M52 Self-Propelled Howitzer

Development and design

The vehicle used automotive components from the M41 Walker Bulldog family but rearranged the chassis for artillery work. Its enclosed turret improved crew protection compared with open wartime gun motor carriages. ^{1, 2}

Operational use

M52s served with U.S. cavalry and artillery formations and were exported widely. In U.S. service they were eventually displaced by the standardized M108/M109 artillery family. ^{1, 2}

Role and significance

The M52 is an important step toward the modern turreted self-propelled howitzer: enclosed crew space, all-around traverse, and tank-like tactical mobility became increasingly normal expectations. ^{1, 2}

Sources and further reading

Representative source set used for this profile. Primary image source and reuse terms are listed with the image.

1. Australian Armour & Artillery Museum, M52 overview
2. ARMOR, cavalry use of the M52

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