M38A1.COM - Model Differences between years and variants.

M38A1"D" Production Units

This 1955 "D" model with date of delivery of April 1955 is owned by Bill Harris

Battle Group Atomic Delivery System: M28 Mounted on Truck, Utility M38A1D

This M38A1 "D" model shows a manufacture date of April 1955 with a serial number of 83752. The original hood number is 2A 5770 and both serial numbers are present. Only 50 +/- of the "D" models were produced and converted. Much like the M170, an extra spring leaf was added and the spring hanger has the reinforcing strap. The original Detroit Arsenal Data tag (XM28) remains present on the jeep. TM9-1000-209-12 also shows the proper placement of where the tag resides on the gun carriage. The glove box is stenciled Autobahn 40, Cities 25, Others 35. Under the metal covers which take up the rear seat area are two of the atomic projectiles (dummies of course).

For a time in the early portions of the Cold War, military planners anticipated that atomic weapons might be used in large scale conflicts of the future. Both the Soviet Union and Unites States worked on tactical use of atomic weapons, made possible by the miniaturization of nuclear components. In 1950, a 280MM atomic cannon was developed in the United States, as were later close support weapons such as the Honest John and the Davey Crocket.

Named for the famous Tennessee frontiersman, US Congressman and martyr of the Alamo, the Davey Crocket consists of a 279MM atomic projectile fired from a 120MM recoilless gun. A fixed round charge of propellant and a separate piston could launch the approximately 1 Kiloton-Yield projectile to a range of 2000 meters or just over 1.25 miles.

By the late 1960's, the limitations of the Davy Crocket were recognized and it was withdrawn from the military arsenal.

This vehicle was acquired in 2000 and subsequently endured a frame-off restoration to bring it back to it's glory as one of only a few production units. Congratulations Bill!

ARMAMENT
120MM Davey Crocket Weapons System M28, including M29 20mm spotting rifle

AMMUNITION RACK CAPACITY
2 ea projectile, 279-MM, Atomic, XM388
2 ea piston, 120-MM, Launching, M5
2 ea charge, 120-MM, Propelling, M92E2
20 ea cartridge, 20-MM, Spotting, M101

FIRE CONTROL
Mount, telescope, M117
Telescope, elbow, M107

TRAVERSE FIRING LIMIT
Gun elevation, 10-25 degrees
Minimum right, 30 degrees
Maximum right, 44 degrees
Gun elevation, 10-25 degrees
Minimum left, 90 degrees
Maximum left, 180 degrees

CREW
Two (2)

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	Battery Box - Cam strap type. Note the two additional footman loops.

	There are two corresponding footman loops on the drivers side as well. They were for stowage straps for holding a long canvas bag that held cleaning staff sections for cleaning the 120 MM Gun. As time permits, I will make a replica bag and place it on the hood where it belongs.

	Radiator - including support rods

	Front Fender Seam -

	Front Bumper and Grill -


	Glove box showing posted speeds (original)
	Two M5 Launching Pistons
	Two M92E2 Propelling Pistons
	Spare Tire Postion
	Clamp to hold gun in traveling position
	Original data tag #38, Detroit Arsenal
	120MM gun in traveling position. From the TM, it has also been learned a larger version of the gun (155 MM w/ a 37 MM sighting gun) will also fit on the M38A1D. The Gunner's Quadrant is original and was a donation from a fellow member.
	Storage container for two atomic projectiles
	Two XM388 projectiles
	120MM gun in traverse position
	120MM gun in traverse position
	120MM gun in traverse position
	Breech of 20MM spotting rifle
	Tri-pod for sighting telescope
	Rear spring reinforcement strap
	Atomic Projectile launch mechanism as found in a museum.

	From the Tech Manual, the BIG NUKE. M29!

Credits:
Bill Harris for providing pictures of his "D" model.