M18 Gun Motor Carriage "Hellcat" - American tank destroyer of the Second World War. Design work on the machine began at the end of 1941/1942. Initially, it was planned to create a machine armed with a 37-mm gun, but after the experience of Operation "Torch" in November 1942, the caliber was increased to 57-mm, and then to 76-mm. After all, in February 1943, the final project appeared with just such a weapon, and in July of the same year, production began. It lasted until October 1944, and as a result, about 2,500 cars were produced. In addition to the typical M18, only one development variant of the M39 was created, which was a turretless transporter and artillery tractor. The M18 Hellcat turned out to be a very successful machine. Unlike the M10, its chassis was designed from scratch, which allowed it to be very well adapted to the tasks assigned to this machine. A big advantage was the Wright Continental R-975-C4 engine with a capacity of 400 hp. The M18 turned out to be a very fast machine, armed with a good gun and was able to fight an equal battle with a Pz.Kpfw V or VI at a distance of 800-900m, provided that the Helket directed fire at the sides of the German vehicles. The M18 played an important role in the fighting in France and Germany in 1944-1945, especially during the fighting in the Ardennes. Technical data: length (without barrel): 5.28 m, width: 2.87 m, height: 2.16 m, weight 17.7 t, engine power: 400 km, speed (on the highway): up to 97 km/ h, armament: 1 76.2 mm gun M1A1 or M1A1C or M1A2, single MG Browning M2HB caliber 12.7 mm.
