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T66 GMC
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the T66 GMC for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. The T66 GMC was a product of Chevrolet’s T19E1, modified to accommodate a 75mm gun in an open-topped turret. It was developed for use in the tank destroyer role. The vehicle was tested for both the British and US Armies, demonstrating superior performance compared to the Chevrolet-designed T17E1 Staghound. However, it was never adopted by either nation, as the end of the North African campaign rendered vehicles of such size and weight unnecessary.
History
In 1942, the medium armored car T19 program was initiated by Chevrolet to develop an alternative to the Chevrolet-designed T17E1 Staghound armored car, which had proven successful under Lend-Lease. Two T19 pilot vehicles were authorized for construction: one in its original configuration was sent for evaluation to Aberdeen Proving Ground in October 1942, while the other was a modified version featuring a revised hull and turret to reduce weight, and was redesignated as the T19E1.
However, testing revealed that both vehicles were too heavy for the reconnaissance role. Still, one of their most notable features, the independently sprung wheels, was seen as a desirable innovation and was recommended for future armored car designs.
On November 5, 1942, the Ordnance Committee, in response to a request from the Tank Destroyer Command, authorized the modification of the T19E1 chassis to mount a 75mm gun. A new open-topped turret was designed to accommodate the M3 75mm gun, leading to a new designation: T66 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC). It retained the twin Cadillac engines and Hydramatic transmissions, similar to those of the M5 light tank. The T66 GMC could also operate on a single engine if necessary. The turret lacked a turret basket and gyro-stabilizer and was manually traversed. Larger 14x20 tires were fitted to enhance off-road performance.
Along with the T19E1 (before modification), the T66 GMC was tested by the British Desert Warfare Board and was judged superior to the T17E1 Staghound. However, no production orders were placed for either vehicle. The conclusion of the North African campaign reduced the demand for large, heavy armored cars, and the T66 GMC’s cross-country mobility ultimately proved inferior to that of fully tracked tank destroyers; therefore, the Tank Destroyer Command had no interest in placing an order for production T66 GMCs. These factors led to the termination of the T19E1/T66 project in March 1943.
Specifications
T66 GMC
General Characteristics
Crew: 5
Dimensions:
Length: 234 in (5.94 m)
Width: 120 in (3.05 m)
Height: 89.2 in (2.27 m)
Fire Height: 79 in (2.01 m)
Tread: 102 in (2.59 m)
Wheelbase:
Front to intermediate axle: 63 in (1.60 m)
Front to rear axle: 126 in (3.20 m)
Ground clearance: 16 in (40.6 cm)
Powertrain:
Engines: 2 x Cadillac Series 42 V8
Net Power: 220 hp @ 3,400 rpm
Gross Power: 296 hp @ 3,200 rpm
Transmission: Dual Hydramatic (4+4 forward, 1 reverse)
Weight:
Unstowed Weight: 14 US tons (12.7 t)
Combat Weight: 15.75 US tons (14.3 t)
Performance:
Power-to-Weight Ratio:
Net: 14.0 hp/US ton (15.4 hp/t)
Gross: 18.8 hp/US ton (20.7 hp/t)
Maximum speed: 60 mph (97 km/h)
Armament & Armor
Main Armament:
75mm Gun M3
Ammo capacity: 63 rounds
Ammunition types:
M72 AP
M61 APCBC
M48 HE
M89 Smoke
Elevation: -10° to +45°
Rate of fire: 20 rpm
Vision equipment:
Periscope M4 with Telescope M40
Telescope M51
Armor Protection:
Hull:
Front: 0.50 in (12.7 mm) @ 45-75°
Sides: 0.375 in (9.5 mm) @ 15°
Rear: 0.375 in (9.5 mm) @ 0-60°
Top: 0.25 in (6.4 mm) @ 83-90°
Floor: 0.25 in (6.4 mm)
Turret:
Gun Shield: 1.0 in (25.4 mm) @ 0-45°
Front: 0.50 in (12.7 mm) @ 22°
Sides: 0.375 in (9.5 mm) @ 22°
Rear: 0.375 in (9.5 mm) @ 22°
Top: Open (no armor)
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T19E1 Armored Car
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the T19E1 Armored Car for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. With a power plant similar to that of the M5 light tank, the T19E1 was envisioned as a medium armored car developed as an alternative to the T17E1 Staghound. Although the chassis design showed promise and proved superior to the T17E1, it was never adopted by either the British or US Army, as the end of the North African campaign rendered vehicles of …
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Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
6 Likes
More American armored cars please! +1
2 Likes
I hope to see this added as soon as possible!
1 Like
To note is that they appear to have tested two different turrets based on the pictures. One without a basket and one with a basket very similar to that of the T28 (M38) armoured car.
The first turret design was borrowed when creating the T67 GMC in late 19421 , and thus it seems likely that the turret with basket appeared later. Especially since development of the T28 only started in early 1943. A similar evolution can also be seen in the transition from T67 GMC to T70 GMC (M18 GMC) where they added a basket.
1 Tank Archives: Halfway to the Hellcat
2 Likes
Its a crying shame none of these fun armored cars had a gyro stabilizer
1 Like
