Development of the M17 MGMC

Design

The Commander is in the right of the cab, drive at the left, Gunner in the turret at the rear and two MG-gunners right and left of the rear cab.

Mobility

The M17 MGMC built by International Harvester was powered by an IHC RED-450-B. 6 cyl. 4 cycle, in-line gasoline, 143 ho at 2,700rpm with a net torque of 348 ft-lb at 800rpm, fuel capacity a 60gal230L. Power Generation was assured by a 12 V, 55 Amp, 12 V DC. The Transmission/Gearbox used a spicer 1856 constant mesh type, 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse.

Ground Clearance was 0.284m, Fuel Capacity 227.1 liters for an operational range of 321km (on-road). Maximum Fording Depth 0.812m, Minimum Turning Diameter 18m. The axle tread was 1.690m at the front and 1.621m at rear Wheelbase 3.442m. The brakes used Hydraulic systems (Hydrovac).

The Suspension comprised Semi-elliptic longitudinal leaf spring forward and Vertical volute spring suspension at the rear. They could climb a maximum grade at 31°, vertical obstacles of 0.304m. Roadwheels comprised four dual in bogie with return rollers and front axle, dual drive Sprocket at the front, 18-tooth types plus idler sprocket. At the rear there are rear track type with Endless band with a pitch of 101.6mm and Track Ground Contact of 1.188m with 58 Links. Track Width was 304.8mm. The Steering System comprised a master clutch and dry, single disc.

Protection

Same as the M3 Half Track. The M17 was based on the half-track personnel carrier M5, essentially the IHC version of the MGMC M16.

Armament

The Main Gun mount was a 4x 12.7x99 mm (0.5 inches) M2 Machine Gun on M45D mount (5,000 rounds). The Main Gun Sights are Reflex sight, M18 or Illuminated sight Mk 9 Mod 1. The mount could traverse at 360° @ 60°/s (360°/10s) on electric drive, with an elevation from -10° to +90°, also electric drive. The gunner took place behind a screen.

The rest of armament comprised the individual crew's armament, generally the carbine M1, M3 submachine gun and grenades, perhaps a bazooka. The vehicle had a Loading Capacity of 4,530kg thanks to its own transmission-driven winch. For fire protection of the crew, there was a 2lb carbon dioxide portable bottle, a decontaminating apparatus M2. Radio Communication counted on a SCR 528 or No. 19 Radio with M238 flag set for signals.

specifications
Dimensions (L-w-H)	6.49 x 2.175 x 2.286m
Total weight	8,936kg
Crew	4
Propulsion	International Harvester RED-450-B
Top speed
Suspensions
Range
Armament
Armor

The M17 MGMC in action

(To come)

Gallery

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