The M9A2/M18 paracaisson

[thunderw21]

I'm now the proud owner of an M9A2/M18 paracaissson cart. I picked it up several days ago from a local antique mall.

 

I'm not able to find out much about it, just the general info. They were self-contained carts that were loaded with ammo for the 75mm pack-howitzer and dropped from the bellies of C-47s. Once on the ground, the paratroopers would open them and discard the lid, assemble the wheels and handle, and off they went!

 

 

 

Here are a couple questions someone might be able to answer: were these ever used in combat? If so, when and where? What is the general value of such a cart in this condition?

 

 

 

Anyways, here are the pics. Original paint other than the brighter green on the handle end of the canister. It looks to have the original tires as well. Minimal rust and I was able to remove the handle and wheels with minimal issues. It's missing the lid and a few pieces on the inside as well as the attachment points for the rope handles.

 

It's an ingenious design.

 

 

 

 

[thunderw21]

 

 

The detachable folding axle. You can also see the latches that hold the wheels on.

[thunderw21]

 

 

 

[URIK]

Nice find, that's a rare cart!

[phantomfixer]

The C47 we have on display and flew in the Normandy invasion dropping troopers that night,,,used a canvas parapack... I do believe the paracrate was used in combat..when researching our C47 display we found numerous period photos of the paracrate being loaded...

[thunderw21]

The C47 we have on display and flew in the Normandy invasion dropping troopers that night,,,used a canvas parapack... I do believe the paracrate was used in combat..when researching our C47 display we found numerous period photos of the paracrate being loaded...

 

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Here's a pic of the cart broken down, including the folding axle. Breakdown took roughly 1 minute while putting it back together took slightly longer. No tools needed.

 

[phantomfixer]

yep quick and easy was the name of the game...off the the field and ready to use....if you google AMC museum you can see one on display next to our Gooney...

 

yours is way cooler as it is in private hands and will be utuilized.......

[ZUJ-A-TIC]

Here is a link to a related discussion from last year on my M9A2 paracaisson.

 

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/200466-75mm-pack-how-paracrate-cart-need-info/

[Piper Cub]

That's a neat idea with those carts. Any idea how many were made? I doubt there's many of them left anymore.

[tractor]

I just got one of these carts myself

[Brian Keith]

That is a great find!

BKW

[ZUJ-A-TIC]

Nice score!... How about some pictures!?

[ZUJ-A-TIC]

This is one of the two pull-ropes that came with mine.

[ZUJ-A-TIC]

another shot.

[tractor]

my cart is a partial cart. I have everything below the body besides the rims. Planning to make a new body in the future. I have a spare hub if anyone is missing one

[thunderw21]

Tractor, how do you intend on making the body? Mine is missing its lid and I would be interested in making my own, if that's even possible.

[ZUJ-A-TIC]

I have a lid. Let me know if you need any pictures or measurements.

[tractor]

I need to figure out metal patterns but thinking I may be able to use galvanized roofing to make a body.

[tractor]

well the guy I got the cart from called me the other day and found the body of my cart

[ZUJ-A-TIC]

Isn't it great when THAT happens. Enjoy!