T92 HMC

** 240-mm self-propelled howitzer T92 **

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-wsv1DgTpc

With the adoption of the medium tank T26E3 in January 1945, a proposal to create a series of modern models of armored vehicles based on a single chassis and a set of components and assemblies T26EZ. The towed 240 mm m1918 howitzer was not considered particularly successful because of the difficulties with the movement of such a massive gun on the ground, and the experience with the placement of a 155-mm gun on the chassis of the M3/M4 series indicated the possibility of installing a 240-mm howitzer on the chassis created on the basis of the average t26ez tank. The same ACS could be used to place an 8-inch (203 mm) gun. SAU with 240-mm howitzer received the designation of a self-propelled howitzer T92, and the same chassis with an 8-inch gun — a self-propelled gun T93. The series was supposed to be Т26ЕЗ heavy tank, assault tank Т26Е5, 8-inch self-propelled howitzer Т84, conveyor T31 and (later) Т26Е2 (M45). The development of the T92 was approved in March 1945 and immediately issued an order for four Chrysler experimental machines (Detroit Arsenal), five T92 Were built.

The first of these machines was built in early July 1945 and after initial tests at the Aberdeen proving ground sent to Fort Bragg for testing by the Artillery Committee. Т93 ordered at the same time, and two of the four experimental machines Т93 set by September 1945, when all the orders were suspended in connection with the termination of the war with Japan. Detroit Arsenal built only five ACS T92 (including experienced) and two T93. Tests have shown that these heavy ACS would be ideal for the destruction of the enemy's bunkers and deep shelters in battles with the Japanese on the Pacific Islands. At a time when the Japanese still continued to resist, SAU T92 and T93 were preparing for the invasion of Japan to participate in the Operation "Downfall", which meant landing on the Japanese Islands. However, after the surrender of Japan on August 14, 1945, they were not sent to the Pacific theater of war. Especially for T92 and Т93 developed shots betonoboynymi shells. The relative lack can be considered only a meager ammunition — a total of 6 shells. The rest were busy on the conveyor M30 or T31.

To install such a large-caliber guns required to extend the chassis T26E3 and add one support roller on each side. The chassis was perekomponovkoy, shifting the driving wheel forward, aft mounted Coulter. Work on the ACS T92 / 93 were interrupted after the war.