The Somua MCG5 was a French armored recovery vehicle developed in the 1930s and used during World War II. It was based on the chassis of the Somua S35 medium tank, which was known for its advanced armor and mobility. The MCG5 (Mise en Caisson de Grosses Pièces, or “Large Piece Recovery Vehicle”) was specifically designed to recover damaged tanks and artillery pieces from the battlefield and perform essential maintenance tasks.
The vehicle was equipped with a winch system and a hydraulic crane to assist in lifting and recovering heavy vehicles. The crane had a lifting capacity of up to 4 tons, which allowed it to recover the Somua S35 and other similar-sized vehicles. It also had a towing hook for pulling immobilized vehicles.
Power was supplied by the same Somua S35 engine, a V-4 petrol engine producing 190 horsepower, enabling a top speed of around 30 km/h (19 mph) and a range of about 200 km (124 miles). The MCG5 retained the same 40mm armor on its front, offering some protection for the crew from small arms fire and shrapnel.
The Somua MCG5 was used in both the French and later German forces, where it played an essential role in battlefield recovery, ensuring the mobility of armored units during combat.
