Amtrac et M113 - USA : livres - histoire et technique

M29 Weasel Tracked Cargo Carrier & Variants - Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)

Conceived as part of a Top Secret project to disrupt Nazi Germany's atomic bomb program, the hastily developed Studebaker Weasel went on to one of, if not THE most successful of the wartime all-terrain vehicles. Designed with light weight to facilitate both air-dropping and efficient, high-speed operation in the snow, the vehicles were soon found to have excellent performance in the mud. Always amphibious, the later models, the M29C, were equipped with flotation tanks on each end and dual rudders in the rear for even more efficient operation in the water.
Weasels were used on numerous fronts during WWII, were once again deployed in Korea, by the French in Vietnam, and numerous outposts during the Cold War.

These pages provide an overview of the development, and a detailed look at the deployment and the machines themselves, of these iconic, all-terrain vehicles.

Amtracs - US Amphibious Assault Vehicles (Osprey)

The first prototype for the LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) was completed in July 1941, its design based on the Alligator, a tracked amphibious vehicle developed for rescue operations in the swamps of Florida. Though the early conception of amtrac operations envisioned using LVTs solely as supply vehicles, at Tarawa amtracs demonstrated their utility as assault vehicles to carry troops, leading to the development of new models.

This book covers the evolution of amtracs, from the first LVT-1 to the LVT-7; their numerous variants; and their use throughout World War II and beyond.

Contents: Amphibian Vehicles - Tarawa: New Tactics - Amtanks and Fire Support - Battles for the Marianas - Late War Landings - Amtracs in Europe - Post-War LVT Development.

Landing Vehicle Tracked, LVT MK. I and MK. II - Technical manual (TM9-775)

The Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) was a class of amphibious warfare vehicle, a small landing craft, introduced by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Army during World War II. Originally intended solely as cargo carriers for ship to shore operations, they rapidly evolved into assault troop and fire support vehicles as well.
The LVT Mark I was the first military model. Traveling at a respectable six knots in the water and twelve mph on land, it could deliver twenty four fully equipped assault troops to the beach. Though it was only intended for delivering supplies inland until wheeled vehicles could be brought ashore, the LVT could supply supporting fire from two .30 cal M1919 Browning machine guns.

Many LVTs were refitted prior to the Tarawa landing to hold two .50 cal Browning heavy machine guns forward, with the .30 cal guns aft. The vehicle was not armored and its thin steel hull offered virtually no protection, although prior to Tarawa some vehicles received nine mm of armor plating to the cab.
The LVT's tracks performed well on sand, but not on tough surfaces. The rigid suspension threw tracks and roller bearings corroded in salt water.

Proper maintenance of the new machine was often an issue, as few Marines were trained to work on it, and early models suffered frequent breakdowns. The LVT Mark II featured new powertrain and torsilastic suspension. The aluminium track grousers were bolted on, making changes much easier since they wore out quickly on land and more so on coral. Hard terrain performance was much better compared to the LVT Mark I.

Created in 1944, this technical manual reveals a great deal about the LVT's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance, it details many aspects of its engine, cooling, fuel, powertrain and other systems.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

LVT(4) Amtrac - The Most Widely Used Amphibious Tractor of World War II (Legends of Warfare)

Originally developed as a swamp rescue vehicle by millionaire philanthropists Donald and John Roebling, the LVT (Landing Vehicle, Tracked), or "Alligator," was widely used in the Allied island-hopping campaign in the Pacific during World War II.
Powered by a mammoth aircraft-type engine, the LVT(4) could cross treacherous coral reefs, deep water, and swamps to land troops ashore. The LVT(4) also introduced the rear ramp, which when lowered allowed troops to rush out, rather than clamber over the tall sides as on previous models.

Produced by Food Machinery Corporation (FMC), railway equipment manufacturer St. Louis Car Company, and automobile maker Graham-Paige, over 8,000 LVT(4)s were built during the war; today only a few remain.
Through dozens of archival photos as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of these vehicles, this iconic landing vehicle is explored, and its history is explained.

M113 - American Armoured Personnel Carrier (Land Craft)

The M113 has become a recognisable part of the US military machine at war. Its ground-breaking aluminium hull gives the M113 a relatively low weight. This allows it to be easily transported by air and gives it an amphibious ability. The design was also easy to modify and can carry a range of support and indirect fire weapons. From mortars to ballistic missiles, the M113 spawned a progeny of useful and innovative vehicles.

The base M113 is lightly armoured and safe against only the lightest of small arms fire and shell splinter. As a result a range of up-armour packages have been used in the past, from sandbags to complex applique armour. 80,000 M113s of all types have been produced and are in use with over 50 countries, making it one of the most widely used armoured fighting vehicles to be produced. Indeed such was its popularity that the US bought their final M113s in as late as 2007.

This LandCraft title looks at the M113s development where the FMC sought to utilise its chassis into as many roles as possible, from smoke generators to flamethrowers. The book also looks at how the M113 was adapted for use by numerous overseas customers and how these are upgraded to suit local conditions. Finally the title looks at the M113's changing roles in the more sophisticated contemporary battlescape and how it's still providing service in theatres across the world in a variety of roles, both combat and support.

For the modeller there is nothing more important than the little things and this image-rich section of Land Crafts M113 title delivers the goods.

Filled with crisp photos that show the M113's many details, combined with helpful accompanying text, forms an enviable visual guide for the enthusiast and modeller alike.

M113 APC 1960-75 - US, ARVN, and Australian variants in Vietnam (Osprey)

The M113 is the most widely used and versatile armoured vehicle in the world. Fielded in 1960 as a simple 'battlefield taxi', over 80,000 M113s would see service with 50 nations around the world and 55 years later, many thousands are still in use.
In addition to its original role of transporting troops across the battlefield, specialized versions perform a multitude of other functions including command and control, fire support, anti-tank and anti-aircraft defence, and casualty evacuation.

This new fully illustrated study examines the service record of the M113 from its initial fielding through to the end of the Vietnam War. It also describes the many US, South Vietnamese, and Australian variants of the M113 used in the Vietnam War as well as information on tactics, unit tables of organization and equipment, and a selection of engagements in which the M113 played a decisive role.

MTW M-113 (Typenkompass)

Ce livre de référence présente chronologiquement les véhicules sur chenilles M-113, M-577, M-548 et M-688 produits depuis 1962 et utilisés par plus de 50 armées. Présente surtout les véhicules de la Bundeswehr allemande.

Chaque type est présenté à l'aide d'une photo, d'une description historique et d'une fiche technique.