US M-18 ''Hellcat'' Tank Destroyer

By Crusader1307

The M-18 ''Hellcat'' was a US Army Armored Tank Destroyer, used during World War II. Over 2,500 Mode;s were produced between 1943 and 1945. The Vehicle would continue on in US Inventory throughout The Korean War of 1950-1953. Phased out in the 1960s, most were sold to Foreign Nations. The primary goal of The M-18 was to bring a heavier caliber Gun to bear against superior German Armor (such as The Tiger Tank).Extremely effective, this ''Tank Killer'' earned the highest kill ratio over any comparable Model during World War II. Weighing 20-tons, The ''Hellcat'' was 18-feet long with a width of 10-feet. Height was 9-feet from tread to Cuppola. Typically, (5) Soldiers operated The M-18. Armor plating was rated at 1-inches in thickness. A Dual Tracked Vehicle, The M-18 was powered by a single Continental Diesel Engine, capable of 850-HP. Maximum ope terrain speed was 45-mph, with an operational range of 100-miles. The primary Main Gun was a 76mm Main Gun with a maximum range of 1,800-yards. This was supported by a .50 Caliber Browning HB Machine Gun. Modifications to include .30 Caliber Guns were sometimes made by The Crew.