M7 "Late" Self Propelled Howitzer

Suggestions Ground
1
Would you like to see the CN M7B1 in game?
  • Yes
  • No
0 voters

image

M7 “Late” Self Propelled Howitzer

ROCA

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The M7 “Late”, came about when the the M3 Lee chassis was deemed outdated, and the chassis of the M7 swapped to that of the M4A3, resulting in greater performance and a more armored hull.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)

image

Sources

Spoiler

U.S. artillery second-line bay artillery line_Sina game_Mobile Sina.com

105mm HMC M7 (50megs.com)

M101 howitzer - Wikipedia

M7 Priest - Wikipedia

4 Likes
2

+1, however, the vehicle seen the the pictures is not a B1 variant. It is a late production standard M7 version based on the M4 chassis. Unlike the B1, the late production variant of the M7 did not receive a new designation despite being built on a different chassis. Is it possible that the ROCA received the B1 variant? Sure, but I cannot find any photographic evidence suggesting such.

As proof, here is what the rear of that ROCA M7 looks like:

It is flat and has a noticeable indent, which leads to two doors. This is a definitive indicator of an M4 hull and thus a late production M7 Priest.

Here is what the rear of an M7B1 looks like:

It is angled and has a very prominent grate over the exhaust. The hull also extends all the way back to over the rear idler. This is the case for all B1s without fail.

3

I would love to see this, as long as US receives it’s own variant and the UK the Sexton Variant as well.

4

Thank you, currently i do not have time on my hands to edit the post though.

1 Like
5

Suggestion Edited - incorrect designation

Spoiler

Modification to suggestion have been made.

M7B1 → M7 “Late”

Thanks @DMYEugen.

1 Like