WesWorld

With the recent snafu around tanks, I have decided to post the specifications on the two tanks going into production here. First is the M24 Chaffee



M24 Light Tank Chaffee

18 ton tank armed with a 3in/L40 gun. Designed to replace the older M3/M5 series, they are employed in US Armoured Divisions alongside the M25 medium. Developed by the Ordnance Corps and Cadillac, every effort was made to keep the weight under 20 tons, even to go as far as to develop an new lightweight 3in.

Specifications M24 Chaffee

Dimensions:
- Length: 18 ft.
- Width: 9 ft 4in
- Height: 8 ft 1in

Weight: 18 tons

Armament:
- 1 3in M6/L40
- 1 0.50 cal M2HB, 2 0.30-06 cal M1919A4

Speed: 36mph (road) 20-30mph (cross-country)

Engine: 2 x Cadillac Twin 44T24 V-8 110hp each total 220hp

Power/Weight Ratio: 10.86/ton

Transmission: Automatic

Suspension: Torsion Bar

Protection:
- Hull Front: 1in
- Hull Sides: 0.75in-1in
- Hull Rear: 0.75in
- Turret: 1.5in

Crew: 5

Constructors: Cadillac Motor Car Division (General Motors)

M25 Medium Tank Longstreet

33 ton tank, armed with a 3in/L57 M1A1 gun. Designed to replace the interim M4 Sherman in the US Armored Divisions, it was initially designed to be armed with the 3.5in/L53 but time constraints decreed that the M25 would use the improved 3in developed for the M4. The Ordnance Department feels these and the improved M26 series will be the main battle tanks of the US Army for the next 6 years.

Specifications M25 Longstreet

Dimensions:
- Length: 22 ft 11in
- Width: 10 ft 4in
- Height: 9 ft 1in

Weight: 33 tons

Armament:
- 1 3in M1A1/L57- 1 0.50 cal M2HB, 2 0.30-06 cal M1919A4

Speed: 30mph (road) 18-20mph (cross-country)

Engine:Ford GAF V-8 500hp

Power/Weight Ratio: 15.15/ton

Transmission: Automatic

Suspension: Torsion Bar

Protection:
- Hull Front: 3.5in
- Hull Sides: 2in
- Hull Rear: 1.5in
- Turret: 3.5in

Crew: 5

Constructors: Ford Motor Company

Note: I realize the picture is a T23, but the T25 came with a 3.5in, and I didn't want that yet. So the M25 is kind of a cross between the T23 and the T25.

No complaints here.

The M24 might be a nice little export earner over time too. I can see the Philippines buying some of those, for example.

I like the M25 (regardless of the picture issue). Anything that's different from a Sherman is good. Also the name sounds right too.

Well, I think the Filipino's went with the Bruyere, which is comparable to the M24 (its actually better but I digress). Still, the Americans won't block them purchasing Chaffee's.

This is essentially 2/3rds of the US tank force up until 1949, the last 1/3rd being the M26 which will be named something besides Pershing in WW. There will be heavy tank projects, and perhaps even a small number built but that will be more for infantry support for War Plan Tan. From what I have heard the Iberian defenses in Central America are....formidable.

True, the Chaffee and Bruyere are potential exports rivals. The Bruyere has an edge (it should its a 1950s design for a start) but has a more complicated turret.

Will we see the range of M24 chassis self-propelled guns and AA guns etc. that were planned OTL but never entered service because of the end of WW2?

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
The Bruyere has an edge (it should its a 1950s design for a start)...

*Sigh.* The Bruyere was designed as a cross between the M-18 Hellcat, the M24, and the late 1930s Renault light tanks...

In terms of size, armour, engine HP and speed its within 90% of the AMX-13 specs. Weight is heavier though. It's not a clone but with that oscillating turret comes very close. The AMX-13 was designed in 1946 and first ran in 1948, so no, its not a 1950s tank. Anyhow, I'm not complaining. I think both the Bruyere and M24 are good light tanks.