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United States' M5A1 light tank¹²

M5A1 Light Tank: Aberdeen Tank Museum	M5A1 Light Tank:	M5A1 Light Tank12: U.S. Ordnance Dept.	M5A1 Light Tank12: U.S. Ordnance Dept.
M5A1 Light Tank, drawing12: U.S. Ordnance Dept.	M5A1 Light Tank, stowage box12: U.S. Ordnance Dept.

Design

The M5A1's design was standardized in September 1942.¹² By July 1944 is was classified as Substitute Standard.¹²

All welded.¹¹ Had improved turret with more room and radio bulge in rear, with the antenna above the bulge.^11,12 There was a plate in the bulge that allowed the 37 mm gun to be removed for maintenance.¹² Another periscope in turret for viewing rear better. The commander had a direction finder fastened to the turret roof to indicate the straight ahead position.¹² There was also a spotlight provided.¹²

The antiaircraft gun mounting was moved to the right side of the turret.¹² The commander could traverse the turret and fire the antiaircraft gun at the same time.¹²

Larger escape hatches and positive water sealing door latches installed.¹² An additional escape hatch in the floor of the hull is installed.¹² Pistol ports are supplied with locks.

Armament

The M5A1 had the Combination Gun Mount, M44, installed in the turret.¹² This had a direct 3-power telescope.¹²

The 37 mm gun fired a 1.9 lb shell at a muzzle velocity of 2,600'/sec.⁹

Production

First productions models were completed in December 1942.⁷

• M5A1 prototype: Cadillac Motor Car Division¹²

Variants

• M5A1:
• M5A1 with Psy-war equipment: Fitted with PA system.¹¹ Used from 1944 - 1945.¹¹
• M5A1 with E7-7 Flame Gun: Main gun replaced by flame thrower equipment.
• M5A1 with E9-9 Flame-throwing equipment: Based on British Crocodile. Prototype only.
• M5A1 with E8 Flame-gun: Original turret removed. Box like superstructure was added with a smaller turret with flame thrower coming from it. Prototype only.

Sources:

1. The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
2. Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1933-1942, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
3. British and American Tanks of World War Two, The Complete Illustrated History of British, American, and Commonwealth Tanks 1933-1945, Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis, 1969
4. Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
5. The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
6. -
7. Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
8. Battle Winning Tanks, Aircraft & Warships of World War II, David Miller, 2000
9. Tank Data, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, 1968?
10. Tank Data 2, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, E. J. Hoffschmidt and W. H. Tantum IV, 1969
11. Airfix Magazine Guide #26 American Tanks of World War 2, Terry Gander and Peter Chamberlain, 1977
12. The American Arsenal, 1996