| Allied TDs |
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This article will focus on the tank destroyer vehicles used by American Forces during WWII. Modified versions of of these units were used by the other Allied countries as well. The design of the vehicles was based on the U.S. Tank Destroyer Doctrine and the understanding we had of the German tank tactics of the time. German tank forces were thought to attack swiftly and in large numbers, therefore, the TD design was thought to need to be highly mobile and fast. Due to the need for a quick solution, the M3, GMC was created, marrying the already proven M3 Half-Track with the 75mm gun. The M10, GMC, which was based on the M4 Sherman chassis, was another hurried attempt to create a unit with the needed armament and speed to meet the challenge. Only with the design of the M18, GMC was intent of the doctrine fulfilled. The M18's top road speed of 45mph and its 76mm armament was it thought satisfy the need but it would be the creation of the M36, GMC and its 90mm gun that provided the ability to meet the German tank threat, head-on. The following images are meant to provide a basic idea of the design of a particular vehicle. As you can see from the images, not all personnel within a TD unit served inside what most would recognize as a tank destroyer. Reconnaissance vehicles, trucks, jeeps and even motorcycles were part of the normal compliment of motorized vehicles used within a battalion. Although not covered in the comparison chart, The Towed Battalions utilized the 3" Gun towed behind the M3 Half-Track. The characteristics of the 3" gun can be seen in the specifications of the M10, GMC. The Photo Galleries following each of the example images, provide additional views and configurations of the base unit.
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| Last Updated on Saturday, 10 November 2012 14:04 |
