This photo is the earliest example I can find of an American personnel carrier test and is dated from 1900. |
These cargo carriers were built by Renault starting in 1916 and one is seen here with the American Expeditionary Force in France. They are sometimes referred to as the "6 Ton Renault Tank" or the "Renault Field Artillery Piece". It had a maximum speed of about 4mph and could carry 5 to 7 tons. |
Newton made cargo carriers for the British Army. When the US entered the war, a Newton was purchased and brought home to study and copy. Buick, Studebaker, and Overland all made virtual copies - right down to placement of the bolts (though it is claimed that Buick actually made some slight improvements in the structure). The only real exception was that each used their own engines in place of the British one. 22,000 copies were to have been built by 1919 for the great push. The war ended before serious production began. All models had a 3 ton capacity and could travel 6 - 10mph. |
During WW1, the Mark V* (five star) was used by the American 301st Tank Battalion who were using British equipment and under British control. The tank was 6' longer than the regular Mark V and so was 32' 5" in length. The purpose of the extra space was to provide room for a squad of soldiers. The only problem was a lack of proper ventilation in the personnel area which caused transported troops to become sick on the fumes leaking from the exhaust. Instead, the five star used the space to transport cargo. This tank can properly claim the title of being the very first designed Armored Personnel Carrier. |
This vehicle had, probably, one of the oddest track arrangements of the WW1 period. Built in England using an American White chassis, a rather unique track system was added using what was known as the "British Track" system. The picture shows the arrangement as shown at APG in 1920. The system was not adopted as it was considered a maintenance nightmare (as can be seen in the picture above). |
Presented to APG by Holt in 1918, 1921, and 1924 in responce to a test carried out on a French Schneider 3 ton transporter tested during WW1. It is not known if more than one of each was made. All were in the 5 ton class of carriers. None exceeded 7mph. |
Also known as "Tractor Crane, 10ton Tractor Caterpillar". Built by Holt and seen here in 1919 at APG. |
An early attempt to create a small tracked vehicle. Owing to the technology of the day, the machine was considered too heavy and underpowered to do the job effectively. The 2nd Modification was watertight and could float though there was no provision for steering or propulsion in the water. |
A test vehicle built to assist soldiers with heavy loads. The unit required a bit of "manhandling" to keep it going in the right direction and thus caused fatigue quickly. Powered by a 2 cylinder Indian motorcycle engine. Weighed 600 pounds and could carry 400 pounds of material. |
An early attempt to create a small tracked vehicle. Just like the Peoria above, the technology of the day made the machine too heavy and underpowered to do the job effectively.The Syracuse was watertight and could float though there was no provision for steering or propulsion in the water. |
The same as the Peoria Model 1920 above except powered by a Harley Davidson motorcycle engine. Weighed 700 pounds and could carry 300 pounds of material. |
On the right is the 600 pound model. In the background and left is the 900 pound model. Both were built to assist artillery. Both were constructed of lightweight aluminum. Both were powered by a Harley Davidson motorcycle engine. |
Powered by a Franklin air cooled 16.8hp engine. This vehicle could travel at 22mph if necessary. Designed to assist in loads for artillery. They could go into the water and had a propeller, though, it is reported that they could only go in circles. The sides were constructed out of canvas. The vehicle was rejected as not being sturdy enough. |
Built by the Sinclair Corporation and the Militor Corporation. It closely resembled it's French cousins - Renault and Latil. About 150 were built in 1919. The units shown here have 2 extra axles and the Chase track system. This test was performed at APG in 1922. Top speed was 13mph. The unit performed well under some conditions, in tough conditions the track tended to fail. |
In 1921 the Ford Model T was tested with the Chase Track System. Top speed of the vehicle was 25 to 30mph depending on conditions. The Chase Track was made of canvas and cleats. |
Seen here in 1922 at APG, this vehicle was nearly the same as the Ford Model T above. Both tests proved the track and axles were too primitive for military use. Later, one axle was removed and the track only run on the rear two sets of axles - making it a half-track. This version was not successful either. Testing continued until 1925. |
Photographed at APG in 1924, the Martin Rocking 5th Wheel Company built the under carriage for this Reo Speed Wagon. Test results are unknown. |
Built specifically by Cunningham. Converted trucks and tractors had proven to be poor performers. This was a new type of vehicle with it's own specially designed track system. Two T1E1 units were built and tested with the 4.2" Chemical Mortar. |
An improved version of the T1E1. Still considered a test and none were manufactured in series. |
None were manufactured in series. |
Capable of speeds up to 20mph. Used in unknown numbers by the military. The vehicle was primarily built for civilian use. |
Developed and built by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company. The army thought they were fantastic and purchase quite a few, though the exact number is unknown. |
Shown here with a 37mm anti-tank gun at Lake Placid. This vehicle was not purchased in any great numbers as they were considered a bit flimsy for military operations. Bombardier was a Canadian company who built these vehicles primarily for civilian use. |
Built by the U.S. Forestry Service for the U.S. Army Fifth Division for their 1940 Winter maneuvers. This picture was taken at APG in the summer of 1940. APG reported severe difficulty making turns during testing. Why this snow vehicle was being tested in July shows typical Army logic. The officer in charge of the test said that the vehicle should be tested in Alaska which shows he (at least) had common sense. It is not known if any more of these were made. |
Delivered to APG in December 1941 and tested in February 1942, this small carrier proved to be light and quick with speeds up to 40mph reported and powered by a 50hp motorcycle engine. The vehicle was rejected as being too small. |
This appears to be the only unit ever converted. Test details have not survived. |
Developed in 1941, this is the T15, which became the standardized Studebaker M28 Weasel. It began it's life as a highly classified project to build a tracked snow vehicle for a proposed invasion of Norway. It was designed to be rugged and light. The vehicle was air transportable and could survive the riggors of being dropped into a combat zone using a parachute. |
A virtual copy of the highly successful British Universal Carrier. |
Seen here in 1943 at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. The T24 was a further developement of the successful Studebaker M28. Upon acceptance, the vehicle was known as the M29. |
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Last Update: Thursday, February 13, 2003 |
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This page is dedicated to... George S. Patton |
