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M24 Chaffee (Side view, left side)

 
 

Side view, left side

Picture courtesy of Henrik Juul-Lauritzen, Holstebro

 

Danish Army Specific: A total of 67 vehicles delivered in the period 1953 - 57. By the time of deliverance the M24 Chaffee was already out-dated. Superseded along with the M10 Achilles by M41 Walker Bulldog.
Historical
: The M24 was designed to provide an improved light tank mounting a 75 mm gun, and having increased flotation and mobility and accessibility to of all components. Design was undertaken by the Chrysler Division of General Motors led by Ed Cole starting in April 1943 with the first pilot model being ready on October 15th same year. The M24 was standardised as "Tank, Light " and entered full production and service in the US Army in July 1944.
The M24 was made as a successor for the M5 Stuart light tank from who it owned its power train. The first vehicles reached Europe in late 1944, where they proved very effective and highly reliable. The M24 Chaffee first saw combat in the Ardennes in January 1945.
It remained in American service until 1953, by which time it was totally replaced by the
M41 Walker Bulldog.
Initial order was a 1.000 units, but it was raised to 5.000. Of those only 4.371 were produced by Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors and Massey-Harris Corporation during 1944 - 45.
It was later to become known as the "Chaffee" to commemorate General Adna R. Chaffee, who was known as the "Father of the US Armored Forces".
Length: 5.50 m (216 inches).
Width: 2.84 m (112 inches).
Height: 2.76 m (107 inches).
Weight: 18.225 kg (40.500 lb.).
Armour
: 10 - 38 mm (0.39 - 1.5 inches).
Engine
: 2 Cadillac 90-degree V8-cylinder 44T24, 5.720 cm3 (349 cubic inches) displacement, liquid cooled, carburettors.
Horsepower: 110 ea. at 3.400 rpm.
Transmission: 2 4-speed GM Hydramatic gearboxes.
Transfer case: 2-speed.
Electrical system: 24 volt, negative ground.
Brakes: Mechanical-controlled differential.
Fording depth:
without preparation: 1.01 m (40 inches).
with deep water fording kit: N/A.
Fuel type: Petrol.
Fuel capacity: 414 liter (91 gallons).
Range: 160 km (100 miles).
Crew: 5.
Armament: 75 mm M6 gun with 48 rounds (also known as M5 and used in the B-25 Mitchell-bomber), gyro stabilised.
1 0.50 cal. machine gun with 420 rounds, 2 .30 machineguns with 3.750 rounds.
Max. speed 56 km/h (35 mph).
Additional: Right and left engine were interchangeable. Mounted with SCR-508 or SCR-528 radio. Other known user are Britain, France, Japan, Norway, Pakistan,  Taiwan and Uruguay.


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