The Austro-Hungarian Artillerie-Generatorzugwagen M.16, a benzo-electric artillery tractor utilized in both World War I and World War II for towing Škoda siege artillery, played a crucial role in the mobility of powerful new weapons introduced by Škoda before the Great War. This artillery park included the 24 cm Kanone M.16 gun, Škoda 38 cm Vz. 1916, and Škoda 42 cm Vz. 1914 howitzers. Recognizing the need for enhanced mobility for these formidable weapons, a new tractor was deemed essential.
Ferdinand Porsche, then a designer at Austro-Daimler in Wiener Neustadt, was entrusted with the development of the vehicle. The project, spearheaded by Porsche, was ground-breaking, featuring a 6-cylinder gasoline engine powering an electric generator. This generator supplied electricity to the electric motors on the rear wheels of the vehicle and, through a network of wiring, to those on the trailer, rendering it not merely towed but self-propelled.
During World War I, the vehicle served alongside artillery units in the Austro-Hungarian Army. However, the Treaty of Versailles determined the fate of these vehicles, aligning it with the destiny of the artillery they supported. Czechoslovakia inherited some of these vehicles post-separation from the empire, utilizing them during World War II. Additionally, Italy received some as war reparations and continued their service.
Following the Munich Agreement, Nazi Germany acquired the M.16 guns and B-Zugs for a sum exceeding 55 million crowns. These acquisitions were subsequently renamed Generatorzugwagen M.16, signifying their integration into the German arsenal.
The M.16 featured a conventional chassis with a 4×2 rear-wheel drive configuration, boasting metal wheels equipped with semi-pneumatics. Both the driver's and mechanic's seats were outfitted with a foldable waterproof canvas cover for protection. Its power source was a Daimler 20.32-liter 6-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 150 hp. The engine and generator were shielded by a metal hood, with the fuel tank securely positioned behind the driver's seat. Positioned at the rear of the frame were the towbar, winch, and a hose reel for electrical cables connecting to the trailer. The cable's length facilitated detachment for individual vehicle movement in challenging crossings. The tractor and its trailer could be equipped with either 1030 mm diameter semi-pneumatic road wheels or 720 mm diameter railway wheels, enabling swift adaptation for rail travel covering distances exceeding 50 km.
On a regular road surface, an M.16 had the capability to propel an entire tow train comprising 4-5 cars. The vehicle demonstrated remarkable performance and functionality, proving indispensable in towing the substantial new Škoda guns. However, this efficiency came with a certain level of construction complexity and required meticulous maintenance. Fuel filters needed cleaning every 2-3 hours of operation, while mechanisms and valves required lubrication every 10 km.
This ground-breaking vehicle, known as the Artillerie-Generatorzugwagen M.16, played a pivotal role in the Austro-Hungarian army throughout the duration of the Great War. Its innovative design, spearheaded by Ferdinand Porsche, showcased unparalleled functionality and adaptability, making it an integral asset within the army's artillery units.
This enduring service extended beyond the lifespan of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as subsequent nations, including Czechoslovakia and Italy, inherited and repurposed these vehicles during World War II. The M.16's lasting legacy underscores its lasting impact on military logistics, demonstrating that its ground-breaking design and engineering principles stood the test of time even after the dissolution of the empire it once served.