M29 weasel
| M 29 weasel | |
|---|---|
|
|
| General properties | |
| crew | 2 men |
| length | 3.20 m |
| width | 1.78 m |
| height | 1.52 m |
| Dimensions | 1.8 t |
| Armor and armament | |
| Armor | no |
| Main armament | no |
| Secondary armament | no |
| agility | |
| drive | Studebaker 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine, water-cooled 55.2 kW (75 PS) |
| Top speed | 58 km / h |
| Power / weight | 30.6 kW / t |
| Range | approx. 250 km |
The M29 Weasel was an American unarmored full tracked transport vehicle manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation of World War II . A total of 15,124 copies were built from 1942 to 1945.
history
The M29 was originally designed for special forces in the US Army. According to the American engineers and developers, these were supposed to attack German production facilities for heavy water in Norway . This company was never implemented. But the US Army recognized the potential of the vehicle, which was mainly used to transport supplies and ammunition. After the war, the M29 continued to be used. The vehicle was generally used in civilian polar research, as it was originally developed for this area. Norway also bought some of the vehicles that were in service there until the 1980s.
technology
The M29 is a very small vehicle. It was designed for use in polar regions. It was completely amphibious, but due to its angular construction, especially in the bow area, it was difficult to steer in the water. The unarmored and unarmed vehicle had no driver's cab. The crawler track was very wide to ensure good driving characteristics in snow and mud. The Studebaker motor turned out to be very robust and reliable.
Although armament was not originally planned, a heavy machine gun was installed at the rear of some M29s . Similar to the jeeps used, the MG was used for self-defense. The vehicles were never involved in combat missions.
The M29 Weasel was used in different versions. In addition to the light transport vehicles for the supply troops, there were command vehicles for mobilizing the command posts, radio vehicles, ambulance vehicles and signal vehicles.
variants
- M28: Pre-production model and first construction lot
- M29: main model
- M29C: Variant with modified bow for better control in the water
See also
literature
- Alexander Lüdeke : Weapons technology in the Second World War , Parragon Verlag, Cologne, ISBN 978-1-4054-8584-5 .
Web links
- Weasel at transportation.army.mil (English)
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