M-2 Light Tank

Developed in 1935 at Rock Island Arsenal, the M-2 Light Tank was intended for infantry support, based originally on the Vickers 6-ton British light tank. Called T2E1 before standardization, its only weapon in the first model was a single .50-cal. machine gun in a small turret. Almost immediately, the armament was upgraded by providing a second turret with a .30 cal. machine gun in a twin turret configuration (quickly called "Mae West" by the troops.) By the end of its life cycle, events in Europe showed that the M-2 light tank required more than machine guns. The M2A4 replaced the turret machine guns with the M5 37mm gun in a single turret, along with other improvements.

The shape of the turret changed with each model variant, plus additional changes within the production cycle. Here is a summary:

Model	Turret Styles
M2A1	Cylindrical cross-section single turret
M2A2	Twin MG turrets, Mae West, initially cylindrical, later small turret had 7 flat sides, large turret 8
M2A3	Same as A2 but twin turrets wider spaced
M2A4	Single turret with eight sides

Raised M2A3 Rear Idler Wheel

In March 1941, the M-3 Stuart light tank replaced the M-2 light tank. It can be difficult to tell the M-2A4 and M-3 light tanks apart since the early M-3 Stuart was quite similar to the M-2s. One distinguishing feature is the rear idler wheel, raised on the M2 Light Tank but rides on the ground on the M3 Stuart. The M2A4 also uniquely has seven pistol ports on the turret sides.

When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, the M2A1 through M2A3 light tanks were relegated to training. The US Marine Corps landed 50 M2A4 Light Tanks on Guadalcanal with the USMC 1st Tank Battalion. These remained in service in the Pacific Theater until 1943. That is the only known combat service by the M-2 Light Tank with US forces although the British received 36 M2A4 light tanks, possibly used in North Africa or CBI.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the M2 Light Tank at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

Training demonstration with an M2A4 light tank. Fast and mobile, the M2A4 Light Tank represented the emphasis given to mobility. Its chassis served as the basis for the later M3 Light Tank.

M2A4 light tanks of the 1st Armored Division training at Fort Knox in 1940.

M2A3 light tank of the 66th Infantry (Tanks) showing the use of log barriers in a demonstration with the 5th Engineers at Ft. Belvoir, VA, 14 November 1939.

Willys MA jeep, hood number W-2013740, with soldiers and M2 light tank, Louisiana Maneuvers, 1941.

M-2 Light Tank on experimental river-crossing raft with draw bay, circa 1940.

Company D, 192nd Tank Battalion with M2A3 light tanks and motorcycles on a parade ground during training at Ft Knox, KY, circa 1941. Courtesy Provisio East High School Bataan Commemorative Research Project

M-2 Light Tank Variants

Four variants of the M2 Light Tank were produced by American Car & Foundry Co. and Baldwin Locomotive Works, all prior to World War II:

Model	Year	Production
M2A1	1935	10
M2A2	1935	239
M2A3	1938	72
M2A4	1940	375

M2 Light Tank Characteristics

Length	14ft 6.5in (4.43m)
Width	8ft 1.25in (2.47m)
Height	8ft 8in (2.64m)
Weight	25,600 lbs (11,600kg)
Armament	37mm Gun M5 in M20 mount, 4 .30-cal. MG
Frontal armor (upper)	1 inch (25.4mm)
Engine	Continental Radial W-670-9A 7 cyl, 4 cycle, gasoline
Max speed	36mph (58kph)
Range (roads)	70mi (110km)
Crew	4 (Commander, driver, loader, asst. loader)

Table based on M2A4 model of the M2 Light Tank.

M2 Light Tank Photo Gallery

M2A2 light tank during maneuvers on Oahu, 1942. The M2A2 light tank had twin turrets, one containing a .50-caliber machine gun and the other a .30-caliber machine gun.

M2A4 light tank crossing the Wateree River, SC, during First Army maneuvers, 8 November 1941..

M2A4 light tank, Ft. Knox, KY, 1939..