Nov 28, 2014 · The M5 Stuart light tank gradually replaced the older M3 Stuart in the US and Allied light tank arsenal until 1945.

The M3 Stuart/light tank M3, was a US light tank of World War II, first entered service in the British Army in early 1941 and saw action in the North African campaign in July 1941. [4]

Oct 17, 2018 · The M5 "Stuart" (also "General Stuart") was an extension of the original M3 Stuart Light Tank line of 1941 and brought about by the American military relocation of vital war-making supplies - namely the Continental aero engine used in the M3.

Tankers in an M5 Stuart tank roll through a smashed French town. The tank’s turret could not traverse whenever the driver and bow gunner’s hatches were open. Joe Cotten had an extra machine gun attached to his Stuart’s turret for added firepower.

The M5 Stuart was the Army’s standard light tank at the beginning of World War II. It was primarily used in reconnaissance, flank security, and infantry support roles. The M5 was lightly armored, quick and maneuverable, with a top speed of 36 miles per hour.

In 1942 came the M3A3, which was influenced by the M5 design. In all, 13,859 M3 were built and fought in almost all theaters of war. In Europe, they faced much better German tanks, and their feeble armament and armor, their radial gasoline engine, were seen as handicaps.

Sep 1, 2024 · Light Tank M5A1 Stuart at the Americans in Wartime Museum. This tank features the late-production stowage box on the hull rear, but lacks the shield found around the antiaircraft machine gun. T36E6 parallel grouser tracks are mounted.

Nov 25, 2023 · The major distinguishing features between the light tanks M5 and M3A3 are the hull sides and rear deck. The M5 had a raised rear deck to accommodate the twin Cadillac engines and vertical hull sides, while the M3A3 had sloping upper hull sides and a …

Jan 30, 2018 · Cadillac converted an M3 Light Tank by installing twin Cadillac engines and Hydra-Matic transmissions that drove the tank through a two-speed automatic transfer case. The new power plant and improved hull shape gave the M5 much more interior space than the M3. Production of the M5 began at GM Cadillac Division’s Detroit plant in April 1942.

During the war, the US Army used light tanks extensively in tank battalions. The tank used was the M3/M5 Stuart, which was thinly armored and mounted a tiny 37-mm main gun.