Davidson Automobile Battery

History of Davidson Car Batteries

By 1900, the automobile was a novelty that was destined to endure. Its development as a military vehicle didn't really go through until World War I (1914-1918), which helped drive the various technologies that have changed the world since.

Even before the war and before the turn of the century, mechanized warfare was considered to replace cavalry units - which came in the form of armored vehicles.

The Davidson-Duryea Gun Carriage of 1898 was one such development, a fairly simple looking three or four wheel design by today's standards, seated up to four men, behind which was an M1895 Colt Browning machine gun , fitted with a large metal shield and powered by a gasoline engine. Although the vehicle was not adopted by the U.S.

Army, it influenced the future use of mechanized vehicles and made its developer Royal Page Davidson (1870-1943) a pioneer of the genre in U.S. military history.

The general design of the Davidson car was then further developed in a follow-up to the production of the "Davidson Car Battery" in 1900. Due to poor performance, the car ditched the original gasoline engine and installed a steam boiler assembly in its place. The 4x2 wheel configuration has been standardized and the vehicle retains four seats.

Machine guns are still mounted on optional armored shields in front of the passengers. The rear-seat passengers face rearward and can act as a strike force or scout, disembarking if necessary. Goods can also be transported at their place.

Construction of the new vehicle was directed by Page cadets stationed at the Northwest Military Academy and Naval Academy in Highland Park, Illinois. Two cars were completed in 1901, referred to simply as "No. 1" and "No. 2".

In military service, this vehicle would have been suitable as a reconnaissance vehicle to transport observers to and from the front. Protection will be provided by the inherent armor scheme as well as by the 0.30 caliber machine gun, which provides the operator with a 180-degree firing arc to the forward sides.

Despite its revolutionary features, the Davidson Automotive Battery Armored Vehicle was never adopted -- and -- the military continues to provide temporary support to their cavalry units.

In 1915 - before the United States entered World War I - Page and his cadets assembled the Davidson-Cadillac armored vehicle. The design was the first dedicated armored vehicle in the United States.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Performance

Armor

Not available.

Changes