Would you like to see this in-game?
M8 Greyhound (Early Production)
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the early production version of the M8 Greyhound as a potential researchable vehicle for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. Currently, the game includes the M8 LAC, a late-production version that was only available through a past event. While it can still be purchased via the Gaijin Market, I believe that adding the early production M8, distinctly different in features, would warrant a worthy addition to the regular tech tree.
This early version was equipped with a M49 ring mount for the .50 caliber machine gun and had mine racks on each side capable of carrying up to six M1A1 anti-tank mines in total. In contrast, the M8 LAC in-game has a folding mount and lacks these mine racks. These differences, though subtle, are historically significant and warrant the inclusion of the early production variant as a unique and researchable vehicle.
History
In July 1941, the US Army Ordnance Department initiated the development of a new fast tank destroyer to replace the aging M6 Fargo. Requirements called for a 6x6 armored vehicle with improved off-road capability and a turret-mounted 37 mm gun. Three companies, Studebaker (T21), Ford (T22), and Chrysler (T23), submitted competing designs that were similar in concept and layout.
Testing continued until March 1942. In April, Ford’s modified T22E2 was selected for production, and it was officially standardized on May 19, 1942, as the M8 Light Armored Car. While the 37 mm gun was already considered insufficient against German tanks by then, the vehicle was accepted in large numbers to serve in the reconnaissance role. Ford produced approximately 8,500 to 8,600 units from March 1943 to June 1945.
The early production M8s included mine racks for added versatility and were retrofitted with the M49 ring mount for anti-aircraft defense. These vehicles began reaching combat theaters by September 1943, first appearing in Italy after the Allied landings at Salerno. While the rough Italian terrain limited their reconnaissance role, the M8s gained more relevance during the Normandy landings and Operation Cobra, excelling in probing enemy lines, attacking soft targets, and harassing retreating forces.
In mid-1945, the lightweight folding machine gun mount was introduced, replacing the M49C ring mount. These late-production M8s also saw their mine racks replaced by external stowage bins and are represented in the game as the M8 LAC. They also included some more minor modifications requested by the Tank Destroyer Board to improve reliability.
The M8 Greyhound went on to serve not only in Europe and the Pacific during WWII but also in later conflicts such as the Korean and Indochina Wars. Its wide distribution to US allies ensured its presence in numerous post-war conflicts.
Specifications
M8 Greyhound (Early Production)
General Characteristics
Crew: 4 (commander/loader, gunner, driver, assistant driver)
Dimensions:
Length: 197 in (5.00 m)
Width: 100 in (2.50 m)
Height: 88.5 in (2.25 m)
Fire height: 68.5 in (1.74 m)
Tread: 76 in (1.90 m)
Wheelbase:
Front to intermediate axle: 128 in (3.25 m)
Front to rear axle: 80 in (2.00 m)
Ground clearance: 11.5 in (29.2 cm)
Powertrain:
Engine: Hercules JXD inline-6
Power: 110 hp @ 3,200 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed synchronized (1 reverse)
Weight:
Empty: 7.25 US tons (6.6 t)
Loaded: 8.7 US tons (7.9 t)
Performance:
Power-to-weight: 12.6 hp/US ton (13.9 hp/t)
Max speed: 55 mph (89 km/h)
Armament & Armor
Main Armament
37mm Gun M6 (Mount M23A1)
Ammo capacity: 80 rounds
Elevation: -10° to +20°
Rate of fire: 30 rpm
Ammunition types:
M74B1 AP
M51B1 APCBC
M63 HE
Armor Penetration Chart
Secondary Armament
12.7mm M2HB MG (M49C ring mount)
7.62mm M1919A4 MG (coaxial)
Ammo: 1,500 rounds
Elevation matches main gun (-10° to +20°)
M1A1 Anti-tank Mines
Armor Protection
Hull:
Front: 19 mm
Sides: 9 mm
Rear: 5 mm
Turret:
Front: 19 mm
Sides: 19 mm
Images
Comparison of the early (top row) and late (bottom row) models of the M8.
Mine racks for M1A1 antitank mines.
Sources
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
4 Likes
is it faster than regular ??
1 Like
exactly what i was thinking lol
i like speedy trucks where’s my quad 50cal deuce and half Vietnam version
1 Like
More cooler than the production version. If it doesn’t give you armor don’t use it.
does the 50cal have 360 degree rotation?
Yes. It can go 360 degrees.
