M52 SPH

History

Development of what would become the M52 self-propelled howitzer began in 1948, just before the Korean War (1950-1953). Based on the U.S. Army's World War II (1939-1945) naming convention for its artillery transporter, the vehicle is known as the T98 105mm Howitzer Motor Transporter in its pilot form.

The vehicle is based on the chassis of the M41 "Walker Bulldog" light tank, which was introduced in 1953 but developed from 1947. The total production of the M52 SPH system was 584 units.

The T98 test vehicle used a T96 short-barreled howitzer in a welded turret with engine assist turned 60 degrees from center. This gives the rifle group some tactical flexibility, as the vehicle does not have to fully rotate to face a specific attack direction. Mounting hardware allows the barrel to be raised approximately 65 degrees and lowered to -10 degrees for added flexibility in range removal. Unlike previous U.S. Army SPA/SPH vehicles, the M52 actually keeps its gunner and driver in a closed turret structure (driver front left).

The total number of crew members is five. The commander's rear right has a raised cupola for observation and a .50 caliber Browning M2 heavy machine gun for self-defense. This is provided on a trainable trunnion stand.

The turret was placed at the rear of the vehicle, allowing the engine to be placed in the forward compartment of the fuselage.

The landing gear consists of six twin tire wheels and a front drive sprocket. The chain tensioner is missing from the rear, and that role is taken over by the fifth wheel. Four track return rollers are used, the last one having a slightly larger diameter than the other three.

Power is provided by a 6-cylinder Continental AOS-895-3 series gasoline engine (500 hp) from the Walker Bulldog range. Road speeds reach 35 miles per hour and range is up to 100 miles.

The engine is mated to an Allison CD-500-3 cross-drive drivetrain, and the suspension uses a torsion bar arrangement.

With constant testing, the M52 developed slowly, even during the Korean War. The T98 pilot vehicle was redesigned for several issues - one of the most important being the larger turret ring. This work led to the further development of the T98E1 model, now known as the "self-propelled howitzer" - no longer in use

"Cars" of the first decade. When the U.S. Army finally approved it for mass production, the U.S. Army ordered the M52 self-propelled howitzer. The army needs 684 units.

Production began in January 1951, although Army authorities believed the car was not ready for prime time and continued development. With further changes - including power assist that lost the function of the weapon - the M52 entered the combat range. However, this did not happen until 1955, when the Korean conflict ended in a loose armistice in 1953.

The subsequent M52A1 branding simply introduced the Continental AOS-895-5 engine when the M41 tank series arrived.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Armor

Not available.

Changes