Stuart tank
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The Stuart was an American light tank of World War II in use with British forces prior to the entry of the USA into the European theatre. The name given by the British comes from the Civil War general Jeb Stuart and was used for both the M3 and M5 Light Tank. To the United States Army the tanks were officially known only as Light Tank M3 and Light Tank M5.
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History
Observing events in Europe, American tank designers realized that the M2 Light Tank was becoming obsolete and set about increasing its armor. The M3 Light tank was based directly on the M2.
To relieve the demand for the radial aero-engines used in the M3, the M5 was developed using twin automobile engines.
Combat history
The M3 and M5's were used by British, Commonwealth and Chinese forces. Some variants in British use in the Western Desert were nicknamed 'Honey'.
Variants
M3
In British use Stuart I.
M3A1
In British use Stuart III.
M3A2
Was never produced.
M3A3
British use Stuart V.
M5
British use Stuart VI.
M5A1
Also known as Stuart VI.
HMC M8
Howitzer Motor Carriage M8. The turret gun was replaced with the 75 mm M1 howitzer and a trailer hook was fitted so an ammunition trailer could be towed.
- M8 - M5 chassis.
- M8A1 - M5A1 chassis.
Notes
An M4 version of this tank was never produced so as to avoid confusion with the M4 Sherman.
External links
- AFV Database (http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m3stuart.html)
- LemaireSoft (http://users.swing.be/tanks.tanks/complet/527.html#595)
- OnWar: M3 Stuart (http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fltm3.htm) M3A1 Stuart (http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fltm3a1.htm) M3A3 Stuart (http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fltm3a3.htm) M5A1 Stuart (http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fltm5a1.htm)
- Russian Battlefield (http://www.battlefield.ru/library/lend/stuart.html)
- WWII Vehicles (http://www.wwiivehicles.com)
- Nase noviny - The M3/M5 (Honey/Stuart) Light Tank (http://www.geocities.com/nasenoviny/StuartEN.html)
see also
| American armored fighting vehicles of World War II |
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| Tanks |
| M3/M5 Stuart | M3 Lee | M4 Sherman | M22 Locust | M24 Chaffee | M26 Pershing |
| Self-propelled artillery |
| M7 Priest | M8 Scott | M12 GMC | M40 GMC |
| Tank destroyers |
| M10 Wolverine | M18 Hellcat | M36 Jackson |
| Armored half-tracks |
| M3 Half-track |
| Armored cars |
| M8 Greyhound | M3 Scout Car | M20 Armored Utility Car | T17 Staghound |
| Experimental vehicles |
| M38 Armored Car | M6 Heavy Tank | T-28 Tank/T-95 GMC | T14 Heavy Tank |
| American armored fighting vehicle production during World War II |