Cargo Carrier M301-5

M30: General
Date of first acceptance October 1942 Total acceptances 100
Manufacturer Pressed Steel Car Co. Crew 6 men
M30: Dimensions
Combat weight 47,000lbs
21,000kg		 Height over AAMG 120"
305cm
Length 238"
605cm		 Width 105"
267cm
Tread 83"
211cm		 Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 10psi
.70kg/cm²
M30: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max elevation rate
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible on ring mount 1000 rounds 360°
(manual)		 Manual
M30: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.0"
2.5cm		 30°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm		 0° to 46°
Upper sides .625"
1.59cm		 0°
Lower sides .75"
1.9cm		 0°
Rear .75"
1.9cm		 0°
Top .5"
1.3cm		 90°
Floor .5"
1.3cm		 90°
M30: Automotive
Engine Continental R975 C1; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, static radial, supercharged gasoline
Horsepower Net: 350@2400rpm
Gross: 400@2400rpm		 Torque Net: 800 ft-lb@1800rpm
Gross: 890 ft-lb@1800rpm		 Fuel capacity 200gal
757L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M30: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie		 1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M30: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M30: Performance
Max level road speed 21mph sustained
24mph dash
34kph sustained
39kph dash		 Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m		 Max fording depth 40"
100cm
Cruising range ~140mi, roads
~230km, roads

The cargo carrier M30 was designed as a support vehicle for the 155mm GMC M12, and the two vehicles shared a similar layout. The engine was moved forward to behind the driving compartment, and the rear was thus freed for stowage of 40 155mm rounds and extra crew for the M12. The spade found on the M12 was replaced by a tail gate to allow access to the rear compartment, and a .50cal MG was ring mounted above the rear compartment for self-defense. Seventy-four M30s were rebuilt by Baldwin Locomotive Works starting in February 1944, correcting problems with engine vapor lock and modifying the engine exhaust pipes and flame arrestors.

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References

  1. Hunnicutt, R.P. Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank. Navato, CA: Presidio Press, 1994. Reprinted with permission from Sherman, R.P. Hunnicutt ©1994, available from Presidio Press, 505B San Martin Drive, Suite 160, Navato, CA 94945.
  2. Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items, 2nd edition 1944, volume 1. Washington, DC: Office of the Chief of Ordnance Technical Division, 1 June 1945.
  3. TM 9-751 155-mm Gun Motor Carriage M12 and Cargo Carrier M30. Washington, D.C.: War Dept., 28 Jan 1944.
  4. Chamberlain, Peter, and Chris Ellis. British and American Tanks of World War Two. Frome, England: Cassell & Co., 2000.
  5. Crismon, Fred W. U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992.
Last updated 26 Jan 2022.
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