that of the M4A3, resulting in greater performance and a more armored hull.
The M7B1 first rolled off the assembly line in March 1944, and production wouldn’t end until February 1945. The M7B1 saw action in the Western and Pacific Front, as well as going on to serve in the Korean War, where some would be modified into the M7B2.
The M7 was exported to a number of countries, such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Israel, Canada, Philippines, Britain, Italy, Taiwan, Norway, etc…
In 1956 the ROCA received a unspecified amount of M7 Self Propelled Howitzers. it is presumed that the M7 saw action during the Second Taiwanese Strait Crisis. The M7B1 was equipped until sometime in the 1960s, being replaced by the M52 starting in 1962.
Currently there is a M7 with a dummy cannon at Tanks Park, Armor School, Taiwan. (Sorry if misnamed)
(Any extra information is welcome, hard to find info on this equipment in ROCA service)
Other Suggestions for the M7 Family
(UK Suggestion)
(IT Suggestion)
(NO Suggestion M7B2)
(NO Suggestion M7)
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 7
Weight - 22,700 kg
Length - 6.02 m
Width - 2.87 m
Height - 2.95 m
Powerplant - Ford GAA Gasoline Engine (368 kW at 2,600 RPM)
Max Speed - 42 km/h
Transmission - Synchromesh (+5/-1)
Suspension Type - Vertical Volute Springs
Tracks - T48
Armor
Assembly - Welded
Armor Configuration - Rolled Homogeneous Steel (Superstructure) Cast Homogeneous Steel (Hull)
UFP - 13mm
LFP - 51mm-108mm
Upper Sides - 13mm
Lower Sides - 38mm
Rear - 13mm
Front Floor - 25mm
Rear Floor - 13mm
Fire Control / Armament
Main Armament Mount - M4A1
Main Armament - M2A1 105mm Howitzer
Ammunition Count - 69
Ammunition Type - M1 HE, M67 HEAT, M84 Smoke
Main Armament Traverse - 15°/15° (Left/Right) +35° /-5° (Up/Down)
Gunner Sight - M12A7D Panoramic Telescope
Secondary Armament - 12.7mm M2HB Machine Gun
Ammunition Count - 300
Secondary Armament Traverse - 360° (Left/Right) +85°/-13° (Up/Down)
Sources
