Putilov-Garford Armored Car
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Latvian Vehicle
Statistics
| Country of Origin/Used by: | Russia and others including Germany, Latvia & Poland |
|---|---|
| First Produced/Service Dates: | 1915 |
| Manufactured by: | Chassis/Engine: Garford Motor Truck Company (US); Manufacturer: Putilov Armament Works |
| Crew: | 8-9 |
| Armament: | Main (Rear) Turret: (1) 76.2mm Cannon (Model 1909 Mountain Gun) & (1) 7.62mm Maxim Machine Gun; Left & Right Turrets: (1) 7.62mm Maxim MG Each. |
| Engine: | 4 Cylinder Gasoline |
| Miscellaneous Info: | The first batch of approximately 30 vehicles went into action during 1915. Although underpowered and slow, the vehicle was effective enough that the Russian Naval Department ordered 18 additional vehicles in 1916. These “Series 2” vehicles were different than the initial “Series 1” armored cars. Differences included the Naval vehicles having an extended chassis, a slightly more powerful engine and thicker armor. The thicker armor increased the weight of the Series 2 vehicles to 11 tons (from 8.6) and thusly resulted in even worse mobility than the Series 1 cars experienced. Although these armored cars were built exclusively for Russian Forces, a number were captured and used by the Baltic States (specifically Latvia), the Germans (post-war Freikorps included) and Polish forces. A number of Putilov’s were fitted with special flanged wheels so they could be operated on railroad tracks; some reportedly being used until as late as 1936. |