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Ground Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>M7>HG4701

M7 HMC "Priest" 6th Armored Div., 231st Armored Field Artillery Bttn., A Battery,Western Front 1944
HG4701
General Background
The U.S. Army required a fully-tracked Howitzer Motor Carriage capable of keeping up with armored divisions. The lower chassis and suspension of the M3 Lee and later the M4 Sherman was selected to have a 105mm Howitzer placed on top with a crew area open to the elements. In 1942 the new SPG was delivered as the M7 HMC (Howitzer Motor Carriage). British forces referred to the M7 as the “Priest” because of the high rounded .50- caliber Machine Gun position resembled the pulpit of an Anglican priest.
Specifications :
Type: Armored Artillery
Crew: 7
Performance:
Engine: Continental R975 C1, 9 cylinder., Gasoline 400 hp
Maximum Speed: 39 km/h
Power/weight: 17.3 hp/t
Range: 190 km
Dimensions:
Length: 6.02 m
Width: 2.87 m
Height: 2.95 m
Weight: 23000 kg
Armor:
Maximum: 108 mm
Minimum: 13 mm
Suspension: Vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS)
Armament: Main - 1 x 105 mm Howitzer M2A1
Secondary - 1 x .50cal (12.7 mm) M2HB MG