The story begins with the tests conducted by the US Army in the 1930s to evaluate the performance of the half-track concept. \n<\/p> \n \n
The first standardized series M2 and M3, the M3 with a slightly longer body, resulted from these tests. 41,000 will be produced starting in 1941 by Autocar, Diamond T and White. The M2A1 and M3A3 versions were equipped with a machine gun ring. The majority of these half-tracks were equipped as \u201cSelf-Propelled Artillery\u201d with 105mm Howitzer or gun. \n<\/p> \n \n
The M3 will be the basic design for the series M15 GMCM (Combination Gun Motor Carriage) and M16 MGMC (Multiple Gun Motor Carriage). \n<\/p> \n \n
The M16, dubbed \u201cmeat chopper\u201d , was ruthlessly efficient to shoot down low-flying aircraft with its turret Maxson M45 Quadramont equipped with four 0.50\u2033(12.7mm)Browning machine gun. \n<\/p> \n \n
The White company is in turn rooted in a family story and steam engines. In 1898 Thomas H. White bought a steam traction engine on which he found the boiler unreliable. His son Rollin H. White patented a new design while his brothers Walter and Windsor joined in by providing talented management and sales organization, beginning a great industrial adventure. \n \n<\/p> \n \n
White 160AX engine, in line 6-cylinder side-valve, gasoline, 385 cu in (6.3 liter), 147 hp<\/p> \n \n
Speed: 45 mph (72 km\/ h)<\/p> \n \n
Weight: 21,000 lbs (9.4 t)<\/p> \n \n
5,700 units produced<\/p> \n\n\t\t\t