БТР М59 | |
|---|---|
| Країні | Сша |
| Тип | Бронетранспортер |
| Опис | Альбом 119 Фотографії обходу БТР «М59» |
Фотогалерея БТР М59, М59 — американський бронетранспортер, що надійшов на озброєння навесні 1954 року на заміну M75.
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The **M59 Armored Personnel Carrier** was a tracked military vehicle developed by the United States in the early 1950s. It was designed to replace the earlier, heavier, and more expensive M75 APC, with a primary focus on reducing cost and adding an amphibious capability.
Key Characteristics
While often nicknamed a “box on tracks” due to its simple, slab-sided appearance, the M59 was a significant, albeit transitional, vehicle for the U.S. Army.
- Amphibious: A major upgrade over the M75, the M59 could float and propel itself in calm water using its tracks.
- Cost-Saving Design: To keep production costs low, it utilized two smaller, less powerful civilian truck engines—one mounted on each side of the hull—rather than a single, expensive military engine. This dual engine arrangement, however, became known for reliability issues.
- Потужність: It was crewed by two (a driver and commander) and could transport up to 10 fully equipped infantry soldiers.
- Access: Troops entered and exited via a large, power-operated rear ramp, which included a smaller emergency escape door.
- Low Profile: It had a lower height than the M75, making it a slightly less visible target.
Specifications at a Glance
| Ознака | Detail |
|---|---|
| **Type** | Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) |
| **Mass (Combat)** | approx 19,300 kg (42,600 lbs) |
| **Crew/Capacity** | 2 crew + 10 passengers |
| **Armament** | One .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun |
| **Powerplant** | Twin GMC Model 302 inline gasoline engines (approx 292 hp combined) |
| **Max Road Speed** | approx 51 km/h (32 mph) |
| **Armor** | Welded steel (approx 9.5 mm to 25 mm thick) |
Service History
The M59 entered service in **1954** and was the standard U.S. Army APC for several years, seeing use in the **Vietnam War**. Production ended around 1960 as it was quickly phased out by the significantly improved and highly successful aluminum-hulled **M113 APC**.
Варіант
The most common variant was the **M84 Mortar Carrier**, which mounted a 4.2-inch M30 mortar within the troop compartment for indirect fire support.
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