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M55 |
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| GENERAL INFORMATION |
| Designations |
Howitzer, Heavy, Self-Propelled, Full-Tracked, 8", M55 |
| Manufacturer(s) |
Pacific Car and Foundry |
| Status |
Production completed. Phased out of service with USA. |
| Production Period |
1952-1955 |
Production Quantity |
n/a (1) |
| Type |
SPA |
Crew |
6 |
| Length, overall |
7.9m |
Length, hull |
7.1 |
| Width, overall |
3.6m |
Height, overall |
3.5m |
| Combat Weight |
44452kg |
Unloaded Weight |
40823kg |
| Radio, external |
n/a |
Communication, crew |
n/a |
| FIREPOWER |
| Main Armament |
203mm M47 howitzer |
Ammunition Carried |
10x203mm |
| Gun Traverse |
30 (left, right) |
Elevation/Depression |
+65/-5 |
| Traverse Rate |
10/s |
Elevation Rate |
7.5/s |
| Gun Stabilization |
n/a |
Rangefinder |
n/a |
| Night Vision |
yes |
Auto-Loader |
no |
| Secondary Armament |
12.7mm M2 MG (AA) |
Ammunition Carried |
900x12.7mm |
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|
| MOBILITY CHARACTERISTICS |
| Engine |
Continental AV-1790-5B, 5C or 5D V12 air-cooled petrol |
Transmission |
Allison CD-850-4, 4A or 4B cross-drive (2 forward, 1 reverse) |
| Horsepower |
704hp at 2800rpm |
Suspension |
torsion bar |
| Power/Weight Ratio |
15.8hp/t |
Track Width |
58.4cm |
| Speed, on road |
48km/h |
Track Ground Contact |
467.3cm |
| Fuel Capacity |
1438 l |
Ground Pressure |
0.78kg/cm2 |
| Range, on road |
257km |
Gradient |
60% |
| Fuel Consumption |
n/a |
Vertical Obstacle |
1.0m |
| Turning Radius |
n/a |
Trench Crossing |
2.3m |
| Ground Clearance |
0.45m |
Fording |
1.2m |
| SURVIVABILITY FEATURES |
| Smoke Laying |
n/a |
NBC Protection |
no |
| Armor Details |
All-welded construction. |
| TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND OTHER IMAGES |
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| NOTES |
| (1) About 1956 it was decided that all US Army M53s (identical except for armament) would be converted to M55s. |
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