M5 Stuart
The M5 Stuart is an American tier 4 light tank. At first, the M5 Stuart appears to be a minor downgrade from the M3 Stuart, with slightly worse armor and lower speed for more hit points. The biggest difference is the ability to equip the fearsome 75mm Howitzer M3, one of the largest guns on any light tank in the game. While only able to fire HE shells with limited penetration (although using premium ammunition will more than make up for this), the M5's excellent speed and agility can be used to expose the thin rear and side armor of your opponents for maximum effect. The M5 can inflict damage on almost any tank through tier 7, but usually not in large amounts. Be warned though, its accuracy is poor, so come in fast, get close, and then get out of there. You can always come around for another pass from a different angle.
- The M5 Stuart leads to the M7 and to the M24 Chaffee.
M5 Stuart/ModulesM5 Stuart/EquipmentM5 Stuart/Consumables
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Above average top speed and traverse speed
- Above average accuracy, aim time, and turret traverse speed
- Above average ammo capacity
- Above average view and signal range
Cons:
- Below average hit points
- Below average engine power
- Below average hull and turret armour
- Below average damage, penetration, rate of fire, and elevation arc
Combat Effectiveness
Early Research
Suggested Equipment
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.
Zaloga, Steven. M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank. 1999; Osprey New Vanguard 33. ISBN 978-1-85532-911-9. Zaloga, Steven. Japanese Tanks 1939-45. Osprey New Vanguard 137. ISBN 978-1-84603-091-8. Zaloga, Steven. Armored Thunderbolt, The US Army Sherman in World War II. 2008; Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-0424-3. Hembree, Mark. "History You Can Model" FineScale Modeler February 2011..Page 74 (ISSN 0277-979X, USPS No. 679-590)
https://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m5stuart.html| Light Tanks | T1 Cunningham • M2 Light Tank • T1E6 • T2 Light Tank • T7 Combat Car • M22 Locust • M3 Stuart • MTLS-1G14 • M5 Stuart • M24 Chaffee • T21 • T71 |
| Medium Tanks | T2 Medium Tank • M2 Medium Tank • M3 Lee • M4 Sherman • M4A2E4 Sherman • M7 • Ram II • M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo • M4A3E8 Sherman • T20 • M26 Pershing • T23 • T26E4 Super Pershing • T69 • M46 Patton • T54E1 • M48A1 Patton • M60 |
| Heavy Tanks | T1 Heavy Tank • T14 • M6 • T29 • M6A2E1 • T32 • T34 • M103 • T57 Heavy Tank • T110E5 |
| Tank Destroyers | T18 • T82 • M8A1 • T40 • M10 Wolverine • T49 • M18 Hellcat • M36 Jackson • T25 AT • T25/2 • T28 • T28 Prototype • T30 • T95 • T110E3 • T110E4 |
| Self-Propelled Guns | T57 • M7 Priest • M37 • M41 • M44 • M12 • M40/M43 • M53/M55 • T92
|
