History, technical details and pictures

History of the M3 Stuart tank

While in 1940 the war flares up in Europe, the USA decide to strengthen their firepower, especially in the armored vehicles domain. The light M2 tank was considered outdated then, American engineers developed the M3 light tank "Stuart".

The first prototype was developed in July 1940 and it was adopted by the U.S. military which have launched the production of the M3 tank in March 1941. The main changes with rthe M2 tank lie in the fact that the M3 Stuart has a shield far more important.

American M3 Stuart tank models were numerous during the war, while the British produced their own version of the M3 tank, called Stuart "Honey", which has been improved during the Second World War: models Stuart I to Stuart V.

Mainly used for reconnaissance missions, the M3 Stuart light tank was also sent to support the infantry actions and to carry out such skirmishes.

M3 Stuart tank sheet

Country creator/user: USA
Name: M3 Stuart

Rate of fire: 4,53 m
Width: 2,54 m
Height: 2,24 m
Weigth: 12 700 kg
Maximum speed: 58 km/h
Range: 113 km

Main gun: 35 mm M5 gun
Secondary armament: 5 Browning M1919A4 de 12,7 mm machinguns

Engine: Continental W-670-9A - 262 hp
Consumption: 216L for 100 km

Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, driver, co-driver)

Front shield: 44 mm
Back shield: 13 mm