T40 Whizbang
| Sherman Whizbang | |
|---|---|
|
T40/M17 mounted on M4 Sherman | |
| Type | Tank-mounted rocket launcher (Rocket-Artillery Tank) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1944–1945 |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 4,615 lb (2,093 kg) |
| Length | 105 in (270 cm) |
| Width | 105 in (270 cm) |
|
| |
| Shell |
T37 HE Demolition Rocket T21 Chemical Warfare Rocket |
| Shell weight |
T37: 61 lb (28 kg) T21: 51.8 lb (23.5 kg) |
| Calibre | 7.2 in (180 mm) |
| Barrels | 20 |
| Elevation | -5° to 25° |
| Traverse | 360° |
| Muzzle velocity |
T37: 160 feet per second (49 m/s) T21: 680 feet per second (210 m/s) |
| Maximum firing range |
T37: 230 yards (210 m) T21: 3,430 yards (3,140 m) |
The Rocket Launcher T40/M17 (Whizbang) (sometimes spelled WhizBang) was a tank-mounted multiple rocket launcher used by the United States Army during World War II. The launcher was placed atop the Medium Tank M4, and fired a barrage of 7.2 in (180 mm) T37 HE or T21 Chemical rockets from 20 launch tubes. It was developed and used in the late stages of World War II; it saw limited combat in 1944–45. An experimental short variant of the T40 was also developed.
Design
The rocket launcher on the T40/M17 WhizBang could hold twenty 7.2 inch rockets in a box-like frame, which could be elevated hydraulically with the controls for the 75 mm gun. The whole mount could be jettisoned off if needed. The rockets in the mount could be fired one-at-a-time or in multiple salvoes. The T40 was a "limited procurement" weapon that was later classified as "limited standard".[1]
Service history
This vehicle saw some use in 1944–1945.[1]
T40 (short version)
The T40 (short version) was an experimental version of the T40, with shorter rocket tubes and with the main gun removed, which was replaced with a elevation mechanism for the rocket launchers. The side access door for the crew was added to the vehicle, which was a M4A2 Sherman.[1]
See also
- T34 Calliope – Similar M4 Sherman-mounted rocket launcher firing 4.5 in M8 rockets.
References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- United States War Departement, 7.2-inch Multiple Rocket Launcher M17 Technical Manual, Washington, D.C., 1945
- Chamberlain, Peter; Ellis, Chris (1969) British and American Tanks of World War II New York, NY: Arco Publishing Company. ISBN 0-668-01867-4