M-2 Medium Tank

Known as the T5 medium tank in testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1939, the M-2 Medium Tank entered service in the spring of 1940. Its 37mm cannon and eight machine guns were protected by only 32mm of armor (maximum) and the tank was underpowered for its weight. At the same time, German forces introduced the heavily armored Panzer-Kampfwagen IV, with a 75mm gun. The M-2 Medium Tank was quickly upgraded to the M2A1 with more armor and a more powerful engine as well as a redesigned turret, but a new tank was needed.

The M3 Stuart Light Tank was developed and put into production by June 1940, based on the M2 chassis and the M2A1 turret, with more armor. Only 94 of the M2 medium tanks were produced before being superseded by the M3 Stuart; those were relegated to training duties.

M2A1 Medium Tank Characteristics

Length	17ft 6in (5.33m)
Width	8ft 6in (2.59m)
Height	9ft 3in (2.82m)
Weight	M2 38,000 lb (17,300kg) M2A1 47,000 lb (21,400kg)
Armament	Main gun: 37mm cannon Eight .30 cal. machine guns
Frontal armor	1.26in (32mm)
Engine	Wright air cooled 400hp R-975 radial 9-cyl
Max speed	36 mph (42kph)
Range (roads)	130mi (209km)
Crew	6 (Commander, driver, 4 gunners)

M2 Medium Tank, with E2 flamethrower installed, during 1941 test.

M2 Medium Tank, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Photo: Courtesy of Bob Pettit.