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Armoured cars - USA: books - history and technology

A book on American armoured cars? Here are books on the history, technology and deployment of the M8 Greyhound, Cadillac Gage V100 Commando, LAV-25 and Stryker.


Armored Car - A History of American Wheeled Combat Vehicles

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.

Author:Richard Pierce Hunnicutt
Specs:344 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 2.7 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 1.06 in, hardback
Illustrations:numerous b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Echo Point Books & Media (USA, 2015)
EAN:9781626542549
Book: Armored Car - A History of American Wheeled Combat Vehicles

Armored Car - A History of American Wheeled Combat Vehicles

Language: English

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American Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles (Images of War)

Numerous wheeled armoured fighting vehicles have seen service in the US armed forces on and off for over 80 years.
There have been various changes of policy and twice, after the Second World War and Vietnam, they went out of favour but their use is now well established.

This well researched and superbly illustrated book describes all the different types and variants since the first M1 was ordered in 1931. The M8 armoured car was widely used during World War Two but it was not until Vietnam that further wheeled AFVs came into service, notably the M706 armoured car.

After a lull the US Marine Corps adopted the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) in 1983. The US Army first used armoured Humvees in 1994 and variants remain in service (M1141 and M1116).
Other types today include the Guardian (M1117) and the Army version of the LAV names the 'Stryker'. To meet the operational requirements of Iraq and Afghanistan the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP) was ordered in bulk from 2007.

Author:Michael Green
Specs:192 pages, 24.5 x 19 cm / 9.7 x 7.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:250 b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:Images of War
EAN:9781473854369
Book: American Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles (Images of War)

American Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Language: English

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Early US Armor - Armored Cars 1915-1940 (Osprey)

The first American armoured cars began to emerge around the turn of the century, seeing their first military use in 1916 during the Punitive Expedition against Pancho Villa.
When the United States entered World War I, the American Expeditionary Forces used some armoured cars in France, and American armoured cars were used by the French Army. The inter-war years saw considerable innovation and experimentation in armoured car design.

Of the 1930s scout car designs, the M3A1 scout car was good enough to be produced in very large numbers in World War II, and was widely exported to many other armies via Lend-Lease. It also served as the basis for the late M2 and M3 armoured half-tracks.

In this study, using detailed full colour plates and rigorous analysis, US armour expert Steven J. Zaloga chronicles the development of the US armoured car in the years leading up to World War II.

Author:Steven J. Zaloga
Specs:48 pages, 25 x 18.5 x 0.8 cm / 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2018)
Series:New Vanguard (254)
EAN:9781472825148
Book: Early US Armor - Armored Cars 1915-1940 (Osprey)

Early US Armor - Armored Cars 1915-1940

Language: English

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M3A1 Scout Car - The US Cavalry's Primary Reconnaissance Vehicle in World War II (Legends of Warfare)

The M3A1 Scout Car, produced by White Motor Company of Cleveland, Ohio, served as the US Cavalry's primary scouting and reconnaissance vehicle during the early days of the US entry into WWII. A powerful Hercules engine, four-wheel drive, and relatively light weight gave the vehicle both impressive on-road speed and reasonable off-road maneuverability.

Typically armed with a trio of heavy and light machine guns, the vehicle was not intended to "slug it out" with the enemy, but rather to locate the enemy and, through its impressive array of radio equipment, report the positions to more heavily armed forces.

Through dozens of archival photos, including previously unpublished images, as well as details of some of the finest existing examples, this iconic vehicle is explored and its history is explained. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Author:David Doyle
Specs:112 pages, 23 x 23 cm / 9.1 x 9.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:200+ b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2019)
Series:Legends of Warfare
EAN:9780764356612
Book: M3A1 Scout Car - The US Cavalry's Primary Reconnaissance Vehicle in World War II (Legends of Warfare)

M3A1 Scout Car - The US Cavalry's Primary Reconnaissance Vehicle in World War II

Language: English

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M3 / M3A1 Scout Car and M2 Mortar Motor Carriage - Technical Manual (TM 9-705)

Designed and built by the White Motor Company, the M3 Scout Car saw service as a command vehicle, ambulance, gun tractor and patrol and scout vehicle during WWII. Over 21, 000 were built between 1937 and 1944 - the vast majority of them the M3A1 variant, which had a longer and wider hull than the original production vehicles.

Both the M3 and M3A1 had a six cylinder gas engine (a diesel variant M3A1E1 was produced for a short time), and could carry up to seven men at a top speed of 55-65 mph depending on configuration. Both had a radiator protected by an armored shutter, and a shatter-proof windshield.
The M3A1 also carried a front-mounted roller to prevent it from bogging down on muddy ground, and could carry three machine guns (two .30 calibers and one .50) on a hull-mounted skate rail. The M3A1 saw service in the Pacific, North Africa and Europe, with over 3, 000 handed to the Soviet Union via lend-lease.
While it performed admirably enough in the field the open top design, light armament and poor off-road characteristics led most Army units to replace it with the M8 armored car and M20 utility car by 1944.

Originally produced in 1941, this technical manual TM 9-705 was standard issue to M3, M3A1, and M2 crews. Originally restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form.

Author:U.S. Army War Department
Specs:230 pages, 20.5 x 12.5 cm / 8.1 x 4.9 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photographs and drawings
Publisher:Periscope Film (USA, 2012)
EAN:9781937684716
Book: M3 / M3A1 Scout Car and M2 Mortar Motor Carriage - Technical Manual (TM 9-705)

M3 / M3A1 Scout Car and M2 Mortar Motor Carriage - Technical Manual (TM 9-705)

Language: English

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Ford M8 and M20 - The US Army's Standard Armored Car of WWII (Legends of Warfare)

Developed to provide the US military with a fast-moving reconnaissance vehicle sufficiently armed to knock out WWII-era armored vehicles, the M8 Armored Car and its sibling, the M20 Armored Utility Vehicles, were the most widely used armored vehicles built by Ford.
These vehicles saw use with the US Army as well as Allied nations during WWII and well into the 1960s.

This book chronicles the development and use of the vehicle from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of these vehicles, this iconic tank is explored, and its history is explained.

Author:David Doyle
Specs:128 pages, 23 x 23 cm / 9.1 x 9.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:216 b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2020)
Series:Legends of Warfare
EAN:9780764361432
Book: Ford M8 and M20 - The US Army's Standard Armored Car of WWII (Legends of Warfare)

Ford M8 and M20 - The US Army's Standard Armored Car of WWII

Language: English

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U.S. Army Ford M8 and M20 Armored Cars

NEW

Explore the historical significance of the M8 and M20 armored cars in this meticulously researched book. Serving on both European and Pacific fronts during WWII, these vehicles played crucial roles in military operations.
The author delves into the intricacies of their development, drawing from archived notes of the officer responsible for coordinating the project. This insightful perspective reveals the challenges and complexities that led to a two-year timeline for delivery to the Army.

Enhanced by over 200 photographs, this book stands as a comprehensive reference for military modelers and vehicle enthusiasts alike. The visual documentation provides a detailed glimpse into the design, construction, and deployment of these armored cars.

Author:Didier Andres
Specs:160 pages, 25.5 x 19.5 x 1.3 cm / 10 x 7.7 x 0.51 in, hardback
Illustrations:200+ b&w photographs
Publisher:Casemate Books (GB, 2023)
EAN:9781636243108
Book: U.S. Army Ford M8 and M20 Armored Cars

U.S. Army Ford M8 and M20 Armored Cars

Language: English

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Les automitrailleuses Ford M8 & M20 de l'U.S. Army

Spécialement conçu comme véhicule de reconnaissance, le Ford Light Armored Car M8 est principalement destiné aux unités de la cavalerie mécanisée.
Avec 8 523 exemplaires construits, il va couvrir tous les besoins en ce domaine. Une seule variante sera produite sur base de sa mécanique : l'Armored Utility Car M20 dépourvue de canon, dont 3 791 unités sortiront des chaînes de production.
Lancé en 1941, le projet du nouveau véhicule de combat n'aboutira qu'en mars 1943, quand les premiers engins sont réceptionnés par l'armée.

Un officier de l'Ordnance Department, le lieutenant J.R. Murray, est chargé d'être le lien entre les diverses composantes de l'armée et les industriels. Tout au long du processus de création et de réalisation, il va rassembler avec ses notes, les rapports et courriers concernant ce projet bien particulier.
Ces quelque 1500 pages d'archives ont permis à l'auteur de retracer fidèlement le processus de création de ces engins, depuis la première ébauche jusqu'à la fin de la production en juin 1945.

Table des matières :
1. La genèse des light Armored Cars.
2. Car, armored, Light, M8.
3. Car, Armored, Utility, M20.
4. Les points communs.
5. Les principales dotations en Europe.
6. L'album photo.
Tableau annexe : livraison et destination des 159 véhicules test. Sources.

Author:Didier Andres
Specs:148 pages, 25 x 21 x 0.7 cm / 9.8 x 8.25 x 0.28 in, paperback
Illustrations:250 b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Histoire & Collections (F, 2022)
EAN:9791038012677
Book: Les automitrailleuses Ford M8 & M20 de l'U.S. Army

Les automitrailleuses Ford M8 & M20 de l'U.S. Army

Language: French

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M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1941-1991 (Osprey)

The M8 light armored car was the only significant wheeled combat vehicle used by the US Army in World War II. In conjunction with the lightly armed utility version, the M20, it was the staple of the army's cavalry squadrons for use in reconnaissance and scouting. First entering combat in Italy in 1943, it was widely used throughout the campaign in northwest Europe, though its off-road performance was found to be wanting.

This title describes the design and development of the M8, covering the many variants that were produced during World War II and afterwards, along with a comprehensive survey of its operational use.

Contents: Introduction - Light Tank Destroyer and M8 Development - M8 Derivatives - Into Service - The M8 Armored Car Described - The M8 Armored Car in Combat - The M8 in Lend-Lease Service - Postwar M8 Armored Car Use - Bibliography - Color Plate Commentary - Index.

Author:Steven J. Zaloga
Specs:48 pages, 25.5 x 18.5 x 0.4 cm / 10 x 7.3 x 0.16 in, paperback
Illustrations:photographs and drawings (in b&w and colour)
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2002)
Series:New Vanguard (53)
EAN:9781841764689
Book: M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1941-1991 (Osprey)

M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1941-1991

Language: English

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T17E1 Staghound Medium Armored Car - Technical manual (TM9-741)

The T17E1, better known as the Staghound, was an American armored car design produced during the Second World War. It never saw service with front line U.S. forces but was supplied, via the United Kingdom, to British and Commonwealth forces during the war.
A number of countries used the Staghound after the war, with some of the vehicles continuing to serve into the 1980s. Production started in October 1942, and approximately 4,000 Staghounds were built in total.

The Staghound was an innovative design that incorporated some cutting edge features. It had two rear-facing six-cylinder engines with automatic transmissions feeding through a transfer case to drive both axles. Either two-wheel or four-wheel drive could be selected. Also, either engine could be shut down while in motion and taken out of the drive train.
Additionally, a power steering pump was incorporated that could be switched on or off manually from the driver's instrument panel depending on steering conditions. Steering and suspension components were directly attached to the hull as the structure was rigid enough to dispense with the need for a separate chassis.

The Staghound first saw operational service in Italy, where many units found its large physical size too restrictive in the narrow roads and streets of Europe. It saw the most service at squadron and regimental headquarter level.
Originally labeled restricted, this technical manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Author:U.S. Army War Department
Specs:374 pages, 23 x 15 cm / 9.1 x 5.9 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photographs and drawings
Publisher:Periscope Film (USA, 2013)
EAN:9781937684402
Book: T17E1 Staghound Medium Armored Car - Technical manual (TM9-741)

T17E1 Staghound Medium Armored Car - Technical manual (TM9-741)

Language: English

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Cadillac Gage V100 Commando (Osprey)

Destined to become one of the most influential postwar armored cars, the V-100 Commando was developed by the Cadillac Gage Company in 1962 as a private venture, and the first prototype was completed in the same year. It was designed as a multi-purpose vehicle and could function as an 11-man personnel carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, convoy escort, command or patrol car and a riot vehicle.
The V-100 was tested and evaluated in Vietnam before full-scale production began in 1964. It saw widespread use in Vietnam by both US and South Vietnamese forces.

This title describes the design, development and operational use of the V-100 Commando, including their continued deployment around the world.

Contents: Research and development - V-100s in Vietnam - Tactics - Beyond Vietnam - Color plate commentary - Index.

Author:Richard Lathrop, John McDonald
Specs:48 pages, 24.5 x 18 x 0.4 cm / 9.7 x 7.1 x 0.16 in, paperback
Illustrations:photographs and drawings (in b&w and colour)
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2002)
Series:New Vanguard (52)
EAN:9781841764153
Book: Cadillac Gage V100 Commando (Osprey)

Cadillac Gage V100 Commando

Language: English

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LAV-25 - The Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle (Osprey)

The Light Armored Vehicle 25 (LAV-25) has played a significant role in transforming United States Marine Corps doctrine since its introduction in the early 1980s. The Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle program was based on the proven Swiss MOWAG Piranha series of 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 wheeled vehicles. However, developing organizational units, tactics, and employment of the weapon system within the force structure of the Marine Corps proved to be more of a challenge than fielding the weapon system. This resulted in multiple re-designations for LAV units within the Corps. The LAV first saw combat in Panama during Operation Just Cause and LAV-25s have fought in every major conflict since, including Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This book covers the design, development, and deployment of this continuingly successful vehicle.

Author:James D'Angina
Specs:48 pages, 24 x 18.5 x 0.3 cm / 9 x 7.3 x 0.12 in, paperback
Illustrations:photographs and drawings (in b&w and colour)
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2011)
Series:New Vanguard (185)
EAN:9781849086110
Book: LAV-25 - The Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle (Osprey)

LAV-25 - The Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle

Language: English

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Special Operations Patrol Vehicles - Afghanistan and Iraq (Osprey)

The patrol vehicles used by Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq vary quite dramatically between the theatres as well as amongst the Coalition members, and have been developed and upgraded to meet the demands of the deployment.

Covering all the major Coalition nations, Leigh Neville continues his look at the elite forces deployed in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, with this analysis of their vehicles.
Tracing the evolution of the vehicle types, from their historical precedents, through their designs to their operational developments, he discusses their advantages and disadvantages, along with their tactical employment.

From the mine-protected vehicles used to counter the IED threat in Iraq, the use of Strykers as armoured raiding platforms by the US Rangers, to the civilian vehicles adapted for military service by both Coalition troops and Private Military Contractors in the regions, this book uses rare in-theatre photographs and colour artwork to show the variety and inventiveness of the patrol vehicles being used in combat today.

Author:Leigh Neville
Specs:48 pages, 25 x 18.5 x 0.4 cm / 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.16 in, paperback
Illustrations:photographs and drawings (in b&w and colour)
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2011)
Series:New Vanguard (179)
EAN:9781849081870
Book: Special Operations Patrol Vehicles - Afghanistan and Iraq (Osprey)

Special Operations Patrol Vehicles - Afghanistan and Iraq

Language: English

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US Army and Marine Corps MRAPs - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (Osprey)

The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is the newest land warfare system in the United States Army and Marine Corps inventory. Designed to meet the challenges of operating in a counterinsurgency environment, the MRAP has taken survivability to a new level.

MRAPs are currently manufactured by three companies: BAE Systems, Navistar International Military Group, and Force Protection Inc. Each company manufactures an MRAP according to one of three classifications set by the US Department of Defense: Category I, Category II, or Category III.
The Category I MRAPs are designed for urban combat. Category II covers the MRAPs designed for convoy security, medical evacuation, and explosive ordnance disposal. The Category III MRAP performs the same function as Category II but is designed to carry more personnel.

Since their introduction in 2007, MRAPs have performed remarkably in the asymmetric warfare environment. Their unique design and survivability characteristics have saved the lives hundreds of soldiers who otherwise would have been lost to landmines or IED attacks. As with any combat system, however, the MRAP is not without its drawbacks.

Author:Mike Guardia
Specs:48 pages, 16 x 15 x 0.3 cm / 6.3 x 5.9 x 0.12 in, paperback
Illustrations:photographs and drawings (in b&w and colour)
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2013)
Series:New Vanguard (206)
EAN:9781780962559
Book: US Army and Marine Corps MRAPs - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (Osprey)

US Army and Marine Corps MRAPs - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles

Language: English

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Stryker Interim Combat Vehicle : The Stryker and LAV III in US and Canadian Service, 1999-2020 (Land Craft)

The Stryker interim combat vehicle was a stop-gap measure, designed to meet the needs of the United States to project its military force quickly by air into hotspots around the world.
In 2003 it had its baptism of fire in Iraq and has since proved itself an integral part of the US's warfighting capability and now, two decades into its service, the Stryker has been adapted to face the new threat of a resurgent Russia.

This volume in the LandCraft series of modelling guides examines the Stryker and LAV III in US, Canadian and New Zealand service.
In addition to describing in detail the design, development and operational history of the Stryker and LAV III, David Grummitt gives a full account of the wide range of modelling kits and accessories available and features six builds covering the most important variants. Detailed colour profiles provide both reference and inspiration for modellers and military enthusiasts alike.

Author:David Grummitt
Specs:64 pages, 29.5 x 20.5 x 0.8 cm / 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:200 colour photographs
Publisher:Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2020)
Series:Land Craft
EAN:9781526774187
Book: Stryker Interim Combat Vehicle : The Stryker and LAV III in US and Canadian Service, 1999-2020 (Land Craft)

Stryker Interim Combat Vehicle : The Stryker and LAV III in US and Canadian Service, 1999-2020

Language: English

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Stryker Combat Vehicles (Osprey)

The eight-wheeled (8x8) Stryker combat light armored vehicle was adopted by the US Army in 2002 to provide a comparatively rapidly deployable contingency force with armor protection, tactical mobility, and heavy firepower, as well as advanced command, control communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.
Covering the first new US Army release since the M1 Abrams MBT, this book details the conception, ongoing development and deployment of one of the most highly anticipated new AFVs in recent years, including its service in Iraq and the ensuing controversy surrounding the Stryker's varying successes.

Contents: Introduction - Design and development of the Stryker Combat Vehicle - Variants and users - Weapons and tactics - Operational history - Controversy - Glossary - Bibliography - Color plate commentary - Index.

Author:Gordon L. Rottman
Specs:48 pages, 24.5 x 18.5 x 0.5 cm / 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.2 in, paperback
Illustrations:photographs and drawings (in b&w and colour)
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2006)
Series:New Vanguard (121)
EAN:9781841769301
Book: Stryker Combat Vehicles (Osprey)

Stryker Combat Vehicles

Language: English

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Related titles:

Half-Track - Hist of American Semi-Tracked Veh (PB)

Half-Track - A History of American Semi-Tracked Vehicles

Richard Pierce Hunnicutt

English | paperback | 244 p. | 2015

US Half-Tracks - In WW II

US Half-Tracks - In World War II

David Doyle

English | hardback | 112 p. | 2022

U.S. Half-tracks (Part 2)

U.S. Half-tracks (Part 2)

David Doyle

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M2/M3 - American Half-tracks of WW2

M2/M3 - American Half-tracks of the Second World War

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English | paperback | 64 p. | 2019

[NVG] M3 Infantry Half-Track - 1940-73

M3 Infantry Half-Track - 1940-73

Steven J. Zaloga

English | paperback | 48 p. | 1995

Basic Half-Track Vehicles M2, M3 Technical Manual

Basic Half-Track Vehicles M2, M3 Technical Manual (TM 9-710)

U.S. War Department

English | paperback | 368 p. | 2011

Half-Track (Volume 2)

Half-Track (Volume 2)

Patryk Janda

English + Polish | paperback | 240 p. | 2011

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Last update:27-03-2024