During the Second World War, the US tank forces were divided on how best to tackle the problem of dealing with enemy tanks. Many thought that a purpose-built tank destroyer was the way forward. Others felt that tanks were, in fact, the best way to deal with other tanks. After many stop-gap designs came and went, the Tank Destroyer Command decided on the T70 prototype, built using a whole new. open-turreted hull design, coupled with a modified version of the M24 Chaffee light tank suspension. The resulting design was the fastest tracked vehicle fielded during the war, by any nation. However, the quick road speed of almost 60 mph was often negated by the rough terrain in which it was forced to operate. From a tactical viewpoint, the M18 'Hellcat' was a failure, since by the time it came into widespread service in mid-1944, its 76 mm gun was no better than the 76 mm gun appearing on the latest versions of the Sherman tank, and the Sherman was better protected, with heavier armour.
No comments:
Post a Comment