Willys M38 Jeep w/ M20 75-mm Recoilless Rifle

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Willys M38 Jeep w/ M20 75-mm Recoilless Rifle

   Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the Willys M38 Jeep equipped with the M20 75-mm Recoilless Rifle as a potential addition to the US ground vehicles tech tree in War Thunder.

History

Background

The Willys M38, officially designated as the ¼-Ton 4x4 Utility Truck M38 or G-740, was developed and introduced by Willys-Overland in 1949 as the successor to the iconic WWII-era Willys MB. Between 1949 and 1952, approximately 50,000 units of the M38 were produced, far fewer than the over 600,000 Willys MBs manufactured during World War II.

Although the M38 retained similarities to the Willys MB, it was primarily derived from the civilian Jeep CJ-3A. However, the military version incorporated several changes to enhance its field performance. These upgrades included a reinforced frame and suspension, a revised windshield design, a waterproof 24-volt electrical system, blackout lighting, and a sealed ventilation system for the engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel system, and brakes. One noticeable external difference was the relocation of the fuel cap to the left side panel of the vehicle body rather than beneath the driver’s seat as in the MB.

Enter Willys Jeep w/ M20 75-mm Recoilless Rifle

The M38 entered service in 1950 and saw use during the Korean War. Despite its introduction, the M38 was not the predominant jeep in the conflict, as most jeeps in Korea were refurbished Willys MBs left over from World War II. M38 production peaked after 1954, allowing it to gradually replace the aging MBs, which had begun to show their age. By July 1952, Willys had produced more than 45,000 M38s for the US Army, representing an endeavor to modernize the military’s fleet of utility vehicles.

Some M38 jeeps were modified to serve as mobile anti-tank platforms by mounting an M20 75-mm recoilless rifle. The M20, first used in the final stages of World War II and extensively in the Korean War, could fire HEAT warheads to provide infantry support. While it could penetrate up to 100 mm of armor, it proved largely ineffective against the T-34-85 tanks commonly encountered during the conflict. However, the M20-equipped M38 still played a valuable role in engaging lighter vehicles, soft targets, and fortified positions such as pillboxes and bunkers.

The Willys M38 was eventually phased out and succeeded by the M38A1 starting in 1952. The M38A1 introduced a new design, including rounded fenders and a redesigned hood to accommodate a more powerful engine. In addition, it was equipped with the much-improved M40 106-mm recoilless rifle, which featured better penetration capabilities and a spotting rifle for accurate targeting. This version with the M40 became standardized as the M38A1C, which would be the primary jeep-mounted anti-tank platform for the US forces moving forward.

Specifications

Willys M38 Jeep w/ M20 75-mm Recoilless Rifle

General Characteristics (Clean)

  • Crew: 3 as minimum
  • Dimensions:
    • Wheelbase: 80 in (2.03 m)
    • Length: 133 in (3.38 m)
    • Width: 62 in (1.57 m)
    • Height: 68 in (1.77 m)
    • Tire Size: 7.00 x 16
    • Ground clearance: 9.25 in (23.495 cm)
  • Weight:
    • Empty Weight: 2,750 lb (1,250 kg)
    • Gross (Off-Highway) Weight: 3,550 lb (1,610 kg)
  • Powertrain:
    • Engine Type: Inline-4 Willys MC gasoline engine
    • Transmission Type: 3-speed x 2-range transfer case
  • Performance:
    • Horsepower:
      • 60 hp (45 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
      • 40 hp (29 kW) @ 2,000 rpm
    • Maximum speeds:
      • 3rd Gear: 60 mph (97 km/h)
      • 2nd Gear: 40 mph (64 km/h)
      • 1st Gear: 21 mph (34 km/h)
      • Reverse Gear: 16 mph (26 km/h)

Armament & Armor

  • Main Gun:
    • 1 x M20 Recoilless Rifle
      • Caliber: 3 in (75 mm)
      • Ammo Type: 75 x 408mm R HEAT warhead
        • Maximum Firing Range: 3.9 miles (6.3 km)
        • Velocity: 1,000 ft/s (300 m/s)
        • Armor Penetration: Up to 100 mm of armor
        • Additional Ammo Type: HE and Smoke
  • Armor:
    • No armor or any additional armor plates were fitted.
Images

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Below, two images are identified as Willys MB with a 75-mm recoilless rifle. However, it’s rare to find additional images of Willys M38 with the 75-mm recoilless rifle. Only one image was known and used on top of this suggestion post.

See Also

Willys MB Armored (2 x M1A1 Bazookas)

Willys M38A1C (M40 106mm RFC)

Ford Mutt M151A1C (M40 106mm RFC)

Ford Mutt M825 (M40 106mm RFC)

Sources

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃

1 Like
2

I like this one because it uses the less-common 75mm M20. The 106mm M40 is great, but it shows up everywhere, so this one presents an interesting diversion. +1

3 Likes
3

image
Willys jeep, jianchuan museum in chengdu
+1

1 Like
4

Indeed, and at least there are a few armored vehicles that equip it as well, such as this M32B1 from the Korean War
m32b1m20koreaimg1

4 Likes
5

Oh cool!

1 Like
6

It would be almost like the M56. You could ask for this one, for the British lineup.

The only issue I can see is how Gaijin generally models wheeled vehicles, with low torque, and bad traction.

3 Likes
7

New obsession acquired.

1 Like
8

I’m going to say no just because I think there are a couple better options- stuff like the M6 GMC
17313660203383447341675483265990
or M29A1C
17353587750465783125995573953205

1 Like
9

I’m disappointed that this isn’t already in Warthunder.

1 Like
10

If I may ask, what is the tripod-mounted weapon at the center of the M29?

1 Like
11

Not entirely sure, looks like potentially an M1918 BAR to me

1 Like
12

Maybe, the barrel does look a bit on the thicker side for it to be a BAR though.

13

Actually, the tripod-mounted weapon at the center of the M29 is the T32 37-mm gun, a lightweight and stripped-down version of the M3 37-mm anti-tank gun for use in jungle warfare. If I remember correctly, the T32 was never issued with armor-piercing rounds. It was only armed with HE rounds, and that’s it.

Here’s footage of test-firing from the Weasel with that same configuration:

3 Likes
14

I’ve submitted a suggestion for the M6 GMC, actually, and it’s pending for the time being. Also, my suggestion for the M29 is in the works.

While I respect your opinion, I think it’s no harm to have all of these options added together with the jeeps with recoilless rifles, too. I’d like to see this 75-mm recoilless gun on a fast-mobile vehicle in the game someday.

4 Likes