Stuart
After WWII began, American observers realized that the US Army’s standard light tank, the M2, had become obsolete. Its replacement was the M3 light tank, known as the Stuart – a designation referring to both the M3 and its derivative, the M5 – which featured a new gun recoil system, an improved suspension, and thicker armor. It was initially armed with a 37mm gun, plus 5 machine guns: a coaxial affixed to the main gun, in ball mount to the right of the hull, in sponsons on the right and left of the hull, and atop the turret and pointing upward for antiaircraft duty.
Stuarts were heavily armored for light tanks of the era. M3 Stuarts were powered by a radial aero-engine and were distinguished by a high silhouette and a prop shaft running through the middle of the crew compartment, which restricted space and made for uncomfortably cramped fighting quarters. Because radial aero-engines were in high demand, the M3 was redesigned to use V8 engines, and furnished with an automatic transmission which made driver training easier, and also made for a roomier, quieter, and cooler crew compartment. While at it, engineers gave the improved vehicle sloped glacis armor. The redesigned tank was designated the M5 Stuart, and began replacing the M3 in 1942.
The Stuart holds the distinction of being the first American tank to take on enemy tanks during WWII. In addition to serving with US ground forces, they were also furnished under Lend-Lease to the British, who used them in the North African Campaign. Nicknaming it the “Honey”, the British praised the Stuart’s mechanical reliability and speed. However, they failed to make good use of Stuarts, notwithstanding that the Stuarts’ 37mm gun was equal to that of the most numerous German tank in the theater, the Panzer III, which the Stuart also matched in speed, while the “light” Stuart’s armor front and turret armor was even thicker than that of the medium German tank. Shortcomings were revealed, however, such as limited range and a two man turret that reduced fighting efficiency.
The Stuarts’ other main recipient, the Soviets, did not like them: in the Eastern Front, Stuarts were under armored and under-gunned; their aero-radial engines were gas hogs; were too sensitive to fuel quality; caught fire too easily; and consumed high octane gas which complicated logistics because other Red Army vehicles used diesel or low octane fuel. Additionally, the Stuart’s narrow tracks got stuck too easily in snow, and in the mud of the spring snow melt and autumn rains.