The M5 light tank was used by the US Army and Marine Corps during World War II. It made its combat debut with the 70th Tank Battalion in North Africa in November 1942. However, it would prove to be poorly suited for the European Theater, due to its thin armor and an underpowered 37-mm gun. This is the reason it would be replaced by the M24 Chaffee. The M5 only remained viable and effective in the Pacific war. Thus, the US Marine Corps used the M5A1 in small numbers in the last campaigns of the Pacific Theater. It saw combat action on Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa Island.
The tank in 1943, during WW2
Technical Description
The M5A1 light tank had a much-improved and larger turret than its predecessor's; the M3 Stuart. This new turret had additional room in the rear of it for the radios. The hull was also longer, with an escape hatch on the floor behind the co-driver. The fuel tanks were re-located to the rear corners of hull, which had thicker armor at the sloping front (glacis). The tank rode on four road wheels contained in two bogies, with the sprocket drive wheel in front and the idler in the rear.
Compared to other light tanks that preceded it, the M5A1 had a stronger power plant as it was driven by a twin Cadillac V-8 gasoline engine, which delivered 220 horsepower and 488-lb of torque at 1,200 rpm. Each engine had its Hydramatic transmission, with four speeds forwards and one reverse. It was equipped with two driveshafts, which went forward to a two-speed synchronizing transfer unit bolted to the front differential. Until 1944, 6,810 units were produced by Cadillac and Massey Harris.
Specifications
Type: light tank
Weight: 15.20 tons
Length: 4.84 m (15 feet, 10.5 inches)
Width: 2.29 m (7 feet, 6 inches)
Height: 2.57 m (8 feet, 5 inches)
Power Plant: two 346ci Cadillac, V-8, gasoline engines.
Maximum Speed: 58 km/h (36 mph)
Range: 161 km (100 miles)
Armament: one 37-mm M6 gun; three 7.62-mm (.30-cal.) machine guns.
Crew: 4
Below, the M5A1 light tank on exhibition.
Below, the 5A2 version as part of a private collection driving on a country road.
