M25 tank transporter
Introduction
M25 tank transporter
M25 tank transporter with M26 tractor, M15 trailer and German Panther tank as cargo.
Source: US Army (unknown photographer) -
© public domain
United States - Freuhauf Trailer Company (M15 semitrailer)
629 M26A1
TR-1 (manufacturer designation for M26)
G160 (US Ordnance Supply Catalog)
Description
Introduction
The M25 is a World War 2 era tank transporter of US origin. It was developed in 1942 to replace the older, less mobile and smaller capacity M19 tank transporter. The M25 consists of the M26 tractor and M15 semitrailer. The M26 was developed specifically for the trailer since there was no tractor that suited the demands.
Design
The M26 has a 6x6 chassis with front wheel steering and double rear tires. The M26 has a large armored forward control cab which seats up to seven people. It has a spare tire and two winches installed behind it. A fifth wheel is located at the rear for use with the M15 eight wheel twin axle low loader semitrailer. On the M26A1 the armor is removed in order to reduce weight.
Cargo capacity
The M15 trailer is capable of carrying up to 36 t of cargo. It was often used to transport the M4 Sherman tank. Vehicles can enter the low loader using the two side by side ramps at the rear. Most M26 are fitted with two winches with a combined power of 54 t. This allows the tractor to be used as a wrecker.
Firepower
A 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is installed on a ring mount on the roof for self-defense against ground targets and aircraft.
Protection
The armored cab protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. In combat the open windows are covered by metal armor. The armored cab is particularly useful when employed as a wrecker. The M26A1 lacks the armor and has a reduced weight. There are no smoke grenade launchers or NBC system.
Mobility
The 6x6 chassis and large wheel trailer provided good mobility on road and in the field for a World War 2 era truck. The 240 hp gasoline engine provides a maximum road speed of 67 km/h.
Users
The M25 tank transporter was widely used by US Army forces in Europe from 1944 onwards. It remained in US service until 1955. It was also used by the UK, Japan and various other nations.
System composition
M26 tractor
The M26 is the original and most common production version of the M26 tractor. The M26 is identified by its steel armored cab and fixed roof. It also has a more slanted front cabin than the M26A1. The M26 was also employed without semitrailer as a wrecker.
M26A1 tractor
The M26A1 is a later version of the M26 without armored cab. Instead of a steel roof a tarpaulin roof is fitted. The lack of armor makes the M26A1 lighter than the M26. Therefore its mobility is somewhat better at the expense of crew protection. The M26A2 is a postwar update an improved electrical system.
M15 semitrailer
The M15 semitrailer is used with either M26 or M26A1 tractors. It has eight large wheels at the rear on two axles. The chassis extends between the inner and outer wheels on each side. Two foldable ramps allow the transported vehicles to enter from the rear.
M15 trailer: 36.3 t maximum load. Constructed by Pacific.
M15A1 trailer: 40.8 t maximum load. Constructed by Pacific.
M15A2 trailer: 45.4 t maximum load. Constructed by Freuhauf.
Details
Media
M26A1 with M15
M26A1 tractor with M15 semitrailer with M4 Sherman tank.
Source: US Army (unknown photographer)
Copyright: public domain
M26
Rear view of M26 showing the two winches behind the armored cabin.
Source: US Army (unknown photographer)
Copyright: public domain
M26A1
Side view of M26A1 with A-frame for guiding the winches raised.
Source: Zandcee
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
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A 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is installed on a ring mount on the roof of the tractor truck for self-defense against ground targets and aircraft.