M5A1 Stuart

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.

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The following are consensus errors or inconsistencies which have been identified with the configuration of the vehicle in question and conflict with information available on the public record. The causes for these divergences in the game are normally not disclosed and may be rooted in game balance.

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.

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