Alecto (SPG)
Encyclopedia
The Alecto was an experimental self propelled gun developed by the British during the Second World War
but terminated with the end of the war in Europe.
chassis. Like the Harry Hopkins, the Alecto had skid steering, which operated by bowing the tracks through lateral movements of the central road wheels. The gun was mounted in an open topped structure facing to the rear. The first trials were not started until late in 1944. The trials uncovered various problems but by the time these were solved the war in Europe was over. With no prospect for use in the Far East, the project was ended.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
but terminated with the end of the war in Europe.
Development
A project for a 3.75 inch (95 mm) howitzer was started in 1942. Two guns were made, and one of these was chosen for test mounting on a Harry Hopkins tankLight Tank Mk VIII
The Tank, Light, Mk VIII , also known as the Harry Hopkins, after President Roosevelt's chief diplomatic advisor, was a British light tank produced by Vickers-Armstrong during World War II...
chassis. Like the Harry Hopkins, the Alecto had skid steering, which operated by bowing the tracks through lateral movements of the central road wheels. The gun was mounted in an open topped structure facing to the rear. The first trials were not started until late in 1944. The trials uncovered various problems but by the time these were solved the war in Europe was over. With no prospect for use in the Far East, the project was ended.
Variants
- Mk I
- 3.75 inch (95 mm), 20 cal howitzer
- Mk II
- QF 6 pdrOrdnance QF 6 pounderThe Ordnance Quick-Firing 6-pounder 7 cwt, or just 6 pounder, was a British 57 mm gun, their primary anti-tank gun during the middle of World War II, as well as the main armament for a number of armoured fighting vehicles...
gun- Mk III
- QF 25 pounderOrdnance QF 25 pounderThe Ordnance QF 25 pounder, or more simply, 25-pounder or 25-pdr, was introduced into service just before World War II, during which it served as the major British field gun/howitzer. It was considered by many to be the best field artillery piece of the war, combining high rates of fire with a...
gun-howitzer. Prototype partially completed- Mk IV
- 32pdr howitzer.
- Alecto Dozer
See also
- Light Tank Mk VII TetrarchTetrarch tankThe Light Tank Mk VII , also known as the Tetrarch, was a British light tank produced by Vickers-Armstrong in the late 1930s and deployed during World War II. The Tetrarch was originally designed as the latest in the line of light tanks built by the company for the British Army...
- Light Tank Mk VIII Harry HopkinsLight Tank Mk VIIIThe Tank, Light, Mk VIII , also known as the Harry Hopkins, after President Roosevelt's chief diplomatic advisor, was a British light tank produced by Vickers-Armstrong during World War II...
External links
- Harry Hopkins and Alecto at ww2photo.mimerswell.com
- HenkOfHolland
- Forum posts by veteranhttp://www.forum.fun-online.sk/viewtopic.php?t=4416&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60&sid=6f3bddf22bf804f3672f5948efaf7157http://www.arrse.co.uk/rac/109786-photographic-history-rac-tanks-not-car-recovery-2.htmlhttp://www.weaponsofwwii.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=4550&sid=08b5644c28a34cf3cf5a560856b8fffbhttp://www.arrse.co.uk/rac/66495-command-tank-4.html detailing wartime and postwar service use of the Alecto, accompanied by photographs.