M44
Overview
M44
M44 self-propelled howitzer on public display.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Origin
United States
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
1954 (issued to troops)
1952 (formal acceptance)
1952 (formal acceptance)
Status
Obsolete
Development
Late 1940’s
Developer
United States
Production
Early 1950’s
Producer
United States
-
Massey Harris
Number produced
250 or more
Designations
T99E1 and T194E1 (prototypes)
Cardinal (UK military service)
Panzerhaubitze M44 (German service)
Cardinal (UK military service)
Panzerhaubitze M44 (German service)
Notable users
United States
United Kingdom
Germany
Turkey
United Kingdom
Germany
Turkey
Variants
M44
Right side view of M44 self-propelled howitzer.
Source: US Army -
© Public domain
List of M44 variants
M44
Original production model. All 250 vehicles for US troops were produced with armored roof. Issues with fumes resulted in various modifications, including an open roof with canvas cover. The modified vehicles entered service as M44.
M44A1
Existing M44 retrofitted with AOSI-895-5 engine with fuel injection system. This upgrade results in a slightly improved mileage. This upgrade took place from 1956 onward.
M44T
Extensive upgrade of 222 vehicles in Turkish service. Carried out by Rheinmetall of Germany from 1986 to 1992. The upgrades include a longer 155mm L/36 ordnance and MTU diesel engine. This variant is described separately.
Details
Facts
M44
General
Origin
United States
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
29 t combat load
Length
6.16 m
Width
3.24 m
Height
3.11 m over canvas top
Main armament
Type
155mm M45 23-caliber howitzer
Mount
M80 mount in superstructure
Ammunition
24 rounds
Elevation
-5 to +65 degrees, hydraulic and manual
Traverse
30 degrees left, 30 degrees right
Rate of fire
4 rpm max
1 rpm sustained
Range
14.6 km
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on roof
Ammunition
900 rounds, 100 ready to fire
Elevation
Manual
Traverse
360 degrees, manual
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, rear roadwheel doubles ad idler
Tread
2.60 m
Ground pressure
0.72 kg/cm^2
Track on ground
3.80 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
Continental AOS-895-3 (M44)
Continental AOSI-895-5 (M44A1)
Engine type
6-cylinder supercharged gasoline
Power output
446 hp at 2.400 rpm
Transmission
Allison CD-500-3, 2 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
570 L
Mobility
Speed
56 km/h
Range
120 km on road for M44
130 km on road for M44A1
Turn radius
Pivot
Power to weight ratio
15.4 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.48 m
Wall
0.8 m
Trench
1.8 m
Gradient
60 %
Fording
1.1 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel, welded
Armor thickness
13mm all around
Open roof
NBC system
None
Smoke system
None
Related articles
M41 Gorilla
The M44 was developed to replace the M41 Gorilla in US service.
M41 Walker Bulldog
The M44 is based on the chassis of the M41 Walker Bulldog light tank.
M52
The M52 was developed alongside the M44. It has a smaller 105mm L/23 howitzer, but is fitted in a turret with limited traverse for better firing angles.
Browning M2HB
For self-defense a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is mounted on the roof.
Type 75
In Japanese service the M44 was replaced by the newer and more capable indigenous Type 75.