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M7 Priest (Late) E9 Suspension
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest an interesting and lesser-known variant of the late-model M7 Priest for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. This version was equipped with the E9 suspension modification kit, representing the final batch of M7s produced at the end of World War II. While subtle, the E9 modification offered improved mobility in muddy or snowy terrain, an important detail that makes this version too unique not to be considered for the game.
History
The M7 HMC was standardized for production in April 1942 after successful testing of the T32 prototypes. Originally built on the M3 Lee chassis, it replaced the turret and fighting compartment with a large, open-topped superstructure. Early M7s retained many M3 Lee components, but later production, referred to as late model M7s, increasingly incorporated parts from the M4 Sherman, based on combat reports and evolving battlefield needs.
The late model M7 featured some upgrades, including:
An extended machine gun pulpit.
A heavy-duty bogie assembly with the return roller repositioned to the rear.
A one-piece differential housing (rounded at first, later sharply pointed) derived from the M4 Sherman.
Additional armor plating on the upper hull sides to protect stowed ammunition.
Hinged armor flaps on the hull’s sides and rear to improve crew protection.
In Spring 1945, the Federal Machine & Welder Company was awarded a contract to build the final production batch of M7 Priests. These units were uniquely fitted with the E9 suspension modification kit directly from the factory. The first example was delivered in March 1945, and production continued until July 1945, when the contract was canceled. In total, 176 M7s with E9 suspension were built.
The E9 suspension had originally been developed to improve the off-road performance of M4-series tanks and related vehicles, especially in snow and soft ground. It worked by widening the track footprint to 23.6875 inches, slightly more than the 23-inch tracks used on Sherman tanks with HVSS, and spacing the suspension outwards from the hull by 4.5 inches. This was achieved with spacers for the VVSS and idler assemblies, which allowed duckbill end connectors to be installed on both sides of the tracks.
A key visual indicator of an M7 Priest equipped with the E9 kit is the presence of distinctive flat fender braces installed above the extended suspension units.
The results in performance change by E9 suspension were still largely similar to the standard VVSS, except with the weight spread out over a larger area, allowing it to traverse through muddy or snowy conditions.
While the E9 suspension didn’t drastically alter mobility on hard ground, it significantly reduced ground pressure, with the weight spread out over a larger area, making the vehicle more capable in poor terrain conditions. Unfortunately, these E9-equipped Priests were too late to see combat in WWII, and they do not appear to have participated in the Korean War either. Most were scrapped or sold to American allies after the war. Notably, Italy and Austria are documented as having operated M7 Priests fitted with the E9 modification.
Specifications
M7 Priest (Late) E9 Suspension
Note: The specifications listed are copied from the base M7 Priest, as I do not have exact data for the E9-equipped version. Therefore, they may not accurately reflect this variant’s true performance.
General Characteristics
Crew: 7
Dimensions
Length: 237 in (602 cm)
Width: 113 in (287 cm)
Height: 116 in (295 cm)
Tread: 83 in (211 cm)
Fire Height: 76 in (193 cm)
Ground clearance: 17 in (43 cm)
Ground pressure: 10.4 lb/sq in (0.73 kg/sq cm)
Powertrain
Engine: Continental R975-C1 radial
Gross Horsepower: 400 hp @ 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed synchromesh (1 reverse)
Weight
Unstowed Weight: 21.85 US tons (19.8 t)
Combat Weight: 25.3 US tons (22.95 t)
Performance
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 15.8 hp/US ton (17.4 hp/t)
Maximum speed: 24 mph (39 km/h)
Armament & Armor
Main Gun
105mm Howitzer M2A1 in Mount M4
Ammo Capacity: 69 rounds
Horizontal Traverse: 45° total (15°L/30°R)
Elevation: -5° to +35°
Firing Rate: 8 rounds/minute
Ammunition Types:
M1 HE
M60 White Phosphorus
M67 HEAT
M84 Smoke
T24E1 APHE
Caliber: 105mm
Projectile Mass: 28.1 lb (12.74 kg)
Muzzle Velocity: 1,930 ft/s (588 m/s)
Explosive Type: Exp. D
Explosive Mass: 0.6744 lb (305.9 grams)
TNT Equivalent: 299.78 grams
Fuze Type: B.D. M66A1
Fuse Delay: 1.2 m
Fuse Sensitivity: 20 mm
Armor Penetration Chart & T24E1 Documents
Secondary Guns
12.7 mm M2HB machine gun on ring mount
Ammo: 300 rounds
Elevation: -30° to +75°
Armor Protection
Construction: Welded RHA
Thickness:
Front:
Upper @ 30°: 0.5" (13 mm)
Lower @ 0-56°: 2.0-4.25" (51-108 mm)
Sides:
Upper: 0.5" (13 mm)
Lower: 1.5" (38 mm)
Rear: 0.5" (13 mm)
Floor:
Front @ 90°: 1.0" (25 mm)
Rear @ 90°: 0.5" (13 mm)
Images
Late model M7 Priest without E9 suspension.
Late model M7 Priest with E9 suspension.
An M7 Priest equipped with E9 suspension towing an M8 ammunition trailer.
Italian M7 HMCs with the E9 suspension.
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Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
1 Like
Good to see at least one suggestion mod has healed from the lobotomy
3 Likes
+1 could be a good folder addition
Hopefully whoever is in charge of mine will be there soon, been waiting close to 2 months now
1 Like
+1 Hope we start seeing more WWII SPHs as a whole
Idk, mine took like 10 minutes to be thrown into oblivion after I sent it… Though never got any answer from any of the mods I messaged to know what I did wrong
2 Likes
+1! Any M7 Priest variant would be a welcome addition !
1 Like
