The M24 Chaffee was a major advance compared to the M5 Stuart it replaced.   The hull and turret shapes were made more angled, which eliminated shot traps and increased protection.   The 75mm main gun was developed from the lightweight M5 aircraft gun, and was almost as powerful as a Sherman.   The Chaffee was designed around the M5A1 power train and retained the twin Cadillac V-8s, which were mounted on rails for ease of maintenance.   It was a very maneuverable and agile vehicle, which could reach speeds of 34mph, while carrying a crew of 4 or 5.   The prototype was produced in October 1943, and it entered service in July of 1944, and by June of 1945, 4070 had been delivered.