Danish Army
Specific: Along with the Centurion
MK III, Denmark
received 1 (perhaps 2) M32B1 based on the M4A1 chassis in
1953. The ARV was superseded in 1957 by the Centurion
ARV Mk II.
Historical: Development of the M32 recovery
vehicle, based on the M4 Sherman, was authorised April
19th 1943. The "T5" series vehicles were to be
fitted with a fixed turret, a simple "A" frame
crane and a 60.000 pounds capacity winch. All the major
variations of the M4 were considered for modification:
M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3 and M4A4. These were to become the
T5, T5E1, T5E2, T5E3 and T5E4 pilot TRVs respectively
and, following their standardisation, the M32, M32B,
M32B2, M32B3 and M32B4, Tank Recovery Vehicle.
The turret was removed and replaced by a fixed
superstructure with a rounded front. Brackets were
attached to the hull sides to which a A-frame jib was
pivoted. The jib was laid alongside the superstructure
when not in use. A winch was mounted inside the hull,
behind the drivers seat, and could be used for pulling
or, in conjunction with the crane, for lifting.
The suspension was designed so as to have the springs
locked out of action and thus give a more stable platform
for winching and lifting.
The first M32 variation to roll out of the assembly line
was the diesel powered M32B2 (M4A2 based). Lima
Locomotive Works produced 26, from June 1943 to August
1944.
Pressed Steel Car Company began production of the cast
hull M32B1 (M4A1 based) in December 1943 and by the end
of December 1944 a total of 475 vehicles had been
produced.
In addition, Federal Machine and Welder built an
unspecified quantity (November 44 - May 45) and Baldwin
Locomotive Works, 185 vehicles (November 44 - June 45).
The production of the (M4 based) M32 began by Pressed
Steel Car Company in March 1944 and a total of 163
vehicles had been produced by the end of that year.
In addition, a mixture of 400 M32 and M32B1s were
produced by Federal Machine and Welder from November 44
to May 45.
The last M32 variation to be produced was the M3A3 based
M32B3: Pressed Steel Car Company made 298 vehicles from
May to December 1944 and Lima Locomotive Works 20 (June -
August 1944). The long-hull, Chrysler engined M32B4 (M4A4
based) did not reach production.
In August 1944, U.S.M.C. requested 50 M32B3s, equipped
with the horizontal volute suspension system (HVSS). The
pilot models were designated T14E1 and production models
M32A1xx. Baldwin Locomotive Works converted 37 M32B1 to
M32A1B1 and produced 80 M32A1B3s during 1945.
By the late 40s, nearly all M32s were rebuilt to 'A1'
standards by adding the horizontal volute suspension
system (HVSS). Also a large towing hook was mounted at
the rear of the hull.
Length: 5.23 m (203 inches).
Width: 2.68 m (104 inches).
Height: 2.74 m (106 inches).
Weight: 28.000 kg (61.600 lb.).
Armour: 13 - 51 mm (0.5 - 1.9 inches) max.
Engine: 9-cylinder Continental, type R974-C4, 15.980
cm3 (975 cubic inches) displacement, air cooled.
Horsepower: 400 at 2.400 rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed.
Transfer case: None.
Electrical system: 24 volt, negative ground.
Brakes: Mechanical, controlled-differential.
Fording depth:
without preparation: 1.07 m (42 inches).
with deep water fording kit: N/A.
Fuel type: Petrol.
Fuel capacity: 651 liter (143 gallons).
Range: 165 km (103 miles).
Crew: 5.
Armament: Armed with a 81 mm mortar, 1
7.62 (cal .30) and 1 12.7 (cal .50) machine gun.
Additional: Also in service with
Austria, Brazil, Israel, Japan and the former Yugoslavia.
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