Corgi World of Tanks – M3 Stuart , U.S. Army

Popis

-sběratelský model tanku M3 Stuart      délka modelu 7,0 cm
-provedení: kovový model s plastovými částmi

                  M3 / M5  Stuart Light Tank.

M3 Stuart byl americký lehký tank, používaný během 2. světové války americkou, britskou a dalšími spojeneckými armádami.

The M3 / M5  Stuart, officially Light Tank, M3, was an American light tank of World War II. It was supplied to British and other Commonwealth forces under lend-lease prior to the entry of the U.S. into the war. Thereafter, it was used by U.S. and Allied forces until the end of the war.

M5 Stuart

To relieve wartime demand for the radial aero-engines used in the M3, a new version was developed using twin Cadillac V8 automobile engines and twin Hydra-Matic transmissions operating through a transfer case. This version of the tank was quieter, cooler and roomier; the automatic transmission also simplified crew training. The new model (initially called M4 but redesignated M5 to avoid confusion with the M4 Sherman) featured a redesigned hull with a raised rear deck over the engine compartment, sloped glacis plate and driver’s hatches moved to the top. Although the main criticism from units using the Stuarts was that it lacked firepower, the improved M5 series kept the same 37 mm gun. The M5 gradually replaced the M3 in production from 1942 and, after the M7 project proved unsatisfactory, was succeeded by the Light Tank M24 in 1944. Total M5 and M5A1 tank production was 8,885; an additional 1,778 M8 75 mm howitzer motor carriages based on the M5 chassis with an open-top turret were produced.

• M5A1 (Stuart VI)

6,810 produced.

M5 with the turret of the M3A3; this was the major variant in US units by 1943.