The M5A1 version used an improved turret with a radio bulge at the rear, along with improved hatches.
Apparently, the M5A1 was also over a foot longer, and a couple inches wider than the M5. The M5 was
around two tons heavier than the M3 due to improved armor, and weighed in at around sixteen tons, however
the armor at the thickest was still only 2.5 inches thick. Like the M3 before it, the M5 had a crew
of four men, and its main armament never grew beyond its original 37mm gun, and it was quickly outclassed
by its Axis opponents. After the war, the M3 and M5 series tanks were given or sold to friendly
governments around the world, where in many cases they stayed in use until fairly recently. As these
vehicles have been replaced by more modern types, they have increasingly been sought by private collectors,
because of their small size and ease of maintenance.
This vehicle is from the 14th Armored Division out of Missouri. If you have more information about
this vehicle that you would like to share, please contact me HERE.
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