The M5A1 Stuart is a Tier 2 American light tank.
Background Story
The M5A1 Stuart was an upgrade of the M3 Stuart. Produced in 1942, this tank has a new welded upper hull, new turret, improved engine, and improved suspension. The Stuart served with the United States and as lend-lease in British forces in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific Theater. It was soon replaced by the new M24 Chaffee light tank.
Playstyle
Rework due to uptier Soon™
Pros
- Excellent top speed.
- Fast reload speed.
Cons
- Slow acceleration.
- Poor damage per shot.
- Armor is still fairly thin.
Trivia
- The M5A1 Stuart used to be the Tier 1 starter tank for the American tree in Tankery.
- Stuarts were the first American-crewed tanks in World War II to engage the enemy in tank versus tank combat.
History
Development
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.
The M5A1 Stuart featured a slightly improved armor, with an additional spaced armor plate on the left side of the hull.
- M5A1 (Stuart VI) (Production history)
- 6,810 produced.
- M5 with the turret of the M3A3; this was the major variant in US units by 1943.