Production of the M42 began in early 1952 at GM's Cleveland Tank Plant. It entered service in late 1953 and replaced a variety of different anti-aircraft systems in armored divisions. In 1956, the M42 received a new engine and other upgrades along with other M41 based vehicles, becoming the M42A1.

Oct 9, 2018 · Deeply loved for its firepower, the M42 “Duster” self-propelled anti-aircraft gun arose as a replacement for the M19 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun developed in World War II. The M42 employed a slightly expanded variant of the M19 turret …

Nov 23, 2021 · From 1966 until the end of the Vietnam War, the relatively small yet extremely deadly M42 Duster was brought out of retirement and used against the North Vietnamese. Although it was designed for air defense, in most of its engagements the M42 lowered its barrels and fired at ground targets.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, the continuing need for a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, particularly one that could double as a ground support or infantry assault weapon, became apparent. Accordingly, in 1951, the Army began developing an upgrade to the M19 system.

• A mobile, full tracked, lightly armored antiaircraft & ground support weapon system. • Manufactured by Cadillac at the Cleveland Tank Arsenal in the 1950s. • Weight of 49,500 pounds and a crew of six. • Powered by a continental air cooled supercharged engine with 895 cubic inches and 500 horsepower. • A GM Allison automatic transmission.

A soldier takes aim through an M42A1 Duster gun sight at Fort Bliss, Texas in 1982. After more than three decades in service, the U.S. Army retired the venerable self-propelled anti-aircraft gun in 1988.

In 1965, Army National Guard M42A1 gun batteries are overhauled and activated for use in Vietnam. The Dusters are intended to be a temporary force until Vulcan and Chaparral systems are available, but in December 1965 the activation is extended to allow phase-in of Vulcan/Chaparral.

The M42A1 is a full-tracked, armored, antiaircraft vehicle that can operate over all terrain compatible with medium tanks. Major armament is the 40mm dual automatic gun M2A1 on the M4E1 mount. This vehicle was designed for use with …

May 23, 2009 · About the M42A1 Duster First accepted: 1951 Manufacturers: Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors and ACF Industries, Inc. Total Built: 3,700 Crew: 6 men (Commander and Driver in vehicle; Gunner, Sight Setter, and two Loaders in turret)

A self-propelled M42A1 Duster unit, the 1-44th supported the Marines at places like Con Thien and Khe Sanh Combat Base as well as Army divisions in South Vietnam's rugged I Corps region. The battalion was assigned to First Field Force Vietnam (IFFV) and was located at Đông Hà.