Alecto (SPG)

Infobox Weapon
name=Alecto


caption=
origin=United Kingdom
type=self propelled gun
is_vehicle=yes
is_UK=yes
manufacturer=Vickers
number=
crew=3/4
length= 14 ft
width= 8 ft 10.5 in
height= 6 ft 11 in
weight= 19,040 lb
armour= 6 - 38 mm
primary_armament=see text
secondary_armament=see text
engine=Meadows 12 cylinder
engine_power= 148 hp ( kW)
suspension=
speed= 30 mph
pw_ratio= hp/tonne
vehicle_range= 125 miles

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

ee also

* Light Tank Mk VII Tetrarch
* Light Tank Mk VIII Harry Hopkins

External links

* [http://ww2photo.mimerswell.com/tanks/gb/ligh/mk8/mk8.htm Harry Hopkins and Alecto at ww2photo.mimerswell.com]
* [http://henk.fox3000.com/Alecto.htm HenkOfHolland]
* [http://www.forum.fun-online.sk/viewtopic.php?t=4416&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60&sid=6f3bddf22bf804f3672f5948efaf7157 Forum posts by veteran] detailing wartime and postwar service use of the Alecto, accompanied by photographs.