Meet the 203 mm M55 self-propelled howitzer, coming to the game for the USA, Germany, China, Italy and France!
M55: A Tank Destroyer for the USA, Germany, China, Italy and France at Rank III |
At a glance:
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Vehicle History
Development of the 203.2 mm M55 self-propelled howitzer began in 1948, when Pacific Car & Foundry received a contract to produce a new self-propelled artillery piece as part of the U.S. Army rearmament program. Built on a chassis with a front-mounted engine and transmission, two prototypes were created: one mounting a 155 mm gun and the other a 203.2 mm howitzer.
The first prototype was completed in July 1952 and soon entered serial production as the M55. However, even after deliveries began, the design required further improvements. In total, 550 M55 units were produced. They served with the U.S. Army until the 1960s, later being exported to allies, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Turkey.
Introducing the M55!
Say hello to the M55 self-propelled howitzer, coming to Rank III for five nations at once: the USA, Germany, China, Italy and France! The firepower of this monster is almost unmatched, so let’s take a closer look!
The M55 is armed with the 203.2 mm (8-inch) M47 howitzer, a rifled gun offering excellent ballistics for a weapon of its size. It fires only one type of round, the staggeringly heavy M106 HE shell, weighing in at 104 kg! The size and weight of this projectile limits the total capacity to only 10 shells, which really isn’t too many. A well trained crew will be able to reload in just under 30 seconds. While it may not look like it, the M55 is turreted, and while it can’t traverse around completely it can still manage 30 degrees to the left and right.
Using a redesigned chassis and new tracks, the M55 shares several components with the M47 tank. Despite its size, the M55 is actually lighter than the M47, and can reach a higher top speed of 56 km/h. That said, this vehicle is poorly suited for frontline fighting, its armor is thin and only just bulletproof. The front-mounted engine and transmission may occasionally absorb hits into the hull, but as the turret is packed with crew and ammunition, any penetration here is usually fatal.
Due to the thin armor and long reload, the M55 is a vehicle that relies on support to work effectively, helping the team behind the frontline by supplying devastating supporting fire from a safer position. The benefit of a cannon this size is that accuracy doesn’t need to be perfect, as long as the shell connects it will more than likely be game over for your target!
That’s it for this one! Look out for this new addition coming to several nations in the next major update Tusk Force. Stay tuned for more dev blogs, as we have many more new additions to show you!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.