M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle

rdf:langString M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle

rdf:langString M32 Recovery Vehicle

rdf:langString M32 Recovery Vehicle

rdf:langString A M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle on display at Fort Knox, Kentucky

rdf:langString June 1943

rdf:langString * M32 and M32B1 model: Continental R975-C1 or -C4 9 cylinder radial gasoline engine,

rdf:langString yes

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rdf:langString Federal Machine and Welder

rdf:langString United States

rdf:langString July 1943-May 1945

rdf:langString Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS), -A1 variants with Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS)

rdf:langString Spicer manual synchromesh transmission, one reverse and five forward gears

rdf:langString M32B1, M32B2, M32B3, M32A1B1, M32A1B2, M32A1B3, M34 Prime Mover

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rdf:langString The M32 Armored Recovery Vehicle was an armored recovery vehicle (ARV) used during World War II and the Korean War by the United States, and was based on the chassis of the M4 Sherman medium tank. During World War II, the British also used several hundred M32s, which were obtained through Lend-Lease in 1944. The first four prototypes were produced in January 1943, labeled T5, T5E1, T5E2, T5E3, and T5E4. After a series of tests at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, the prototypes were approved as M32, M32E1, M32E2, M32E3, and M32E4. However, the M32E4 never entered production. There were also variants that had Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), which were demarcated by the suffix "A1" after the model number. Lima Locomotive Works started production of the vehicles in June 1943, with five pilot vehicles (one of each model, including the M32B4 which did not enter production), 26 M32B2s, and 20 M32B3s. Pressed Steel Car produced 163 M32s and 475 M32B1s in 1944. They also produced 298 M32B3s. Baldwin Locomotive Works produced 180 M32B1s, while 400 M32B1s were produced by Federal Machine and Welder Company before the end of 1944. 24 M32B1s were converted into M34 Prime Movers, used to pull heavy artillery. The M32s were used beginning in 1944 during Operation Overlord and subsequent battles in the European Theater of Operations. It was also used during the Korean War. It was phased out after the introduction of the M74 Tank Recovery Vehicle in 1954, when heavier tanks were produced, such as the M46 Patton. The M32 had a 30 short tons (27 t) winch, 18 ft (5.5 m) boom, and an A-frame jib. It was armed with two machine guns and a mortar mainly to provide cover for an emergency retreat.