M25 Tank Transporter “Dragon Wagon”, USA, WWII

The M25 Tank Transporter , also known as the "Dragon Wagon" , was the United States Army's primary heavy-duty transport vehicle during World War II. Designed to bring damaged or inoperable tanks and heavy vehicles back from the front lines , it played a critical role in recovery and logistics for Allied forces .

The half-track vehicle consisted of an armored M26 tractor and an M15 low-loader , which had a load capacity of up to 40 tons . This vehicle could safely transport Sherman tanks, artillery pieces and even heavy captured German tanks . The Dragon Wagon was used intensively in Europe and the Pacific, especially in the last years of the war.

Application areas:

• Operation Overlord (1944): Transport of damaged tanks after the invasion of Normandy.
• Battle of the Bulge (1944-45): Rapid recovery and return of Allied vehicles.
• Pacific War: Logistics support for US Marine amphibious operations.

For which country:

• USA

Classification:

• half-track vehicles & transporters

Possible uses in tabletop games:

• Bolt Action: Ideal for tank recovery and resupply scenarios.
• Flames of War: An essential vehicle for realistic Allied army lists.
• Chain of Command: Perfect for missions involving vehicle rescue and strategic transport.

Technical data:

• Crew: 7 men (driver, mechanic, rescue personnel)
• Length: 16.70 m (tractor + low loader)
• Width: 3.60 m
• Height: 3.80 m
• Weight: 30 tons (empty), up to 70 tons loaded
• Armor: Up to 19 mm (tractor)
• Armament:
  • 1 × 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun for self-defense
• Engine: Hall-Scott 440 petrol engine, 240 hp
• Speed: Up to 45 km/h
• Traction: Up to 40 tons load capacity on the low loader