M3 Light Tank
Light Tank M3 »Stuart«, 3rd production series
With the start of the 3rd »mid« production series, the octogonal welded turret of the Light Tank M3 was replaced by a cast version of homogenous steel of a horseshoe like shape (type »D39273«) and the pistol ports were fitted with new protectoscope covers.
The old octogonal copula disappeared as well, in favour of a riveted ellipsoid shaped version.
The extra turret front plate was now bolted instead of riveted.
The old octogonal copula disappeared as well, in favour of a riveted ellipsoid shaped version.
The extra turret front plate was now bolted instead of riveted.
The hull remained riveted, but the driver and gunner received new hatches with new protectoscope vision slot covers.
At later production stages, grouser boxes were added to both rear sides, as well as additional fuel tanks on both rear sponsons, thus doubling the tank's range, as shown with the M3A1.
At later production stages, grouser boxes were added to both rear sides, as well as additional fuel tanks on both rear sponsons, thus doubling the tank's range, as shown with the M3A1.
Special thanks to Mr. Claude Gillono, France, and Mr. Eduard Golovashkin, Russia, for providing precious informations.
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No publication in any form without the author's written permission.
Last Updated: June 17, 2005
No publication in any form without the author's written permission.
Last Updated: June 17, 2005