M25 Tank Transporter
Encyclopedia
The M25 Tank Transporter was a heavy tank transporter
and tank recovery vehicle used in World War II
and beyond by the US Army.
Nicknamed the Dragon Wagon, the M25 was composed of a 6x6 armored tractor (M26) and 40-ton trailer (M15).
tractor unit. This new trailer was designed by the Fruehauf Trailer Company
(based in Detroit, MI). A new tractor unit was required, as this heavier trailer was more than the Diamond T could cope with.
The M26 tractor was designed by the San Francisco-based Knuckey Truck Company. When Knuckey's production capacity proved insufficient the army awarded production to the Pacific Car & Foundry Co.
of Seattle, Washington.
Designated TR-1 by Pacific Car, the 12-ton 6x6 M26 tractor was powered by a Type 440 240 bhp 6-cylinder gasoline engine developed exclusively for it by Hall-Scott
(although also used to uprate the Diamond T
). Some 2,100 Type 440s were built. Baxter notes "over 1,300" M26 and M26A1 being built.
Unusually, the tractor unit was fitted with both an armoured cab and two winches with a combined pull of 60 tons. The intention was that as well as hauling the tank transporter semi-trailer, the tractor unit could itself be used for battlefield light recovery work.
A later unarmoured version of the M26 tractor was designated the M26A1. An experimental ballast tractor
conversion was experimented with by the British FVPE
Tank transporter
A tank transporter is a specialized road vehicle for the transport of tanks, to and from the battlefield or during peacetime. They are necessary to limit the mileage of the tracked vehicles and also to reduce wear on road surfaces which can easily be damaged by such heavy vehicles...
and tank recovery vehicle used in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and beyond by the US Army.
Nicknamed the Dragon Wagon, the M25 was composed of a 6x6 armored tractor (M26) and 40-ton trailer (M15).
Development
In 1942 a new 40 ton semi-trailer tank transporter was required. This was to offer better off-road performance than the M9 24-small-wheel trailer, and greater capacity than the 30 ton 8-large-wheel Shelvoke and Drewry semi-trailers, then in use with the Diamond TDiamond T
The Diamond T was an American automobile manufactured in Chicago from 1905 until 1911 by the Diamond T Motor Car Company. It was a powerful touring car . The company later became known for its trucks...
tractor unit. This new trailer was designed by the Fruehauf Trailer Company
Fruehauf Corporation
Fruehauf Corporation was an American corporation engaged in the manufacture and sale of truck trailers with headquarters located in Detroit, Michigan., and bankrupted in 1997.-History:...
(based in Detroit, MI). A new tractor unit was required, as this heavier trailer was more than the Diamond T could cope with.
The M26 tractor was designed by the San Francisco-based Knuckey Truck Company. When Knuckey's production capacity proved insufficient the army awarded production to the Pacific Car & Foundry Co.
PACCAR
PACCAR Inc is the third largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in the world , and has substantial manufacture in light and medium vehicles through its various subsidiaries.-History:...
of Seattle, Washington.
Designated TR-1 by Pacific Car, the 12-ton 6x6 M26 tractor was powered by a Type 440 240 bhp 6-cylinder gasoline engine developed exclusively for it by Hall-Scott
Hall-Scott
Hall-Scott was a Berkeley, California-based manufacturing company. It was among the most significant builders of water-cooled aircraft engines prior to World War I.-1910–1921:...
(although also used to uprate the Diamond T
Diamond T 980
The Diamond T 980 was a heavy tank transporter developed early in World War II.Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transporting, the 980 was the product of the Diamond T Company in Chicago...
). Some 2,100 Type 440s were built. Baxter notes "over 1,300" M26 and M26A1 being built.
Unusually, the tractor unit was fitted with both an armoured cab and two winches with a combined pull of 60 tons. The intention was that as well as hauling the tank transporter semi-trailer, the tractor unit could itself be used for battlefield light recovery work.
A later unarmoured version of the M26 tractor was designated the M26A1. An experimental ballast tractor
Ballast tractor
A ballast tractor is a heavy haulage road vehicle designed to pull or push heavy or exceptionally large loads. Unlike the tractor unit from an articulated trailer, the ballast tractor is designed or adapted to pull or push loads from a drawbar...
conversion was experimented with by the British FVPE
U.S. Nomenclature
In the nomeclature system used by the U.S Army Ordnance Corps Supply Catalog this vehicle is referred as the G160.Specifications
- Crew-7
- Armament 1-.50 cal. machine gun
- Armor, front-3/4", sides, rear, 1/4".
- top speed-26 MPH
- fuel cap, 120 GAL.
External links
- Short story of the M26 and pictures of a restored vehicle in 2004
- Article and photo at milweb.net
- Scratchbuilt M25 model step-by-step, with pictures and references used
- http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/378.cfm training film
See also
- Diamond T tank transporterDiamond T Tank TransporterThe Diamond T Tank Transporter was a heavy tank transporter, used in World War II and the following years.Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transporting, the Diamond T 980 was the product of the Diamond T Company in Chicago...
- Scammell Pioneer Semi-trailerScammell Pioneer Semi-trailerThe Semi-Trailer Scammell Pioneer was a British vehicle that was used to recover tanks from the battlefield and transport them over rough ground during the Second World War.-History:...
- G160, "G" designation
- List of U.S. military vehicles by model number#Pre consecutive truck numbers