M5A1 Stuart
M5A1 Stuart
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[Client Values; Actual values in
143,000  Cost |
| 495104 HP Hit Points |
| 15.56/15.756.02/18 t Weight Limit |
- Commander (Loader)
- Gunner (Loader)
- Driver
- Radio Operator
| 296400 hp Engine Power |
| 64.4/20 km/h Speed Limit |
| 3638 deg/s Traverse |
| 19.0266.45 hp/t Power/Wt Ratio |
| NoNo Pivot |
| // mm Hull Armor |
| 38.1/31.8/31.844.5/31.8/31.8 mm Turret Armor |
AP/APCR/HE
AP/APCR/HE Shells |
18/800/10
36/1600/19 Shell Cost |
| 40/40/5070/70/90 HP Damage |
| 56/78/1981/130/25 mm Penetration |
|
26.09 r/m ▲
24 r/m Standard Gun ▲ Rate of Fire Standard Gun |
|
1043.6 ▲
Standard Gun
▼
Standard Gun
▲
1680 Standard Gun ▲
Standard Gun
▼
Standard Gun
▲ Damage Per Minute Standard Gun |
|
0.42 m ▲
0.42 m With 50% Crew: 0.52 m ▲ Accuracy With 50% Crew: 0.52 m |
| 1.7 s 2.3 s Aim time |
| 4848 deg/s Turret Traverse |
| 360° Gun Arc |
| -10°/+20°-10°/+20° Elevation Arc |
| 185130 rounds Ammo Capacity |
| 2020 % Chance of Fire |
| 330 m 350 m View Range |
| 395 m 615 m Signal Range |
IV
143000
The M5A1 Stuart is a Chinese tier 4 light tank.
The first tanks of the M5 series were produced in April 1942, and a new modification, the M5A1, was preferred over other variants. After the M24 Chaffee was developed, the M5A1 tanks were deemed obsolete and were exported to other countries, including China. A total of 100 tanks of this type were supplied to the Kuomintang. During the Civil War (1946–1949), many of these vehicles were captured by the PLA.
With handling and speed similar to the American M5 Stuart the only real difference with the M5A1 is the top gun. Instead of the 37mm T16 this tank gets a fast firing 47mm (the same one as on the Type 2597 Chi-Ha) with enhanced reload and aim times. The M5A1 Stuart is the first pure scout in the Chinese tree and thus is capable of fulfilling a scout role, be it spotting from hidden areas or by going deep into enemy lines. The decent top gun could also damage most enemies from the sides and many head-on, making it an excellent artillery hunter and info relay for your allies.
The M5A1 Stuart leads to the Type T-34.
Modules / Available Equipment and Consumables
Modules
Guns
| Tier | Gun | Penetration (mm) |
Damage (HP) |
Rate of fire (rounds/minute) |
Dispersion (m/100m) |
Aiming time (s) |
Weight (kg) |
Price (  )
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| III | 37 mm M6 | 56/78/19 | 40/40/50 | 26.09 | 0.42 | 1.7 | 84 | 8350 | |
| IV | 47 mm Gun Type 1 | 81/130/25 | 70/70/90 | 24 | 0.42 | 2.3 | 411 | 21000 |
Engines
| Tier | Engine | Engine Power (hp) |
Chance of Fire on Impact (%) |
Weight (kg) |
Price ( )
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | Twin Cadillac, Series 42 | 296 | 20 | 530 | 10350 | |
| IV | Continental R-975-C1 | 400 | 20 | 516 | 10500 |
Suspensions
| Tier | Suspension | Load Limit (т) |
Traverse Speed (gr/sec) |
Rmin | Weight (kg) |
Price ( )
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| III | VVSS T36E6 | 15.75 | 36 | B/2 | 3550 | 1500 | |
| IV | VVSS T55E1 | 18 | 38 | B/2 | 3550 | 4700 |
Radios
| Tier | Radio | Signal Range (m) |
Weight (kg) |
Price ( )
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VI | SCR 508 | 395 | 91 | 21600 | |
| IX | SCR 506 | 615 | 97 | 33600 |
Compatible Equipment
Compatible Consumables
Player Opinion
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent acceleration, and great top speed; engine is better than US M5
- Decent damage output and good penetration (for a Tier IV scout)
- Great gun depression and somewhat small turret, ideal for hull-down
Cons:
- Mediocre accuracy and noticeable dispersion penalty on movement
- Sharp turns will cost much speed
- Badly outclassed against higher tier mediums and lights
- Vision range is slightly below average, and less than the American counterpart
- Like other early Chinese tanks in tech tree, it actually was not domestically manufactured, thus doesn't share any equipment with any other tanks expect for the Chi-Ha's top gun
Performance
This tank plays quite differently depending on if you are near the top or bottom of the battle. If you are near the top it's advised that you try to spot enemies but don't be overly aggressive when doing so. Just poke you turret over hills or lead the pack ahead. The gun you have has good characteristics compared to most of the other Tier IV lights so you can engage other tanks successfully.
But when you are at the bottom things change. You can no longer engage most tanks with success so you have to mainly do spotting or flanking. You can do this the same way you would in a low tier battle (works best on hilly, close-quarters areas like the railroad on Live Oaks). You can also find a bush that is roughly 150-350m away from an enemy area and light them up. If you're going to pick the second option you should bring decent equipment like a camouflage net, binos, or coated optics.
The M5A1's crew layout -- Commander (Loader), Gunner (Loader), Driver, Radio Operator -- matches no premium Chinese light tank, there is no perfect crew trainer for it.
In the hands of a seasoned player this tank can take down higher-tier medium or heavy tanks with relative ease. The M5A1 gives players a taste of the forthcoming high tier Chinese lights: a gun that packs a punch, great mobility, and a little armor that might matter at times.
Early Research
Get the engine first, it will help you get around and scout better. In order to mount the 47mm gun, which carries over from the Chi-Ha, you need the tracks to mount it due to your maximum carry weight. Get the tracks and mount the gun too. Your next purchase should be the either the radio or the turret. This all depends on if you would rather have a slightly more durable tank that sees further or a tank that can go out further and still relay the information back to your teammates.
Suggested Equipment
Gallery
Historical Info
The Light Tank M5 was a modified Light Tank M3 with a new power train and an improved armor layout. A radial engine shortage was expected in 1941, and it was decided to find alternative engines to power tanks. The engines in the M5 were Cadillac automobile engines, each with its own transmission. The hull was all-welded, and the glacis was sloped and moved out to make more room for the drivers. The drivers had their own hatches, which were equipped with periscopes. Direct vision for the drivers was through two peepholes that were closed with steel plugs attached with chains. The M5's turret was the same as that on the light tank M3A1. The M5 was originally known as light tank M4, but was redesignated to M5 to avoid confusion with the medium tank M4. The British called the M5 the Stuart VI.
The major distinguishing features between the Light Tanks M5 and M3A3 are the hull sides and rear deck. The M5 had a raised rear deck to accommodate the twin Cadillac engines and vertical hull sides, while the M3A3 had sloping upper hull sides and a flat engine deck. During the 1930's the United States Army did not consider tanks to be a relevant weapon on the battlefield. Consequently, little research and development was performed. German victories in Europe exploiting firepower and mobility of tank warfare rekindled interest in tanks among U.S. military leaders, resulting in development plans for a light tank. Several models of the light tank were developed, including the M1, M2 and M3 series. In 1942 production began on the M5 series light tank at the Cadillac Division of General Motors Corporation. There was no M4 light tank designation in order to avoid confusion with the M4 medium tank, then under production. In September of 1942 design improvements were made, culminating in the M5A1, the ultimate refinement of the 1930's vintage U.S. light tank technology. A total production of 6810 M5A1 tanks occurred from 1942 to 1944.
Development
Evaluation of the M5A1 design concept entails the basic principles of tank warfare; armor, firepower and mobility. The inherent nature of the light tank implies light armor which is an obvious deficiency for a combat vehicle. The frontal armor was rolled homogeneous steel approximately 1.125 inches (29 mm), sufficient for the Far East theater, but insufficient for German munitions especially toward the end of the war. The vehicle had a relatively high profile (height 101 inches), easing the job of enemy gunners to acquire a target. Light tank also implies light firepower which, in the form of a 37mm main gun, was inferior to other combat vehicles at the time in the European theater. However, the armament was quite effective against Japanese combat vehicles in the Far East theater. Mobility was impressive with a maximum speed of 36 MPH. Interviews with actual drivers indicated that speeds in excess of 45 MPH were readily achieved. The V8 engines were very quiet and the Hydramatic transmissions allowed easy gear shifting, resulting in a stealthy vehicle.
Design features
The M5A1 was equipped with a .30 caliber bow machine gun, .30 caliber coaxial machine gun, 37 mm main gun and .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun. The M5A1 was originally equipped with a .30 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun on the turret but most tankers acquired the .50caliber machine gun since it was more effective. Ground pressure is 12.3 psi. The suspension uses vertical volute springs. The controlled differential is on the right side of the driver. This is essentially a 2 speed automatic shift gear box coupled to 2 drive shafts from 2 automatic 4 speed transmissions. This gives the vehicle 8 speeds forward and 2 speeds in reverse, all automatic shift. The power plant is the 346 cu.in. flat head V8 engine, two of which are mounted in the rear of the vehicle, connected to 4 speed Hydramatic transmissions. Each engine generated 110 horsepower. A two barrel Carter carburetor provides fuel to the engine with thermal spring automatic chokes for cold starts. The tank commander/main gun loader sits on the right, while the gunner sits on the left. A gyroscope to the right of the turret is used to aid in aiming the main gun on irregular terrain. The M5A1 had a crew of 4: the driver, assistant driver/bow gunner, main gunner and tank commander/loader. The M6 periscope was used in 5 locations on the vehicle with 4 looking forward and one to the rear.
Combat service
The M5 made its debut in the invasion of Casablanca in French North Africa. By 1943, and at the time of the invasion of Sicily, the M5A1 was becoming the standard light tank of the American armored divisions. Because of limited firepower, the M5A1 eventually took on reconnaissance and escort duties in Italy and, after the invasion of Normandy, throughout Europe. In the Pacific theater, the M5A1 made its debut at Roi-Namur in February of 1944 and on Saipan, the same year. The M5A1 was quite effective against most Japanese armor, even the Japanese Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank typically used in the Pacific theater. The 37 mm main gun, although obsolete in Europe, was found to be effective against Japanese targets. Consequently, many other vehicles carrying the 37 mm gun, such as the M8 armored car and M3 anti-tank gun were retained and used in the Pacific theater.
Historical Gallery
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Historical Accuracy Errata
The Japanese 47 mm Gun Type 1 gun was the main armament of the Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha, Type 1 Chi-He, Type 3 Ka-Chi, and Type 5 Ke-Ho tanks. Its configuration on the American M5A1 is fake.
| Light Tanks | IIVickers Mk. E Type B • IIIType 2597 Chi-Ha • IVM5A1 Stuart • VI59-16 • VIType 64 • VIIType 62 • VIIWZ-131 • VIIIWZ-132 • VIIIM41D • IXWZ-132A • XWZ-132-1 |
| Medium Tanks | VType T-34 • VIType 58 • VIIT-34-1 • VIIIType 59 • VIIIT-34-2 • VIIIT-34-3 • VIII59-Patton • VIII122 TM • VIIIType 59 G • IXWZ-120 • X121 • X121B |
| Heavy Tanks | VIIIS-2 • VIIIWZ-111 • VIIIWZ-111 Alpine Tiger • VIII110 • VIII112 • IXWZ-111 model 1-4 • IXWZ-114 • X113 • X113 Beijing Opera • XWZ-111 model 5A • XWZ-111 Qilin |
| Tank Destroyers | IIT-26G FT • IIIM3G FT • IVSU-76G FT • V60G FT • VIWZ-131G FT • VIIT-34-2G FT • VIIIWZ-111-1G FT • VIIIWZ-120-1G FT • IXWZ-111G FT • IXWZ-120G FT • XWZ-113G FT • X114 SP2 |
| Self-Propelled Artillery |
