Produced by International Harvester from 1942 on, the Medium Tractor M5 was designed as a fast prime mover for heavy artillery.
To accelerate production, it was decided to use the wheels and tracks of the M3 Light Tank and a modified suspension.
The Continental gasoline engine enabled a max. speed of 35mph while towing an 155mm howitzer.
The vehicle was equipped with a Garwood front winch and a folding top with side curtains.
The Soviet Union received almost 200 samples in 1944 and, as being notoriously short in prime movers, instantly deployed them to their heavy artillery units.