M3 Stuart Tank

A Light Tank Almost Immediately Rendered Obsolete
When the M3 Stuart series was developed in the 1930s, it was assumed they could ably function as offensive weapons despite being light tanks. But with Germany upgrading to medium tanks at the start of World War II, the M3s were nearing obsolescence before they ever entered combat.

Well-Received by the British Nonetheless
Many early M3s were sent to help the British replenish their tank fleet following heavy losses at the start of the war. In fact, the first combat use of the M3 was by the British Eighth Army during Operation Crusader in North Africa in November 1941. Because of its reliability and maneuverability, the tanks were extremely well-received by British crews. Though nicknamed the Stuart after Civil War general J.E.B. Stuart, the tanks were affectionately referred to it as "Honey" by the British.

Fighting for the U.S. in the Philippines
The M3 first fought for the United States against Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go Light Tanks in the Philippines in December 1941, which was also the first U.S. Army tank battle of the war.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • CREW: 4 - Commander, Driver, Gunner and Loader
  • DIMENSIONS: Length 14 ft 10 in / Width 7 ft 4 in / Height 7 ft 10 in
  • COMBAT WEIGHT: 28,000 lbs
  • FUEL CAPACITY: 54 gallons
  • PERFORMANCE: Max road speed 36 mph; Range 70 miles
  • ARMAMENT: 37mm cannon with 103 rounds carried 2x .30 cal machine guns