Massive Production of Poorly Designed Military Vehicles in WWII

Introduction

The terms "massive scale" and "poorly designed" in the context of military vehicles are often used to describe vehicles that were produced in large quantities but lacked in functionality, durability, or adaptability. This article explores some of these vehicles, analyzing their issues and significance in the context of World War II. From obsolete aircraft to poorly designed tanks, we will delve into why certain vehicles were mass-produced but ultimately deemed inadequate for their intended roles.

The BE2c: Stability Over Maneuverability

Considered one of the easiest to fly and extremely stable aircraft, the BE2c was perfect for its role as an artillery observation aircraft during World War I. However, stability has its drawback: it severely limits maneuverability, making the aircraft virtually defenseless in combat. Additionally, the observer's position in the front seat provided a limited field of fire. Approximately 3,500 variants of the BE2c were built, highlighting its extensive production run despite its design flaws.

The Airco DH4: "Flying Coffin" or Simply Flawed Design?

The Airco DH4, a British aircraft, was widely produced in the United States, becoming the only British aircraft to see combat service in World War I. Over 6,000 were built. Despite its vulnerability to fire, which was a common issue for aircraft of that era, the DH4 soldiered on until the 1930s. Ironically, it was nicknamed the "Flying Coffin," yet it performed adequately in its role. The layout of crew positions was a notable issue, but overall, it was not an exceptionally poor design.

The M22 Locust: Airborne Tank of Limited Use

The M22 Locust was a specialized airborne tank designed for World War II combat. Of the 830 built, only eight saw action during the Rhine crossings, while 20 were intended for D-Day in Normandy, but were instead replaced by the British Mark VII Tetrarch. Declared obsolete shortly after their initial deployment, the M22 Locust was cramped for a three-man crew, poorly armed, and almost unarmored. Additionally, being too heavy for glider transport, one of the gliders fell during the Rhine operation. Some ended up in the Egyptian army, while a few were used by the Dutch and many were used as civilian tractors in the United States.

The Marmon-Herrington CTLS: Failed Design and Relative Obscurity

The Marmon-Herrington CTLS was designed for the U.S. Marines but was rejected due to its unsuitability as the amphibious tank needed. Around 875 such tanks were built, most destined for the Dutch East Indies, but only a handful were available when the Japanese occupied the area. Those that remained were operated by the U.S. military in Alaska and were mostly used as trainers. These vehicles were considered obsolete even before entering service, with poor armor, easily broken tracks, and only machine guns for armament.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate the complexities of military vehicle design and production during World War II. While some vehicles were praised for their specific roles, others proved to be subpar despite being produced on a massive scale. Factors such as theater and opponent significantly influenced the success or failure of these designs. Understanding these lessons can help inform modern military strategy and vehicle development.