T48 Gun Motor Carriage file photo [15762]

T48 Gun Motor Carriage

CountryUnited States
ManufacturerDiamond-T Motor Company, Chicago, Illinois, US
Primary RoleSelf-Propelled Gun

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe T48 Gun Motor Carriage was a self-propelled anti-tank gun, based on the M3 halftrack weapons carrier, built by the Diamond-T Motor Company, Chicago, Illinois, United States.

ww2dbaseDevelopment was begun by the US Ordnance Department in April 1942 as an interim measure pending the eventual development of a 57-millimeter self-propelled tank destroyer on a full-tracked carriage, though this never appeared. The T48 was armed with the 57-millimeter M1 anti-tank gun (a copy of the British 6-pounder) firing forward over the driver's head.

ww2dbaseIt was originally intended to supply the vehicle to both the British and American armies but, at a late stage, the Americans decided against taking it, preferring to wait for a heavier weapon. The British agreed to take those already built, seeing a use for them in the Western Desert, but by the time they eventually arrived, that campaign was over and heavier self-propelled anti-tank guns of 75-millimeter (and later 17-pounder) calibre were already making their appearance. Ultimately less than 1,000 were built and shipped to Great Britain, where they were almost immediately re-shipped to Russia under the Soviet Aid programme.

ww2dbaseSource:
Ian V. Hogg & John Weeks, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles (Hamlyn, 1980)

Last Major Revision: Jul 2012

SPECIFICATIONS

T48
Machinery6326cc White 160AX 6-cylinder petrol engine rated at 128bhp
Armament1x57mm M1 anti-tank gun with 99 rounds
Armor6-12mm
Crew5
Length6.40 m
Width2.15 m
Height2.13 m
Weight8.6 t
Speed72 km/h
Range320 km




Did you enjoy this article or find this article helpful? If so, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you.

Share this article with your friends:

 Facebook
 Reddit
 Twitter

Stay updated with WW2DB:

 RSS Feeds




Visitor Submitted Comments

1. joe says:
11 Jun 2015 06:20:13 PM

Movie "Battle of the Bulge". American initial retreat showed a full tracked, open top, forward cannon and rh MG turret vehicle. Had opn cargo/troop area & appeared to have each corner protected circle What was it?

All visitor submitted comments are opinions of those making the submissions and do not reflect views of WW2DB.

Posting Your Comments on this Topic

Your Name
Your Email
 Your email will not be published
Comment Type
Your Comments
 

Notes:

1. We hope that visitor conversations at WW2DB will be constructive and thought-provoking. Please refrain from using strong language. HTML tags are not allowed. Your IP address will be tracked even if you remain anonymous. WW2DB site administrators reserve the right to moderate, censor, and/or remove any comment. All comment submissions will become the property of WW2DB.

2. For inquiries about military records for members of the World War II armed forces, please see our FAQ.
Search WW2DB
News

Random Photograph

USS Sunfish in US Territory of Hawaii, circa late 1942


Current Site Statistics

Famous WW2 Quote
"I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil."

General Douglas MacArthur at Leyte, 17 Oct 1944


Support Us

Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month will go a long way. Thank you!

Or, please support us by purchasing some WW2DB merchandise at TeeSpring, Thank you!