M29 Weasel

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M29 Weasel
Place of origin	US
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, field expedient may be noted
Secondary armament	?
Engine	Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion 70 hp (48 kW)
Suspension	Tracked
Operational range	265
Speed	36

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

When AutoWeek magazine tested a Weasel in 2006, they noted that it was immediately recognizable as a military vehicle, due to the compartment above the engine and transmission designed to hold TNT and a detonator for self-destruct purposes.

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

Contents 1 Original WWII Specifications 1.1 General Data 1.2 Performance 1.3 Engine 2 Notes

[edit] Original WWII Specifications

[edit] General Data

• Crew: 4
• Weight (fighting): 4,451 lb
• Shipping dimensions:
  • Uncrated; (cu ft) 340; (sq ft) 57.7
• Ground clearance: 11 in
• ground pressure: 1.9
• Pintle height (loaded): (in.) 27 1/8
• Electrical system: (volts) 12
• Capacities:
  • Fuel 72, octane gasoline (gal) 35
  • Cooling system (qt) 12 3/4
  • Crankcase (refill) (qt) 5
• Brakes: Mechanical - external contracting in differential
• Transmission: Speeds: 3
• Transfer case: Speeds: 2
• Communication: Type radio

[edit] Performance

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

[edit] Engine

Manufacturer:	Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion
Type:	L-head, 4 cycle Number of cylinders: 6
Displacement:	(cu in.) 169.6
Governed speed:	Not governed
Brake horsepower:	at (rpm) 3600 70
Ignition type:	Distributor

[edit] Notes

• Philip R. Kern. "The Studebaker M29 Weasel". Military Vehicles Magazine Volume 1, 2 & 3. 

• "Studebaker M29 Weasel" (1985). ISO Military Vehicle Series. 

• Richard Quinn. "Studebaker Goes To War". "Turning Wheels" - magazine of the Studebaker Drivers Club. 

• Bart Vanderveen (1989). Historic Military Vehicles Directory. 

• Beaudry, Barry (2005). The Weasel Restorer. The Weasel and Project Plough. Retrieved on February 26, 2006.
• U.S. Army Transportation Museum. M-29 WEASEL. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.

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