Full-track Prime Mover M351-4

M35: General
Date of first acceptance January 1944 Total acceptances 209 converted from 3" GMC M10A1
Manufacturer Lima Tank Depot Crew 6 men
M35: Dimensions
Combat weight 55,000lbs
25,000kg
Height 70"
178cm
Length 235"
597cm
Width 120"
305cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17.125"
43.498cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 11.3psi
.794kg/cm²
M35: Armament
None
M35: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.5"
3.8cm
55°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 56°
Upper sides .75"
1.9cm
38°
Lower sides 1.0"
2.5cm
Upper rear .75"
1.9cm
38°
Lower rear 1.0"
2.5cm
Front top .75"
1.9cm
90°
Rear top .375"
.953cm
90°
Floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
M35: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 192gal
727L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M35: 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
M35: 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
M35: Performance
Max level road speed 30mph
48kph
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~160mi, roads
~260km, roads

Similar to the full-track prime movers M33 and M34, the M35 was an interim conversion to produce prime movers for the 240mm howitzer and 8" gun until the 38-ton high-speed tractor M6 could enter service. The turret and armament were removed from 3" gun motor carriages M10A1, and four crew seats were installed in each former fighting compartment. The rear towing pintle was replaced by one similar to that found on the tank recovery vehicle M32, and a second pintle was added to the final drive and differential cover. An air compressor was installed with lines routed to the front and rear to enable activation of trailers' air brakes. Also, electrical connections for trailers' stop and taillights were mounted at the rear.

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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. Crismon, Fred W. U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992.
  4. Chamberlain, Peter, and Chris Ellis. British and American Tanks of World War Two. Frome, England: Cassell & Co., 2000.
Last updated 11 Apr 2023.
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