Tank Chats #160 | M18 Hellcat | The Tank Museum

Hello Tank Nuts! M18 Hellcat perfectly fit the American Army’s Tank Destroyer doctrine during WW2. This particular M18 saw service during WW2 and conflict in former Yugoslavia. It is part of the Phelps private collection and recently took part in the celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of the city of Mons, Belgium. Discover more on Hellcat and watch the latest Tank Chat with David Willey.

00:00 | Intro
00:28 | Overview
08:21 | Features

#tankmuseum #tankchats #DavidWilley

[thetankmuseum]

Hey Tank Nuts! What do you think of the Hellcat?

[deejayimm]

This is one of those vehicles that just has attractive proportions in my opinion.
It's just a good looking vehicle.

[bobforgas]

My dad was the main gunner on a M18 with the 661rst in the last few months of the war. His tank's name was the Coup de Grace and it appears at 12:33 in the video. That sure looks like him in the center top looking at the two women. Great picture. Great Dad.

[The_Modeling_Underdog]

Props to the designers. The Hellcat looks modern even by today standards.

[deonmurphy]

I saw an article about someone who restored one, he then entered it in car shows as a ‘43 (‘44?) Buick.

[civildefense]

My great grandfather was part of a US Army tank destroyer battalion from June of 1942 until the fall of 1945 and he drove tank destroyers. He originally was a chauffeur for officers until they found out he had experience driving crawler tractors from before the war. He originally drove the M10 Wolverine in Africa, Italy, and Western Europe until his M10 got replaced by the M18 Hellcat in December of 1944. He would drive his Hellcat until the end of the war in Europe before being sent back home.

[JimFosterVO]

I love how the staff at the tank museum can celebrate each tank for what it is, while still giving a realistic picture of the success or failure of the design. Thank you.

[danielstickney]

I read Hellcats were very successful fire support vehicles in Italy, because their high power to weight ratio allowed them to climb mountains where other armored vehicles couldn't go and the 76mm was accurate at long ranges. If you could get one on top of a mountain it could command all facing slopes within range. An armored vehicle doesn't have to be great if you have one and the other side doesn't.

[richardross]

There was a tv show that showed restoring tanks many years ago. They found an M18 and fixed it up. They then found an old WWII vet who had commanded an M18 in the war. He had a great time going for a ride. It was a "reality show" so who knows how much was true? Good Luck, Rick

[willa.]

I love it when good historical explanations of tanks include mention of "Kelly's Heroes."

[AdamMGTF]

“I need your clothes, your boots and your Armoured Vehicle”
David Willey 2022
Looking very cool next to the hellcat with those shades!

[Alakazzam]

Absolutely gorgeous vehicle all dressed up. Great editing too, the black and white photos interspersed really add to the chat. Cheers boys

[PsychicalTraumaPL]

I was finally able to visit BTM a week ago... It was NUTS!!! I was especially impressed with the smaller part of exhibition, dedicated to WW1. Striking! And the cutthrough's of British Marks - just insane ❤️❤️❤️

[georgedalgleish]

I love these films about various armoured doctrines, always my favourites.
Thanks tank museu.

[bradley-eblesisor]

My great uncle was in the 705th td battalion as a m-18 driver. He talked with great pride about his tank and it carried the crew through many battles but usually only as supporting fire. Bastogne was a very different story.

[markmuldoon]

Yet another example of David Wiley's concise but hugely informative and apt explanations as to the 'why' of the subject vehicle that supplements and informs the presentation. He brings colour and nuance to something that could be "is tank, has gun, moves, works". Love his presentations.

[joeschenk]

One of my favorites. I appreciated the great WWII period photos.

[Williestyle-RobotechxMacross-x]

A wonderful and insightful video! A favorite armored fighting vehicle I remember reading about, the M-18 was well designed and *fast*, even if did not often fight in its intended role.
Thank you to David Willey and all at The Tank Museum !!
☺

[jonpreneta]

Love the Boxing Gloves hanging on turret....Gives a new meaning to being prepared for Hand to Hand Combat.

[moderntalking]

Absolutely one of the most gorgeously proportioned armoured vehicles of all time!