The M3/M5 Stuart is an American light tank of the Second World War. The history of the M3 began in 1940, when the US Army saw the need to replace the old M2 with a more modern one. After several months of testing, the American company Car and Foundry in March 1941 released the first serial copy of the new tank, designated M3. The production of this successful tank continued until 1945 and ended with the release of more than 22,000 units! The M3 was equipped with a 7-cylinder Continental W-970-9A engine with a capacity of 250 hp. or with a 9-cylinder Guilberson T-1020-4 diesel engine with a capacity of 210 hp. On the other hand, the M5 tank was equipped with two twin Cadillac V-8 engines with a capacity of 220 hp each. every one In total, several modifications of the M3 tank were created. The first production series received the designation M3, the next - M3A1, min. was deprived of a watchtower and no longer had onboard machine guns. The M3A3 model was put into production in 1943 with numerous improvements after the fighting in North Africa. In March 1942, production of the M5, which was essentially a modification of the M3, also began. The M5 tank was produced in only two versions: M5 and M5A1. The latter had an elongated tower, an improved artillery installation and a new machine gun installation on the tower. The last modification was not used on all tanks of this version. The M8 self-propelled gun was also created on the basis of the M3/M5 tank. Tanks were massively exported to Great Britain under the Lend-Lease program. In the American and British service, they served in North Africa, Italy, Normandy, in battles in France and Germany in 1944-1945. At the end of the war, the tanks were replaced by the M24 Chaffe. The M3/M5 Stuart is recognized as one of the best light tanks of World War II. Satisfactory flight range, speed and maneuverability made it highly valued by its crews. Technical data (M3A3 version): length (with barrel): 4.52m, width: 2.24m, height: 2.52m, engine power: 210-250km, range: 217km, maximum speed (on the road): 58km/h , Armament: 1 37-mm M6 cannon, 2 7.62-mm M1919 machine guns.
