Tuesday 29 August 2017

Tractor Trials

"Trials were performed from June 15th to July 10th at the GANIOP. Corps and high power artillery was used in the trials. 

During the trials, the tractors traveled:
  • TD-18 tractor, with a B-4 203 mm mod. 1931 howitzer (in armed condition): 100 km
  • TD-14 tractor: 200 km, of those:
    • With a Br-10 trailer (the barrel of a B-4 howitzer): 100 km
    • With a 152 mm mod. 1937 gun-howitzer: 100 km
  • HD-10 tractor, with a B-4 203 mm mod. 1931 howitzer (in armed condition): 100 km
  • HD-7 tractor: 225 km, of those:
    • With a 152 mm mod. 1937 gun-howitzer: 100 km
    • With a 152 mm mod. 1938 howitzer: 100 km
    • With a Br-10 trailer (the barrel of a B-4 howitzer): 25 km
  • D-6 tractor: 225 km, of those:
    • With a 152 mm mod. 1937 gun-howitzer: 100 km
    • With a 152 mm mod. 1938 howitzer: 100 km
    • With a Br-10 trailer (the barrel of a B-4 howitzer): 25 km
During trials, the TD-18, TD-14, HD-10, HD-7 exhibited average speeds of 7-9 kph, while the D-6 achieved 11-12 kph.

During trials, the engines, transmission, and suspension components worked satisfactorily. No significant design or production defects were noticed.

The measurement of power of the winches installed on the tractors was established by dragging out guns or SPGs that were stuck in swamps or deep pits. It was established that:
  • The TD-18 and HD-10 tractors can tow 18 ton loads.
  • The TD-14, HD-7, and D-6 can tow 13 ton loads.
Based on these trials, the GANIOP made the following conclusions:
  1. International model TD-18 and Allis-Chalmers model HD-10 tractors can be used to tow heavy guns, such as the 203 mm B-4 howitzer.
  2. International model TD-14, Allis-Chalmers model HD-7, and Caterpillar model D-6 can be used to tow artillery systems weighing up to 8 tons.
Having read the report on trials of American tractors, the 16th Department of the GAU Artillery Committee made the following conclusions:

It is possible to use American tractors to tow the following kinds of artillery:
  1. High power artillery systems, up to and including the B-4 in both separate and assembled states, can be towed by the International TD-18 and Allis-Chalmers HD-10.
  2. Corps artillery up to 10 tons in weight can be towed by the International TD-14, Allis-Chalmers HD-7, and Caterpillar D-6 tractors.
Deputy Chair of the GAU Artillery Committee and Chief of the 16th Department, Lieutenant Colonel Zhevanik

Senior Assistant to the Chief of the 16th Department, Engineer-Lieutenant Colonel Getmanov"

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