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M20 (G-176)

1943 WORLD WAR 2

History

The M20 (US Army Identifier for G-176) was a reconnaissance/general utility vehicle used by the US Army during World War II (1939-1945). By using large street wheels, a powerful power pack and chassis, and a proper suspension system, the development produced a vehicle with a 6x6 wheel arrangement capable of off-road driving. Similar to the well-known M8 "Greyhound" series 6x6 APCs also used by the Army, the M20 has a different indirect combat role - typically armed with just a machine gun for self-defense, crew-carried personal defense weapons, and communications equipment, including Multiple radios are supported.

The Ford Motor Company plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, took over manufacturing, eventually producing 3,791 vehiclesfrom July 1943 to June 1945.

The M20 was primarily used as a field commander's vehicle, without the cannon turret of its M8 sister. Instead, a convertible hull was used to give commanders and aircrew unimpeded access to what was happening outside the vehicle whether it was observing drills, artillery fire, or other combat-related work. Equipped with only one .50 M2 Browning heavy machine gun, the M20 was used to defend against low-flying aircraft, light armoured vehicles or infantry. This could be replaced by a .30 caliber Browning M1919 machine gun, which fired smaller cartridges and therefore could hold more magazines. The weapon is mounted on a cart and stand to make it trainable, the unit is mounted in an M49 series ring stand.

From August 1944, the bracket was upgraded to M66 standard.

A typical operations team consists of six employees. In addition to the main armament provided, it is strongly recommended that the crew personally arm themselves on each voyage as insurance against being fired on by the enemy or separated from the main force.

As a result, operators equip their vehicles with a variety of small arms, including carbines, military rifles, submachine guns, pistols, grenades, and anti-tank mines.