WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
WASHINGTON

June 2, 1938.

IN REPLY REFER TO QM 400.112 T-M (Truck, Chassis, 4x2, 1/4-ton) EDT No. 29-8

Subject: Approved EDT Project No. 29-8 - Truck, Chassis, 4-wheel, two wheel drive, l/4-ton, capacity, (Carrier - Machine Gun).

To: Commanding Officer, Holabird Quartermaster Depot, Baltimore, Md.

1. References:

a. An article entitled "The Howie Machine Gun Carrier." by Captain Wendell G. Johnson, Infantry, published in The Infantry Journal, (November-December 1937), photostat copy enclosed herewith and marked "Exhibit A".

b. Letter, OQMG dated December 15, 1937, file QM 451 T-M (Procurement) subject: "Procurement of Motor Vehicles - F.Y. 1938" , to The Adjutant General, requesting authority for the procurement of certain indicted motor vehicles, F.Y. 1938, subject to availability of funds, for experimental purposes.

c. 1st Indorsement, AGO, dated December 31, 1937, file AG 451.(12-15-37) (Misc-D) approving request for motor vehicles for experimental purposes mentioned in reference contained in b., above.

d. 1st lndorsement, OASW, January 11, 1938, containing approval of Procurement Program covering three (3) each Truck Chassis, l/4-ton, 4x2.

e. Procurement Request No. 309-38, dated January 8, 1938.

f. Invitation for Bids No. 398-38-81, dated January 12, 1938, opened at Holabird Quartermaster Depot, Baltimore, Md., February 11, 1938.

g. Letter, Holabird QM Depot, 2-26-38 to American Bantam Car Co., Butler, Pa., containing notification of award for furnishing three (3) each Chassis assemblies, 1/4-ton, 4x2, complete as specified therein for shipment as follows: 1 each to Ft. Benning, Ga., to Ft. Riley, Kansas, and to Holabird Quartermaster Depot, Baltimore, Md., (cost of vehicles f.o.b. Holabird Depot, $361.12).

h. General Instructions - Ltr., OQMG, 9-4-37; file QM 451 T-M (Development); subject: "General Instructions - Experimental, Development and Test Program, Army Transportation, Motors".

2. Objectives:

a. The development of a suitable self-propelled vehicle of the wheeled type, consisting insofar as practicable, of standard commercial units and parts, and of the least possible weight and size for the purpose of transporting two (2) men, a calibre-.30 machine gun, tripod and ammunition over c/c terrain such as may be expected to lie between opposed infantry and infantry machine gun positions.

3. Facts bearing on the subject project:

a. The references contained in Par, 1. a. to h., constitute practically the complete foundation of the essential facts and data upon which this project is based.

b. The Bantam chassis procured under Invitation for Bids No, 398-38-81, now available at your depot was for use in the development of the vehicle authorized in this project.

c. The Bantam chassis procured under Invitation for Bids No. 398-38-81, and delivered to Ft. Benning, Ga., is also for use in the independent development of an improved Infantry machine gun carried according to the ideas and plans of the local authorities at Ft. Benning, Ga.

d. The two projects mentioned in Par. 3. b. and c., above, need not conflict in any way. Each will constitute an independent effort; starting from common basis (a chassis in standard commercial production), with complete freedom for the exercise of ingenuity and action In each case toward the attainment of the common end desired.

4. Specific instructions:

a. A study will be made with a view to such modification of the Bantam chassis now available at your depot for this project, to result when such modifications are completed in a vehicle meeting the following tentative characteristics, for use for the purpose stated in car. 2. a., above.

(1) - The vehicle to be light enough to lift into a 1-1/2 ton truck, and permit of being man-handled by two (2) men when operating across country.

(2) - Overall dimensions to be such that it can be carried in 1-1/2 ton trucks issued to Infantry machine gun companies.

(3) - Silhouette to be as low as possible - sacrificing ground clearance therefor, if necessary.

(4) - Body not required. In lieu of a body a platform to be provided, with all vehicle operating controls arranged for operation by the driver when lying on his stomach on the floor of the platform.

(5) Tractive ability - maximum practicable of being provided with a vehicle of the wheeled type.

(6) Speed - no object, as low as 10 m.p.h. maximum is considered satisfactory.

(7) Units and parts to be commercially available insofar as practicable.

(8) Armor is not required.

(9) Radius of action on one filling of the fuel system need not exceed 20 miles.

(10) Wheels & tires. Wheels shall be of metal construction; tire size and capacity to be adequate to support the vehicle with its rated load, with a factor of safety and provide floatation required for operation over soft terrain, tire tread to be of a type providing maximum traction. Inner tubes shall be puncture sealing type. Spare wheel and tire assembly not required.

(11) Controls. All controls required for operation of the vehicle will be arranged for convenience of operation by the operator in a reclined position on his stomach on the floor of the platform of the vehicle.

(12) Lights and signal devices. Not required.

(13) Fainting and marking. Vehicle will be furnished in synthetic enamel color, O.D. Marking not required.

b. General instructions contained in reference Par. 1. h., above apply to this project.

For The Quartermaster General:

J. H. JOHNSON,
Lieut. Colonel, Q. M. C.,
Assistant.

1 Incl.
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