M5 Stuart (Family)
Contents
Description
The Light Tank, M5 Stuart is a later iteration of the M3 Stuart, with an redesigned hull and a better engine.
The designation M5 was chosen to not be confused with the Medium Tank M4 Sherman.
Vehicles
Rank II
Design
M5A1 Stuart
The second variant of the M5 Stuart series, the main difference of the M5A1 was the improved M3A3 turret. The M3A3 turret had a bustle on the rear, which was used to house the SCR 508 radio with the antenna protruding from the rear roof of the turret. The pintle mount for the .30 cal (7.62 mm) M1919A4 machine gun was moved to the right side of the turret, and the commander could fire it while partially inside the tank. The pistol ports were removed on this turret, and the M5A1 also had an escape hatch under the assistant driver's position. Additionally, the tank was sealed better to prevent any leakage of water.
The M5A1 was the first tank in the series to feature fenders and sand guards for the upper tracks. Lower sideskirts could be attached to the bogie leg hooks for additional protection, but most M5A1s were not equipped with this portion. Additionally, many M5A1s did not have rear mudguards, some did not have front fenders, and sometimes they didn't have any parts of the kit. A stowage basket was added to the rear of the tank, an armored shield was added to the .30 cal pintle mount, and a roof-mounted spotlight was added. Brackets/rails were provided for mounting of tracks in groups of four on the turret. On later models the amount of rails for track storage was increased and late in production the road wheels were replaced by cast models, rather than the original spoked road wheels.
Variants (in-game)
Light Tanks
SPG
Media
- Videos
