Alecto (SPG)
| Alecto | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | self propelled gun |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Vickers |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 19,040 lb |
| Length | 14 ft |
| Width | 8 ft 10.5 in |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in |
| Crew | 3/4 |
| Armour | 6 - 38 mm |
Main armament | see text |
Secondary armament | see text |
| Engine | Meadows 12 cylinder 148 hp ( kW) |
| Power/weight | hp/tonne |
Operational range | 125 miles |
| Maximum speed | 30 mph |
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.
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 tank 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 pdr gun
- Mk III
- QF 25 pounder gun-howitzer. Prototype partially completed
- Mk IV
- 32pdr howitzer.
- Alecto Dozer
See also
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alecto self-propelled gun.
- Harry Hopkins and Alecto at ww2photo.mimerswell.com
- HenkOfHolland
- Forum posts by veteran detailing wartime and postwar service use of the Alecto, accompanied by photographs.