WWII - 1944, USA Weapon Testing: Tank Hale Flotation Devices Tested

WWII - 1944, USA Weapon Testing: Tank Flotation Devices Tested Title: Ritchie Project - Hale Device For Medium Tank M4 Prepared by the Automotive Div.of the Ordnance Research & Development Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Apr-Sept44...Capt. F.W. Person... Pilot Vehicle Number 1. 12:00:45 Tank w/ permanent fixed inflatable flotation device attached; uses DUKW front differentials to LCM screws. MCU on land w/ propellors moved to illustrate turning & control. Man showing vertical movement. 12:02:23 Inflation of large pontoons w/ exhaust gasses demonstrated. 12:03:45 Down beach & moving thru 8’ of water w/ 6’ draft across lake; DUKW passes. Crew on top, seen from water. Tank out of water & up beach. 12:07:27 Title re shooting bullets into inflation system. Tank in water w/ hits by .50 caliber bullets. 12:08:36 Title: Pilot Number 2. ...designed to overcome main deficiencies of the first... 12:08:48 MCU on beach w/o flotation devices mounted but not inflated. Raising of flotation devices thru inflation, held in place mechanically. 12:10:38 Driven into water, demonstrated at low speeds due to tendency to nose down. Crew on top. 12:13:04 Title: After 25 minutes operation the device began to sink. Exact cause has never been determined. Men on board watching it sink; finally sinks w/ nose in air. 12:13:56 Title: After recovery & reconditioning...splash shield (was added). Tank w/ floatations in place underway. Viewed from all angles. 12;16:06 Title: Speed trials were conducted (to try to keep on an even keel). Demonstrated at various speeds. Titles show what gear & rpm being used. GOOD pictures. WW2 weapon development; Military Inventions; NOTE: Portion or entire card may be purchased at per reel rate.