| M29 Weasel | |
|---|---|
 M29 Weasel, D-Day Re-enactment, Conneaut, Ohio. |
|
| Place of origin | US |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3,800 pounds dry |
| Length | 10 feet 6 inches |
| Width | 5 feet (later 5 feet 6 inches) |
| Height | 4 feet 3 inches (5 feet 11 inches to top of windscreen) |
| Crew | 4 |
|
|
|
| Armor | none |
| Primary armament |
.30 Cal BMG (pinlte mount in rear) |
| Secondary armament |
? |
| Engine | Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion 70 hp (48 kW) |
| Suspension | Tracked |
| Operational range |
265 |
| Speed | 36 |
The M29 Weasel was a World War II tracked vehicle, built by Studebaker, designed specifically for operation in snow. When AutoWeek magazine tested a Weasel in 2006, they noted that it was immediately recognizable as a military vehicle, due to the compartment above the engine and transmission designed to hold TNT and a detonator for self-destruct purposes. The first 2103 had 15-inch tracks, later version had 20-inch. The M29C 'Water Weasel' was the amphibious version. This had buoyancy cells in the bow and stern as well as twin rudders.
M29C Weasel in arctic garb, U.S. Army Transportation Museum display
MC29C Weasel in parking lot of Holiday Inn in Omaha
Contents |
Original WWII Specifications
General Data
- Crew: 4
- Weight (fighting): 4,451 lb
- Shipping dimensions:
- Uncrated; (cu ft) 340; (sq ft) 57.7
- Ground clearance: 11 in
- ground pressure: 1.9
- Pintle height (loaded): (in.) 27 1/8
- Electrical system: (volts) 12
- Capacities:
- Fuel 72, octane gasoline (gal) 35
- Cooling system (qt) 12 3/4
- Crankcase (refill) (qt) 5
- Brakes: Mechanical - external contracting in differential
- Transmission: Speeds: 3
- Transfer case: Speeds: 2
- Communication: Type radio
Performance
| Maximum gradability: | (percent) 100 |
| Turning radius: | (ft) 12 |
| Fording depth: | Will Float |
| Maximum width of ditch vehicle will cross: | (in.) 36 |
| Maximum vertical obstacle vehicle will climb: | (in.) 24 |
| Fuel consumption, average conditions: | (miles per gal) 5 |
| Cruising range, average conditions: | (miles) 165 |
| Maximum allowable speed: | (mph) 36 |
| Maximum allowable towed load: | (lb) 3,800 |
Engine
| Manufacturer: | Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion |
| Type: | L-head, 4 cycle Number of cylinders: 6 |
| Displacement: | (cu in.) 169.6 |
| Governed speed: | Not governed |
| Brake horsepower: | at (rpm) 3600 70 |
| Ignition type: | Distributor |
Notes
- Philip R. Kern. "The Studebaker M29 Weasel". Military Vehicles Magazine Volume 1, 2 & 3.
- (1985) "Studebaker M29 Weasel". ISO Military Vehicle Series.
- Richard Quinn. "Studebaker Goes To War". "Turning Wheels" - magazine of the Studebaker Drivers Club.
- Bart Vanderveen (1989). Historic Military Vehicles Directory.
- Beaudry, Barry (2005). The Weasel Restorer. The Weasel and Project Plough. Retrieved on February 26, 2006.
- U.S. Army Transportation Museum. M-29 WEASEL. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
