This edition does not feature the World of Tanks bonus and invitation codes. Purchase ISBN 9781635617610 instead.

Featuring hundreds of photos from the national archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Firepower remains the definitive developmental history of the heavy tank for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.
This ambitious entry in R.P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the heavy tanks from its initial conception in World War I to its final development in the 1960s. First developed after WWI, various iterations of the heavy armored military vehicle have served as a crucial component of American military operations in all manner of engagements.
Hunnicutt spares no detail as he examines the origins and deployment of the Mark VIII and TI and M6 in the 1930s and 1940s. First conceived as a vehicle to be used for infantry support, by the end of WWI, the heavy tank had evolved into the modern concept with a powerful turret mounted antitank gun protected by heavy armor--a fighting machine in its own right.
Hunnicutt provides detailed technical information about these vehicles and their role in the U.S. Army and Marines. The M103A product-improved descendant of the T43 tanks and its many variations is also treated with exacting detail by Hunnicutt, who takes us through the numerous and important variations on the heavy tank design.
Spanning the history of America's most widely used main battle tank, Hunnicutt's Firepower is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in the history of the American military.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625).

This installment in R. P. Hunnicutt's ambitious 10-volume series on the history of American tanks covers the development of the American main battle tank from its conception in the 1950s through the production and standardization of the M1 Abrams main battle tank. In the 50s, as the M48 Patton was gearing up for production, there was a great deal of interest in developing new design concepts for future armored fighting vehicles; many of these ideas made up the early foundations of the tank that would become the M1 Abrams 30 years later.

This was a very fertile and productive period for combat vehicle development and Hunnicutt covers nearly every detail of it with his trademark precision and diligence. Many of the wildly radical design concepts considered in the 50s and 60s proved to be impractical, but a number went on to be applied with great success to the Patton and its product-improved M60 series. In fact, the M60 was used as an interim tank pending the development of a standardized main battle tank.

The project was eventually reoriented as an effort to design an effective tank at a specified, reasonable cost. After competing for the contract against GM, Chrysler set out to design the tank that was designated as the XM1. This is the design that became standardized as the M1 Abrams, and was introduced to troop service in 1981. It has since been improved with more powerful armaments and tougher armor as the 120mm gun tank M1A1. Hunnicutt meticulously traces the entire span of the M1's development with the keen, detail-oriented eye that has made him a renowned figure in the world of military history.

Boasting dozens of photographs, line drawings, and figures, in addition to Hunnicutt's painstakingly thorough research, Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank is a must-have for anyone with a profound interest in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

In Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank, R. P. Hunnicutt provides the comprehensive history of the technological evolution that led to the production of Sherman M4 in 1942 and its development, variants, and modifications.

Although the Sherman was part of the US pre-war development program, its adaptability to conditions on the front led to extensive British innovations drawn from battle experience. As WWII raged on, these modifications transformed the Sherman into a highly specialized workhorse of the Anglo-American armored forces. Taking full advantage of the ease with which the Sherman absorbed modifications, British forces adapted Shermans as minesweepers, amphibious assault float tanks, bulldozers, flame throwers, CDL tanks for nighttime attacks, carriages for tank destroyers and self-propelled artillery, among other uses.

The Sherman, the epitome of American prowess in mass production, played an integral role in infantry support and fought in every major theater of operation in WWII. Due to its reliability, adaptability, and sheer strength in numbers, the Sherman M4 served with unmatched longevity, and Hunnicutt touches upon the wide range of combat conditions that the M4 performed under, in addition to its post-WWII activity.

Featuring over a thousand photos from the National Archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Sherman remains the definitive history of M4 for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.

1,368 black & white photos, 12 color plates

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

In Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank, R. P. Hunnicutt provides the comprehensive history of the technological evolution that led to the production of Sherman M4 in 1942 and its development, variants, and modifications.

Although the Sherman was part of the US pre-war development program, its adaptability to conditions on the front led to extensive British innovations drawn from battle experience. As WWII raged on, these modifications transformed the Sherman into a highly specialized workhorse of the Anglo-American armored forces. Taking full advantage of the ease with which the Sherman absorbed modifications, British forces adapted Shermans as minesweepers, amphibious assault float tanks, bulldozers, flame throwers, CDL tanks for nighttime attacks, carriages for tank destroyers and self-propelled artillery, among other uses.

The Sherman, the epitome of American prowess in mass production, played an integral role in infantry support and fought in every major theater of operation in WWII. Due to its reliability, adaptability, and sheer strength in numbers, the Sherman M4 served with unmatched longevity, and Hunnicutt touches upon the wide range of combat conditions that the M4 performed under, in addition to its post-WWII activity.

Featuring over a thousand photos from the National Archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Sherman remains the definitive history of M4 for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.

1,368 black & white photos, 12 color plates

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This comprehensive entry in R. P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the T20 series of American tank prototypes ending with the standardized M26 Pershing. Although M4 Medium Tank Sherman proved itself by contributing mightily to U.S. Armored divisions in WWII, it was eventually outclassed by some later German armored vehicles. Furthermore, due to its prewar development, the Sherman was designed using components developed on a shoestring budget. In an effort to address these shortcomings and to take advantage of lessons learned on the battlefield, a program was launched in the spring of 1942 to develop an improved tank. This program resulted in the T20 series of tanks, which included a number of experimental prototypes that capitalized on advances made in engineering in the years since the design of the Sherman.

True to form, Hunnicutt spares no detail in his blow-by-blow history of the T20 series. The original T20 concept was expansive, beginning with investigations into a wide range of power trains, armaments, and suspensions. Hunnicutt carefully details each of the prototypes produced over the three years of development. Each experimental tank is illustrated with photographs and figures. The T20 series concluded with the deployment of the T26E3 General Pershing in the closing months of the European War. A number of Pershing tanks played a dramatic role in the 9th Armored Division's struggle to take the Ludendorff Bridge at the Battle of Remagen. After this baptism by fire, the Pershing was standardized as the M26 in late March, 1945.

The Pershing tank served as the Army's first line tank during the immediate postwar period and played a major part in the first year of the Korean War, although it revealed itself to be poorly suited for use on Korea's muddy and hilly terrain.

With detailed diagrams and photographs, along with an extensive collection of reference data, Hunnicutt's Pershing is absolute must-have for anyone with a keen interest in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This installment in R. P. Hunnicutt's ambitious 10-volume series on the history of American tanks covers the development of the American main battle tank from its conception in the 1950s through the production and standardization of the M1 Abrams main battle tank. In the 50s, as the M48 Patton was gearing up for production, there was a great deal of interest in developing new design concepts for future armored fighting vehicles; many of these ideas made up the early foundations of the tank that would become the M1 Abrams 30 years later.

This was a very fertile and productive period for combat vehicle development and Hunnicutt covers nearly every detail of it with his trademark precision and diligence. Many of the wildly radical design concepts considered in the 50s and 60s proved to be impractical, but a number went on to be applied with great success to the Patton and its product-improved M60 series. In fact, the M60 was used as an interim tank pending the development of a standardized main battle tank.

The project was eventually reoriented as an effort to design an effective tank at a specified, reasonable cost. After competing for the contract against GM, Chrysler set out to design the tank that was designated as the XM1. This is the design that became standardized as the M1 Abrams, and was introduced to troop service in 1981. It has since been improved with more powerful armaments and tougher armor as the 120mm gun tank M1A1. Hunnicutt meticulously traces the entire span of the M1's development with the keen, detail-oriented eye that has made him a renowned figure in the world of military history.

Boasting dozens of photographs, line drawings, and figures, in addition to Hunnicutt's painstakingly thorough research, Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank is a must-have for anyone with a profound interest in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This edition does not feature the World of Tanks bonus and invitation codes. Purchase ISBN 9781635619713 instead.

Featuring hundreds of photos from the national archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Firepower remains the definitive developmental history of the heavy tank for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.
This ambitious entry in R.P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the heavy tanks from its initial conception in World War I to its final development in the 1960s. First developed after WWI, various iterations of the heavy armored military vehicle have served as a crucial component of American military operations in all manner of engagements.
Hunnicutt spares no detail as he examines the origins and deployment of the Mark VIII and TI and M6 in the 1930s and 1940s. First conceived as a vehicle to be used for infantry support, by the end of WWI, the heavy tank had evolved into the modern concept with a powerful turret mounted antitank gun protected by heavy armor--a fighting machine in its own right.
Hunnicutt provides detailed technical information about these vehicles and their role in the U.S. Army and Marines. The M103A product-improved descendant of the T43 tanks and its many variations is also treated with exacting detail by Hunnicutt, who takes us through the numerous and important variations on the heavy tank design.
Spanning the history of America's most widely used main battle tank, Hunnicutt's Firepower is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in the history of the American military.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038), Firepower (ISBN: FIREPOWER_WOT), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038), Firepower (ISBN: FIREPOWER_WOT).

Featuring over a thousand photos from the National Archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Half-Track remains the definitive development history of half-track vehicles for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.

In this ambitious work, Hunnicutt details the developmental history of half-tracks, examining its modifications and effectiveness. Products of a pre-war development program, half-track vehicles served in all theaters of operation from the first to the final days of WWII, and many models remained active long after the Korean War. The armored half-track was one of few vehicles available to equip the new divisions being formed just prior to WWII.

Part I traces the early development beginning with the slow half-track of WWI to the faster vehicles developed after the evaluation of the French Citroen-Kegresse P17 in 1931. These vehicles were unarmored half-track cars and trucks intended for use as prime movers and reconnaissance vehicles.

In 1938, the half-track suspension was installed on the M2A1 scout car, and the converted vehicle became the half-track personnel carrier T7. This was the first armored half-track, but tests showed that it was underpowered. Based upon the experience with the T7, a new vehicle was designed in 1939 and designated as the half-track scout car T14. Using the half-track suspension from the T7 and a more powerful engine, it became the prototype for all of the half-tracks produced during WWII.

In Part II, the development and production of half-tracks during WWII is described showing the many roles for which it was adapted. In addition to the original armored scout car, the basic chassis was adapted as a personnel carrier, mortar carrier, tank destroyer, self-propelled artillery, and other specialized applications. Some of these vehicles were temporary expedients, but others were so successful that they remained in use until long after WWII.

Part III briefly describes some half-track operations during WWII and Korea. However, it is not intended to be an operational history, but to illustrate the effectiveness of the half-track in active service. The characteristics of the various half-track vehicles and the weapons with which some of them were armed are tabulated in the data sheets in Part IV.

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This ambitious entry in R.P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the Patton tanks, including the M60 series as well as other vehicles based on the tank chassis or employing other elements of the tank's design. First developed in the period between WWII and the Korean War, various iterations of the Patton armored military vehicle have served as a crucial component of American military operations in all manner of engagements.

Hunnicutt spares no detail as he examines the origins and deployment of the M46 and M47 in the early days of the Cold War and for the duration of the Korean War. As the conflict escalated, increasing numbers of Patton tanks were deployed in Korea and many remained after the armistice to protect the tenuous agreement.

Developed to replace the M47 Patton and M4 Sherman, the M48 Patton main battle tank boasted a variety of technical improvements and was relied upon heavily throughout the Vietnam War, with over 600 individual tanks deployed alongside U.S. forces during the war. Hunnicutt provides detailed technical information about these vehicles and their role in the U.S. Army and Marines. The M60 product-improved descendant of the Patton tanks and its many variations is also treated with exacting detail by Hunnicutt, who takes us through the numerous and important variations on the Patton design.

Spanning the history of America's most widely used main battle tank, Hunnicutt's Patton is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in the history of the American military.

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

Featuring hundreds of photos from the national archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Patton remains the definitive developmental history of Patton tanks for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.

This ambitious entry in R.P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the Patton tanks, including the M60 series as well as other vehicles based on the tank chassis or employing other elements of the tank's design. First developed in the period between WWII and the Korean War, various iterations of the Patton armored military vehicle have served as a crucial component of American military operations in all manner of engagements.

Hunnicutt spares no detail as he examines the origins and deployment of the M46 and M47 in the early days of the Cold War and for the duration of the Korean War. As the conflict escalated, increasing numbers of Patton tanks were deployed in Korea and many remained after the armistice to protect the tenuous agreement.

Developed to replace the M47 Patton and M4 Sherman, the M48 Patton main battle tank boasted a variety of technical improvements and was relied upon heavily throughout the Vietnam War, with over 600 individual tanks deployed alongside U.S. forces during the war. Hunnicutt provides detailed technical information about these vehicles and their role in the U.S. Army and Marines. The M60 product-improved descendant of the Patton tanks and its many variations is also treated with exacting detail by Hunnicutt, who takes us through the numerous and important variations on the Patton design.

Spanning the history of America's most widely used main battle tank, Hunnicutt's Patton is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in the history of the American military.

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This comprehensive entry in R. P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the T20 series of American tank prototypes ending with the standardized M26 Pershing. Although M4 Medium Tank Sherman proved itself by contributing mightily to U.S. Armored divisions in WWII, it was eventually outclassed by some later German armored vehicles. Furthermore, due to its prewar development, the Sherman was designed using components developed on a shoestring budget. In an effort to address these shortcomings and to take advantage of lessons learned on the battlefield, a program was launched in the spring of 1942 to develop an improved tank. This program resulted in the T20 series of tanks, which included a number of experimental prototypes that capitalized on advances made in engineering in the years since the design of the Sherman.

True to form, Hunnicutt spares no detail in his blow-by-blow history of the T20 series. The original T20 concept was expansive, beginning with investigations into a wide range of power trains, armaments, and suspensions. Hunnicutt carefully details each of the prototypes produced over the three years of development. Each experimental tank is illustrated with photographs and figures. The T20 series concluded with the deployment of the T26E3 General Pershing in the closing months of the European War. A number of Pershing tanks played a dramatic role in the 9th Armored Division's struggle to take the Ludendorff Bridge at the Battle of Remagen. After this baptism by fire, the Pershing was standardized as the M26 in late March, 1945.

The Pershing tank served as the Army's first line tank during the immediate postwar period and played a major part in the first year of the Korean War, although it revealed itself to be poorly suited for use on Korea's muddy and hilly terrain.

With detailed diagrams and photographs, along with an extensive collection of reference data, Hunnicutt's Pershing is absolute must-have for anyone with a keen interest in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

In Stuart: A History of the American Light Tank (Vol. I), Richard Hunnicutt outlines the development history of the American light tank and its associated self-propelled guns and support vehicles.

Beginning with the modification of the French Renault in the midst of WWI, Stuart covers all pre-Stuart vehicles active during WWI in addition to light tank models and variations active during WWII, with emphasis on the wartime development of M3, M5, and M24 series of light tanks. A few other vehicles that are not technically light tanks, such as the M18 and LVT, also receive attention here as they share a number of key characteristics with the Stuart. In this comprehensive history, Hunnicutt also touches on postwar modifications and service of vehicles developed during WWII.

In addition to detailing nearly all aspects of technical data and specifications, Stuart features images on nearly every page: photographs, full-color plates, line drawings, and cutaway diagrams, many of which are rare interior shots and diagrams from technical manuals. While Hunnicutt leaves the writing of the complete combat history of the Stuart to those who manned them in battle, he includes some of the Stuart's actions to demonstrate its uses in combat and attributes, both positive and negative.

The definitive reference tome for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer, Stuart remains the most comprehensive history on the American light tank's development from its beginnings through WWII.

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This installation in R. P. Huunnicutt's legendary 10-volume history of American tanks and armored vehicles provides a detailed survey of the American light tank's developmental history, culminating with the M551 Sheridan AR/AAV and the vehicles based on its design. In the period directly after WWII, the Army became interested in developing a light tank. Hunnicutt begins by detailing the program that eventually produced the M41 series of 76mm gun tanks that were designed to fulfill this interest. At 25 tons, the M4 was considered to be too heavy in spite of its popularity with the troops that operated it.

Programs developed in an effort to produce a lighter-weight tank resulted in the T71 and T92 tanks, both of which retained the 76mm gun and weighed in at about 17 tons. However, once it was discovered that Soviet tanks of the same caliber were amphibious, the T92 was scrapped to redirect design efforts to an amphibious light tank. This new program produced the XM551 Sheridan, no longer designated as a tank but rather as an armored reconnaissance/airborne assault vehicle, or AR/AAV for short.

An extremely complex design, the M551 Sheridan AR/AAV was plagued by problems with its weapons system in its early stages. The vehicle required a great deal of frequent maintenance which made it unpopular with troops regardless of the fact that it provided a wide range of services. It was phased out of service in the late 1970s. Part III of this book covers the development of a future replacement for the Sheridan. Part IV covers several other light tracked combat vehicles.

Boasting dozens of detailed illustrations, line drawings and photographs, as well as the depth, precision, and nuance for which R. P. Hunnicutt's books are renowned, Sheridan: A History of the American Light Tank is a must-have for anyone with a keen interest in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This entry in R. P. Hunnicutt's unrivaled 10-volume history of American armored fighting vehicles focuses on the spectrum of armored personnel carriers with a focus on the Bradley fighting vehicle (BFV). Operations in WWII indicated a need for an armored vehicle with improved protection and reliable mobility for transporting soldiers in and out of battle. To address this need, development began on full-tracked armored personnel carriers with overhead protection before WWII came to a close. Development continued into the postwar period. One result of this program was the M59 armored infantry vehicle, which was pioneered as a low-production-cost vehicle and had the added benefit of being amphibious, a quality that became required in all armored personnel carriers that succeeded it.

In his trademark style, Hunnicutt surveys the development of each armored personnel carrier since the end of WWII, illustrating his detailed history with line drawings and photographs. He covers the development of the M113, which was employed successfully in Vietnam and served as the basis for a family of vehicles ranging from armored combat vehicles to unarmored cargo carriers. The success of the M113 as a fighting vehicle gave rise to the development of the Bradley fighting vehicle, which was intended for use by both infantry and cavalry units.

With all the detail and precision readers have come to expect from R. P. Hunnicutt's histories of American armored vehicles, Bradley is the definitive work on the history of American fighting and support vehicles. An absolute must-have for anyone interested in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

The armored car has played a major role in American military operations since the relatively early days of the 20th Century. In 1989 Col. Royal P. Davidson arranged for the installation of a .30 caliber Colt machine gun on a Duryea light three-wheeled car. In doing so, he jump-started the development and production of armored fighting vehicles that have served in the American military ever since. Although the very first armored cars were merely outfitted with a gunshield, they were soon fully protected by armor plating.

In this installment of R. P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume series on the history of American armored vehicles he details their early development through WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Beginning with the development of armored cars on American soil at the outbreak of WWI-although none were ever shipped overseas-Hunnicutt goes on to describe the production of armored cars based on commercial car and truck chassis in the 1920s. These vehicles eventually reached limited production as the armored car M4.

With detailed drawings and photographs to illustrate the history, Hunnicutt describes the development of the armored car T3, which was also designated as scout car T1. The development of these lightweight scout cars, which met the needs of the cavalry, made the armored car unnecessary by 1937. Although production of armored cars stopped for the American military, American development continued on armored cars intended for British use.

However, in 1942 as the Palmer Board decided to limit the weight of reconnaissance vehicles, the light armored car T22E2 was standardized as the M8 and put into production. The M8 and a variation, the M20, served in the U.S. Army until after the Korean War, with new models developed for use in Vietnam.

Spanning the history of American wheeled combat vehicles, Hunnicutt's Armored Car is a must have for anyone with a keen interest in the history of American military operations and equipment.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This entry in R. P. Hunnicutt's unrivaled 10-volume history of American armored fighting vehicles focuses on the spectrum of armored personnel carriers with a focus on the Bradley fighting vehicle (BFV). Operations in WWII indicated a need for an armored vehicle with improved protection and reliable mobility for transporting soldiers in and out of battle. To address this need, development began on full-tracked armored personnel carriers with overhead protection before WWII came to a close. Development continued into the postwar period. One result of this program was the M59 armored infantry vehicle, which was pioneered as a low-production-cost vehicle and had the added benefit of being amphibious, a quality that became required in all armored personnel carriers that succeeded it.

In his trademark style, Hunnicutt surveys the development of each armored personnel carrier since the end of WWII, illustrating his detailed history with line drawings and photographs. He covers the development of the M113, which was employed successfully in Vietnam and served as the basis for a family of vehicles ranging from armored combat vehicles to unarmored cargo carriers. The success of the M113 as a fighting vehicle gave rise to the development of the Bradley fighting vehicle, which was intended for use by both infantry and cavalry units.

With all the detail and precision readers have come to expect from R. P. Hunnicutt's histories of American armored vehicles, Bradley is the definitive work on the history of American fighting and support vehicles. An absolute must-have for anyone interested in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

The armored car has played a major role in American military operations since the relatively early days of the 20th Century. In 1989 Col. Royal P. Davidson arranged for the installation of a .30 caliber Colt machine gun on a Duryea light three-wheeled car. In doing so, he jump-started the development and production of armored fighting vehicles that have served in the American military ever since. Although the very first armored cars were merely outfitted with a gunshield, they were soon fully protected by armor plating.

In this installment of R. P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume series on the history of American armored vehicles he details their early development through WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Beginning with the development of armored cars on American soil at the outbreak of WWI-although none were ever shipped overseas-Hunnicutt goes on to describe the production of armored cars based on commercial car and truck chassis in the 1920s. These vehicles eventually reached limited production as the armored car M4.

With detailed drawings and photographs to illustrate the history, Hunnicutt describes the development of the armored car T3, which was also designated as scout car T1. The development of these lightweight scout cars, which met the needs of the cavalry, made the armored car unnecessary by 1937. Although production of armored cars stopped for the American military, American development continued on armored cars intended for British use.

However, in 1942 as the Palmer Board decided to limit the weight of reconnaissance vehicles, the light armored car T22E2 was standardized as the M8 and put into production. The M8 and a variation, the M20, served in the U.S. Army until after the Korean War, with new models developed for use in Vietnam.

Spanning the history of American wheeled combat vehicles, Hunnicutt's Armored Car is a must have for anyone with a keen interest in the history of American military operations and equipment.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

This installation in R. P. Huunnicutt's legendary 10-volume history of American tanks and armored vehicles provides a detailed survey of the American light tank's developmental history, culminating with the M551 Sheridan AR/AAV and the vehicles based on its design. In the period directly after WWII, the Army became interested in developing a light tank. Hunnicutt begins by detailing the program that eventually produced the M41 series of 76mm gun tanks that were designed to fulfill this interest. At 25 tons, the M4 was considered to be too heavy in spite of its popularity with the troops that operated it.

Programs developed in an effort to produce a lighter-weight tank resulted in the T71 and T92 tanks, both of which retained the 76mm gun and weighed in at about 17 tons. However, once it was discovered that Soviet tanks of the same caliber were amphibious, the T92 was scrapped to redirect design efforts to an amphibious light tank. This new program produced the XM551 Sheridan, no longer designated as a tank but rather as an armored reconnaissance/airborne assault vehicle, or AR/AAV for short.

An extremely complex design, the M551 Sheridan AR/AAV was plagued by problems with its weapons system in its early stages. The vehicle required a great deal of frequent maintenance which made it unpopular with troops regardless of the fact that it provided a wide range of services. It was phased out of service in the late 1970s. Part III of this book covers the development of a future replacement for the Sheridan. Part IV covers several other light tracked combat vehicles.

Boasting dozens of detailed illustrations, line drawings and photographs, as well as the depth, precision, and nuance for which R. P. Hunnicutt's books are renowned, Sheridan: A History of the American Light Tank is a must-have for anyone with a keen interest in American military history.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

Featuring over a thousand photos from the National Archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, Hunnicutt's Half-Track remains the definitive development history of half-track vehicles for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer.

In this ambitious work, Hunnicutt details the developmental history of half-tracks, examining its modifications and effectiveness. Products of a pre-war development program, half-track vehicles served in all theaters of operation from the first to the final days of WWII, and many models remained active long after the Korean War. The armored half-track was one of few vehicles available to equip the new divisions being formed just prior to WWII.

Part I traces the early development beginning with the slow half-track of WWI to the faster vehicles developed after the evaluation of the French Citroen-Kegresse P17 in 1931. These vehicles were unarmored half-track cars and trucks intended for use as prime movers and reconnaissance vehicles.

In 1938, the half-track suspension was installed on the M2A1 scout car, and the converted vehicle became the half-track personnel carrier T7. This was the first armored half-track, but tests showed that it was underpowered. Based upon the experience with the T7, a new vehicle was designed in 1939 and designated as the half-track scout car T14. Using the half-track suspension from the T7 and a more powerful engine, it became the prototype for all of the half-tracks produced during WWII.

In Part II, the development and production of half-tracks during WWII is described showing the many roles for which it was adapted. In addition to the original armored scout car, the basic chassis was adapted as a personnel carrier, mortar carrier, tank destroyer, self-propelled artillery, and other specialized applications. Some of these vehicles were temporary expedients, but others were so successful that they remained in use until long after WWII.

Part III briefly describes some half-track operations during WWII and Korea. However, it is not intended to be an operational history, but to illustrate the effectiveness of the half-track in active service. The characteristics of the various half-track vehicles and the weapons with which some of them were armed are tabulated in the data sheets in Part IV.

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Stuart (History of the American Light Tank, Vol. 1) (ISBN: 1626548625), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).

In Stuart: A History of the American Light Tank (Vol. I), Richard Hunnicutt outlines the development history of the American light tank and its associated self-propelled guns and support vehicles.

Beginning with the modification of the French Renault in the midst of WWI, Stuart covers all pre-Stuart vehicles active during WWI in addition to light tank models and variations active during WWII, with emphasis on the wartime development of M3, M5, and M24 series of light tanks. A few other vehicles that are not technically light tanks, such as the M18 and LVT, also receive attention here as they share a number of key characteristics with the Stuart. In this comprehensive history, Hunnicutt also touches on postwar modifications and service of vehicles developed during WWII.

In addition to detailing nearly all aspects of technical data and specifications, Stuart features images on nearly every page: photographs, full-color plates, line drawings, and cutaway diagrams, many of which are rare interior shots and diagrams from technical manuals. While Hunnicutt leaves the writing of the complete combat history of the Stuart to those who manned them in battle, he includes some of the Stuart's actions to demonstrate its uses in combat and attributes, both positive and negative.

The definitive reference tome for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer, Stuart remains the most comprehensive history on the American light tank's development from its beginnings through WWII.

Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY.

Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 1626542554), Armored Car (ISBN: 1626541558), Bradley (ISBN: 162654252X), Half-Track (ISBN: 1626541329), Patton (ISBN: 162654879X), Pershing (ISBN: 1626541671), Sheridan (ISBN: 162654154X), Sherman (ISBN: 1626548617), Firepower (ISBN: 1635615038).