What Guns Did International Harvester Make?
Introduction
International Harvester (IHC) was a corporation that was in operation for over 110 years before being acquired by Navistar International Corporation in 1986. IHC is known for producing a range of agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and industrial vehicles, but did it also make guns? Yes, IHC did produce military weapons during its history, primarily during the World War I and World War II era.
Contents
Socialist-Republican Army Truck Guns in World War I
In 1917, the United States entered World War I, and the country needed an efficient method of transporting soldiers and artillery across the European battlefields. International Harvester saw an opportunity and began production of the Quad Truck Gun, also known as the Model 1909 Springfield Tractor with 40mm Gun, in October 1918. These vehicles were based on their commercial truck model, the M1, with a lightweight 40mm gun installed on top. They were designed for rapid delivery and deployment to the battlefront.
Some notable specs of the Quad Truck Guns:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 12-15 tons
- Engine Type: Diesel or gasoline-fueled six-cylinder motor
- Gun Type: 40mm M 1915 machine gun mounted on an IHC-branded traversing platform
The M101 Howitzer Trailer in World War II
After the United States entered World War II, the Army needed artillery pieces capable of firing precision rounds for infantry support and counterbattery fire. International Harvester designed a trailer mount for the M101 Howitzer (3-inch) in August 1941. Designed to quickly set up the howitzer for rapid firepower, IHC’s Trailer, Light Artillery Carrier, GPT (Gallery-Pogo-Trailer) was well-received. The Howitzer Trailer showcased IHC’s ability to adapt manufacturing skills to a wartime market, providing effective artillery deployment capabilities.
Technical Specifications for the M101 Howitzer Trailer:
• Loaded Trailer Weight: 17,000 lb (approx. 7700 kg)
• Travel Range: 3 miles (4800m)
• Maximum Artillery Piece Lift: 4,350 lb (1980kg)
• Truck Compatibility: Standardized coupling for common American military tow trucks.
From War to Harvest: Civilian and Peacekeeping Focus after World War II
As hostilities ceased at the close of World War II and International Harvester expanded its agriculture and vehicle product lines in the latter half of the 1940s and 1950s. The industrial machinery and services sectors continue to grow at IHC. These developments diverted IHC away from primary war production toward civilian ventures.
Although International Harvester did experiment with military productions, primarily driven by wartime and defense obligations, such endeavors declined following the last global military conflicts. Mainly contributing to the farm equipment segment of the vehicle industry led the company throughout the early and mid-century. To explore more comprehensive information concerning International Harvester gun productions, reference the given lists below summarizing details and specifications:
Main Features of Gun Production Contributions
• War-time response:
- Quad Truck Guns (model 1909 Springfield)
- M101 Howitzer trailer for World War II-era battles
- Lightweight guns for speedy deployment & high-traffic areas.
• Post-World-War-II ventures: - Shift away from full-time military contracting
- Focus redirected toward agro-industries like farm implements.
By the close of IHC’s timeline, before Navistar purchase in 1986, the entity maintained a mix of innovative commercial and industry-specific output.
Final Takeaway and Conclusion
While International Harvester enjoyed some success within the guns-making industry mainly during major war periods and defense requests, the enterprise primarily prioritized agricultural tool production within their product profile. Following WWII, efforts shifted direction from military efforts to those dedicated to various industrial components.
