M3 TCM-20

Overview

M3 halftrack with TCM-20

Israeli M3 halftrack with TCM-20 anti-aircraft gun on the move.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin

Israel

Type

Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Entered service

Early 1970's

Status

Obsolete

Development

Early 1970's

Developer

Israel

Production

1971 - ?

Producer

Israel

Number produced

Several dozen (estimate)

Designations

M3 Hatzerim

Notable users

Israel

Description

Introduction

The M3 TCM-20 is an early Cold War era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Israeli origin. It was developed as an interim solution based on the experience of the 1967 Six Day war. Its role was to protect armored and mechanized formations from ground attack aircraft.

Design

The M3 TCM-20 combines a locally upgraded World War 2 era M3 or M5 halftrack with the Israeli TCM-20 anti-aircraft gun. Interestingly these vehicles are not based on the M16 MGMC, but on regular troop carrying models and lack the drop down hull sides. The TCM-20 turret is derived from the towed M55 quad 12.7mm and is rearmed using HS.404 autocannon taken from obsolete fighter aircraft.

Firepower

The TCM-20 is armed with two 20mm HS.404 autocannon. Each is fed by a 60 round drum magazine. Ammunition boxes behind the turret allow for a rapid reload. Cyclic rate of fire is 600 to 700 rpm. Effective range is quoted as 1.2 km versus aircraft and 1.5 km versus ground targets. Aiming is done manually using a gun sight.

Mobility

The halftrack chassis provides a level of mobility to keep up with armored formations using older and slower tanks. Maximum speed on roads is 45 km/h.

Protection

The halftrack chassis provides protection against small arms fire. The roof is open and the gunner and crew are partially exposed.

Users

The M3 TCM-20 was used by Israel. It saw service in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. It was supplemented and replaced by the American M163 Vulcan. The TCM-20 anti-aircraft gun was widely exported, but not on the halftrack chassis.