Mack NO
Truck, 7 1/2 ton, 6x6, Prime Mover
Overview
Mack NO-7
A privately owned and fully restored Mack NO-7, the final production model, towing a BL 5.5-inch gun in 2024.
Source: John Gott -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Truck, 7 1/2 ton, 6x6, Prime Mover
G-532
United Kingdom
France
Belgium
Netherlands
Description
Introduction
The Mack NO is a World War 2 era prime mover of US origin. It was developed during the early stages of World War 2 as a dedicated prime mover for the largest towed guns and howitzer in US Army service. These trucks were used extensively during the war, although it was supplemented with the M6 tracked prime mover later on.
Design
The Mack NO is a large tactical truck specifically developed for the role as a prime mover for the largest guns and howitzers in US service. It is a large, heavy and rugged vehicle using a 6x6 drive train, engine with significant torque and two-speed transfer case. A heavy 18 t winch is located at the front. The cabin and flatbed are open, but can be fitted with tarpaulin covers.
Firepower
Firepower consists of a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on a ring mount on top of the cabin. This was fitted for self-defense since large caliber artillery is a high value target for enemy frontline aviation. This gun is manually operated and has 100 round ready to fire.
Mobility
The Mack NO has good tracked and off road capacity for a wheeled vehicle. This was due to the 6x6 drive train and two speed transfer box. The Mack EY engine provides 159 hp of power and a torque up to 724 Nm. Maximum speeds on road are 51 km/h and closer to half that speed when towing heavy artillery.
Cargo capacity
The flatbed cargo area has a cargo capacity of 6.8 t. The main feature is the tow hook with a 22.7 t towed load capacity. This was used with or without limber depending on the gun. The Mack NO was intended to tow large and heavy artillery pieces. These include the 155mm M1 "Long Tom" gun, 203mm M1 howitzer, 203mm M1 gun and 240mm M1 howitzer.
Users
During World War 2 the Mack NO was primarily used with the United States Army, entering service in 1943. It was also supplied to the UK during the war. After World War 2 the Mack NO was used by several European nations such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Details
Media
Mack NO
A Mack NO prime mover clearly showing its size with a soldier next to it.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
Mack NO
Mack NO prime mover seen in the Overloon war museum in 2008.
Source: Zandcee
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Mack NO
Mack NO artillery tractor as seen in War and Peace show in England in 2011.
Source: Zandcee
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Mack NO
Mack NO prime mover seen in the Overloon war museum in 2010.
Source: Alf van Beem
Copyright: Public domain
Mack NO
Mack NO prime mover seen towing a 155mm Long Tom gun in France in August of 1944.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
Mack NO
Mack NO prime mover seen towing a 155mm Long Tom gun in Brest, France, in August of 1944.
Source: Mack Truck Historical Museum
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
155mm M59 Long Tom
The Mack NO was used during World War 2 and thereafter as a prime mover for the 155mm Long Tom
203mm M115
The 203mm M115 is based on the same type of carriage as the Long Tom and also also moved using the Mack NO.