M2 light tank
| Light tank M2 | |
|---|---|
M2 in an English assembly hall |
|
| General properties | |
| crew | 4 men |
| length | 4.43 m |
| width | 2.47 m |
| height | 2.65 m |
| Dimensions | 11.6 t |
| Armor and armament | |
| Armor | 6-25 mm |
| Main armament | 1 × 37mm M5 cannon |
| Secondary armament | 5 × Browning M1919 |
| agility | |
| drive |
Continental W-670-9A, 7 cylinder 183/164 kW (245/220 PS) |
| suspension | vertical coil suspension |
| Top speed | 58 km / h |
| Power / weight | 20.4 hp / t |
| Range | approx. 320 km |
The Light Tank M2 was a pre-war development by the US Army and classified as a light tank. It was used variously in combat early on in operations in the Pacific theater of war. Although no large numbers were used, the vehicle provided important information that was considered in the further development of the US light tanks during the Second World War .
Development history
The Light Tank M2 was developed and manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal in 1935 as an infantry tank for the US Army . When designing the design, the engineers were heavily influenced by the well-known Vickers 6-tone . The original main armament was a Browning M2 machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber (M2 Browning machine gun .50), which was installed in a small one-man turret. After producing just ten copies, the US infantry suddenly asked for a two-turret solution. A machine gun with a caliber of 7.62 mm was housed in the second tower. These two-tower tanks were immediately given the nickname " Mae West " - after the then popular film star. The twin-turret design was unsatisfactory, but in the 1930s it became the common hallmark of Vickers-derived light tanks such as the T-26 and 7TP .
From the events of the Spanish Civil War , the US Army had drawn the conclusion that tanks had to be better armed and protected than had previously been the case. Those responsible for the US Cavalry have already requested a larger single turret for their almost identical M1 battle tank . In 1940 the two machine gun turrets were replaced by a single turret with a 37 mm cannon and better armor protection. The suspension and engine cooling were made larger and an improved transmission was installed.
New findings then emerged from the war in France, which ultimately had an accelerating effect on the US tank program. In July 1940, work began on a new "light tank" based on the previous M2 . Thicker armor and a longer armored hull eventually led to the M3 Stuart .
The early M3 was still very similar to the M2A4 , in fact both types operated together in the same units. In March 1941, the production of light tanks was switched from the M2A4 to the M3 .
The importance of the M2 lies in the basis for the M3 , which the model ultimately represented. The high speed and reliability of the mechanical parts of the M3 were based on the M2 development program.
use
In December 1941 the M2A1 , M2A2 and M2A3 were only used in the training area. A small number of the M2A4 were involved in the Battle of Guadalcanal , where they were used by the US Marine Corps . Some remained in service in the Pacific theater until 1943.
Great Britain ordered 100 M2A4s in the spring of 1941 . After the delivery of 36 copies, the order was withdrawn because they wanted to use the more modern Light Tank M3 .
variants
-
M2A1 (1935).
- 12.7 mm machine gun in a single turret. 10 units made.
-
M2A2 (1935).
- Twin towers, called "Mae West". 239 units produced.
-
M2A3 (1938).
- Twin towers, improved armor protection and suspension. 72 units made.
-
M2A4 (1940).
- Single turret with 37 mm cannon. Reinforced armor protection. 375 units produced.
Individual evidence
- Steven Zaloga : M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940-45. 1999 Osprey Publishing (New Vanguard 33), ISBN 1-85532-911-5 .
Web links
- AFV database (Engl.)
- WWII vehicles (Engl.)
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