1952 - U.S.A. M55 8" SP Howitzer

Armament:          1 - 8" howitzer Model 47
                               1 - 0.50" AA MG
Engine:                 Continental, AV-1790-5B, 5C-or §[>„ V-12 gas, 704 hp
Speed:                 30 mph
Range:                 160 miles
Crew:                    6
Weight:                40 tons

This 8" howitzer shared components and mount with the M53 155mm gun. It was more reliable than the M55 because of less stress on firing. Hence, all M53s were converted to M55 8" howitzers by rebarrelling. This was completed by 1960. This was a scaled up M52, another all-protected design. The gun crew and driver were carried in a massive turret capable of swinging plus & minus 30° of center. A massive rear recoil spade was fitted; and power operation of the gun, ramming and shell handling were provided. Ammunition is separate loading. It can fire a HE shell to a range of 16,916 meters.