Medium Tank, M3
Description
The Medium Tank, M3 was the first US Medium Tank, to enter series production. It was also the first US tank to use a 75 mm gun, gyro stabilisers and a hydraulic power-traversed turret. It was used first in North Africa, both by the US and the United Kingdom, and on the Eastern Front by Russia, the latter two under the Lend-Lease agreement. The Medium Tank, M3 was replaced by the Medium Tank, M4 in 1941-10, after which it was re-classified as a substitute standard. It was re-classified again as a limited standard in 1943-04, and was declared obsolete in 1944-04. The Medium Tank, M3 went through a number of versions, the main distinctive features of each being:
- Medium Tank, M3
- The first version, having a riveted hull
- Medium Tank, M3A1
- Cast hull in place of the riveted hull
- Medium Tank, M3A2
- Welded hull in place of the riveted hull
- Medium Tank, M3A3
- Similar to the Medium Tank, M3A2, but with twin General Motors diesel engines
- Medium Tank, M3A4
- Similar to the Medium Tank, M3, but with a Chrysler multibank engine, making the vehicle somewhat longer
- Medium Tank, M3A5
- Similar to the Medium Tank, M3, but with twin General Motors diesel engines
Technical Details
| |
M3 |
M3A1 |
M3A2 |
M3A3 |
M3A4 |
M3A5 |
| Crew |
| Crew (total)
| 6
|
| Physical characteristics |
| Weight
| 27.2 t
| 28.6 t
| 29 t
|
| Length
| 5.64 m
| 5.99 m
| 5.64 m
|
| Width
| 2.72 m
|
| Height
| 3.12 m
|
| Armour |
| Armour (range)
| 13-57 mm
|
| Performance |
| Speed (max)
| 42 km/h
| 47 km/h
| 42 km/h
| 47 km/h
|
| Armament |
| Main weapon
| 75 mm Gun, M3 (1)
|
| Secondary weapon
|
- 37 mm tank gun (1)
- .30 cal. Browning Machine Gun (3)
|
Images
- Side view drawing of a Medium Tank, M3
- Medium Tank, M3 in North Africa
- Side and frontal view drawing of a Medium Tank, M3
- Side and frontal view
Further Reading
- Forum discussion of the Medium Tank, M3
- Forum discussion at the Tanks in World War 2 Forum, about the Medium Tank, M3.
- List of preserved Medium Tank, M3
- List of entries at the Preserved Military Vehicle Registry Project on the Medium Tank, M3.
Sources
- Office of the Chief of Ordnance. Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items : Volume I - Tank and Automotive. 1945.
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This page was last updated 2010-06-17 07:01:14.
