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
Side view drawing of a Medium Tank, M3
Medium Tank, M3 in North Africa
Medium Tank, M3 in North Africa
Side and frontal view drawing of a Medium Tank, M3
Side and frontal view drawing of a Medium Tank, M3
Side and frontal view
Side and frontal view

Sources

  1. Office of the Chief of Ordnance. Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items : Volume I - Tank and Automotive. 1945.

Further Reading

Forum discussion of the Medium Tank, M3

Preserved Medium Tank, M3

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This page was last updated 2010-06-17 07:01:14.