M29 Weasel

M-29 Weasel, being used as an Ambulance, negotiating ice and snow-covered roads, Bulge area, Belgium, January 1945.

The M29 Weasel was a World War II tracked vehicle, built by Studebaker, designed specifically for operation in snow.

M-29 Weasel pulling a jeep out of the mud near Vossenack. Vehicles such as this were used for evacuation of litter patients as well as for supply operations during the battle for Schmidt.

Design and development

The idea for the Weasel came from the work of British inventor Geoffrey Pyke in support of his proposals to attack Axis forces and industrial installations in Norway. Pyke's plan to hamper the German atomic weapons development became Project Plough for which he proposed a fast light mechanised device that would transport small groups of commando troops of the 1st Special Service Force across snow. In active service in Europe, Weasels were used to supply frontline troops over difficult ground when wheeled vehicles were immobilised.

Camouflaged M-29 Weasel transporting wounded soldiers, Belgium 1944.

The first 2103 had 15-inch (380 mm) tracks, later version had 20-inch (510 mm). The M29C Water Weasel was the amphibious version. This had buoyancy cells in the bow and stern as well as twin rudders.

Machinato inlet, seen shortly after the action of 19 April. Three Weasels on the road (left) were knocked out. In background (left) Buzz Bomb Bowl slopes up to Urasoe-Mura Escarpment.

Variants

T-15 prototype
M28 (G154)
M29 (T24) without float tanks (G179)
M29C with float tanks.
M29C Type A: Center mounted M20 recoilless rifle 75 mm on Weasel
M29C Type B: (T106) Rear mounted 75 mm recoilless rifle on Weasel
M29C Type C: Center mounted 37 mm Gun M3 on Weasel

M29 Weasel in arctic trim, a diorama display at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Specification

General

Crew: 4
Weight (fighting): 4,451 lb (2,019 kg)

Medical personnel of the 307th Airborne Medical Company use an M29 Weasel to evacuate wounded comrades from the Bulge.

Shipping dimensions:

Uncrated; 340 cu ft; 57.7 sq ft
Ground clearance: 11 inches
Ground pressure: 1.9 pounds per square inch (13 kPa)
Pintle height (loaded): 27 1/8 inches
Electrical system: (volts) 12

One of the M29 Weasels attached to the 33rd SCB

Capacities:

Fuel: 72, octane gasoline
Fuel capacity: 35 gallons
Cooling system: 12 3/4 quarts
Crankcase (refill): 5 quarts
Brakes: Mechanical - external contracting in differential
Transmission: Speeds: 3
Transfer case: Speeds: 2
Communication: radio


Performance

Maximum gradability: 100 %
Turning radius: 12 ft
Fording depth: Will Float (M29C)
Maximum width of ditch vehicle will cross: 36 in
Maximum vertical obstacle vehicle will climb: 24 in
Fuel consumption, average conditions: 5 miles per gal
Cruising range, average conditions: 165 miles
Maximum allowable speed: 36 mph
Maximum allowable towed load: 3,800 lb


Engine

Manufacturer: Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion
Type: L-head, 4 cycle Number of cylinders: 6
Displacement: (cu in.) 169.6
Brake horsepower: at (rpm) 3600 70
Ignition type: Distributor

M29, photo taken at a Studebaker convention in Omaha,NE.

M29 Weasel

Place of origin United States


Specifications

Weight 3,800 pounds dry
Length 10 feet 6 inches
Width 5 feet (later 5 feet 6 inches)
Height 4 feet 3 inches (5 feet 11 inches to top of windscreen)
Crew 4
Armor none
Primary armament none as built
Engine Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion 70 hp (48 kW)
Suspension Tracked
Operational range 265
Speed 36 MPH

Weasel of First Marine Division communication section laying telephone wire across rice paddies in Hungnam area, 8th of November 1950.