M3 Medium Tank, Grant, Lee

Model US Turret United Kingdom Turret Engine Type
M313 Lee I Grant I Gasoline
Lee IV Grant IV Diesel
M3A113 Lee II Grant II Gasoline
Lee V Grant V Diesel
M3A213 Lee III Grant III Gasoline
Lee VI Grant VI Diesel
M3A313 Lee VII Grant VII Diesel
M3A413 Lee VIII Grant VIII Gasoline
M3A513 Lee IX Grant IX Diesel
By the time 1,000 M2A1 Medium tanks were ordered in mid-1940, they were shown to have inadequate armor and armament by the events unfolding in Europe.1 To match the newest German tanks that had 75 mm guns, the Ordnance Department wanted to fit a 75 mm into a M2A1.1 However, there just wasn't enough space in the turret. Based on experiments with the T5E2 a 75 mm M2 was installed on the right side of a modified M2A1.1

A wooden mock-up for the M3 design was completed in August 1940. The Board had the remaining MG sponsons removed and the turret lowered.1

The chairman of General Motors (also member of National Defense Advisory Committee) convinced the US government that the auto industry should be used for massed tank production as the governments factory at Rock Island wouldn't be able to keep up with demand.1 The Government built a factory in Detroit that was run by Chrysler.1,8

M3 Lend-Lease United
Kingdom 		USSR Brazil Total
1941-42 2,64313 1,38613 7513 4,10413
1943 21213   2113 23313
Total 2,85513 1,38613 9613 4,33713
Notes M3A3: 4913
M3A5: 18513 		410 sunk
in transit13 		   

The M3 was ordered straight from the drawing board (July 19409) and Baldwin and the American Locomotive Company each made pilot models by April 19419.8 Production began in August 1941 and ended in December 1942.8,9 A total of 6,258 were produced.9

It was intended only as a stopgap tank before the M4 Shermans arrived. When the M4 started production the M3 was designated Substitute Standard in October 1941. In April 1943, they were classified as Limited Standard and in April 1944 were classified as obsolete.

Chrysler leased a 113 acre site for a new factory in Warren, Michigan.

Crew

At the left front sat the driver with the gearbox beside him.8 The driver also operated the twin MGs in the hull.8

Engine

The engine was in the rear with the fuel tanks on each side of the engine compartment.8

Main Armament

The turret could be rotated by hydraulics or by hand. The cupola normally rotated with the turret but could be rotated by hand.

The driver and radio operator occupied the front of the hull. The 75 mm gunner sat on the left of the gun. The 37 mm gunner, gun loader and commander were in the turret. Both guns had gyrostabilizers8 and periscopic sights. The driver's door and the pistol ports had protectoscopes for indirect vision.

An auxiliary generator provided electricity when needed.

75 mm gun had muzzle velocity of 1,920 ft/sec, range of 13,090 yards, and penetrate 2.9 inches at 1,000 yards. Muzzle velocity of 1,850'/sec and weighed 14.4 lb.11

37 mm gun had muzzle velocity of 2,900 ft/sec, range of 12,850 yards, and penetrate 1.8 inches at 1,000 yards. Muzzle velocity of 2,550'/sec and weighed 1.9 lb.11

Where Used

Were first used in the Philippines.1 They were then used in North Africa, including Kasserine Pass.1 In the Pacific they were used at Makin Island by the Marines.1

Supplied to Britain and Russia (1,4001) as Lend-Lease. 750 were sent to Australia.1

Used at the Battle of Gazala on May 27, 1942.9 Many were used at the Battle of Alamein that took place from October 23 to November 4, 1942.9

M3 Medium Tank

USA's M3 Medium Tank
Aberdeen Tank Museum

Initial production type. Production of this model ceased August 1942.

With riveted hull, cast turret, and side doors. All riveted construction.8

The 75 mm gun fired a 14.4 lb AP round at 1,290'/sec.12 The 37 mm fired a 1.9 lb AP round at 2,900'/sec.12 The .30 cal fired at 2,800'/sec.12

Diesel version

Had Guiberson diesel engine.8

M7 Priest:

Had turret removed and box structure installed with 105 mm howitzer.

155mm Gun Motor Carriage T6 (M12):

Used M3 Chassis.

Experimental Versions:
Mine Exploder T1:
Shop Tractor T10 (Canal Defense Light): Was intended to illuminate areas during night actions.1 The turret was replaced by an armored searchlight.1
Cargo Carrier T14:
Heavy Tractor T16:
3" Gun Motor Carriage T4:
105 mm Howitzer Gun Motor Carriage T25:
75 mm Gun Motor Carriage T26:
40 mm Gun Motor Carriage T36:
3" Gun Motor Carriage T40 (M9):
25 pdr Gun Motor Carriage T51:
Flamethrower Vehicles: Used E3 and M5R2 flamethrowers.

  M3, Lee I M3, Grant I
Crew Commander, driver, loaders(2), gunners(2).4,9
61,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,11,12, 73 		Commander, driver, loaders(2), gunners(2).4
63,4
Physical Characteristics    
Weight 26.1 tons7, 26.7 tons1, 27,216 kg1, 28 tons2, 27.9 tons3, 30 tons8, 31.1 tons11
60,000 lb4,5,9,10, 62,280 lb12
27,216 kg9, 27,900 kg		 28 tons3
Length w/gun 18.6'11, 18' 6"1,4,5,8,9,10,12
5.6 m9, 5.64 m1, 5.65 m7, 5.9 m2
5.64-6.12 m, 5.63 m3 		18' 6"4
5.9 m3
Length w/o gun 5.64 m  
Height 10' 3"1,4,5,8,10,12, 10.3'9,11
3.02 m2, 3.1 m9, 3.12 m1,3,7 		9' 4"4, 10' 3"4
3.02 m3
Width 8.9'9,11, 8' 11"1,4,5,8,10,12
2.7 m9, 2.72 m1,3,7, 2.75 m2 		8' 11"4
2.75 m3
Ground clearance 17 1/8"10,12
0.43 m2,3 		0.43 m3
Ground contact length 147"10,11,12 147"
Ground pressure 12.6 psi, 12.9 psi, 13.2 psi11, 13.36 psi10, 13.4 psi9
0.9 (kg/cm2)9, 1.2 (kg/cm2)2,3 		1.2 (kg/cm2)3
Turret ring diameter 57"10  
Armament    
Main 75 mm M2 or M31,4,9, M1 mount, L/31
75 mm L/312,3
75 mm5,8
75 mm M2, L/287 OR 75 mm M3, L/387
75 mm QF M2 L/3111
75 mm M212 		75 mm M2 or M34
75 mm L/313
Secondary 37 mm M5 or M61,4,7,9, M24 mount, L/56
37 mm L/562,3
37 mm5,8
37 mm QF M5, L/5011
37 mm M6, gyrostabilized12 		37 mm M5 or M64
37 mm L/563
MG 4: 7.62 mm MG1
1: MG2
4: .30 cal Browning M1919A4, coaxial, cupola, hull (2)9
3: MG3,5
3-4: .30 cal Browning MGs4
.30 cal MG, cupola8
2: .30 cal M1919A4, coaxial, hull11
4: .30 cal M1919A4 MG, coaxial, cupola, fixed bow (2)12 		MG3
3-4: .30 cal Browning MGs4
Side arms .45 cal submachine gun
Hand grenades12 		.45 cal submachine gun
Hand grenades
Quantity    
Main 419,11, 461,4,12, 502,3 464, 503
Secondary 1781,3,4,12, 17911, 1822 1784, 1823
MG 9,2001,3,4,12, 3,1002, 8,00011 3,1003, 9,2004
Side arms .45: 1,200
Grenades: 1212 		 
Armor Thickness (mm) 12 - 379, 124, 374, 1.5" - 2"5
Front: 2"11, 507
Side: 1.5"11, 377 		124, 374, 12 - 506
Hull Front, Upper 38.1-50.82,3, 508
2"@0°12, 2" (4 3/8")
38-51@0-45°		 38.1-50.83
Hull Front, Lower 1.5" (2.75")
38@53° & 51@30°		  
Hull Sides, Upper 38.12,3
1.5"@0°12, 1.5" (1 5/8")
38@0°		 38.13
Hull Sides, Lower 38@0°  
Hull Rear 38.12,3
1.5"@0°12, 1.5" (1 5/8")
38@0°		 38.13
Hull Top 12.72,3
0.5"
13@83-90°		 12.73
Hull Bottom 12.7-25.42,3
0.5-1"
13@90° rear, 25@90° front		 12.7-25.43
Turret Front 50.8-76.22, 508, 50.83
2"11, 2.25"@0°12, 2.25" (6.5")
51@47°, mantlet 89@0°
76		 50.8-76.23
Turret Sides 50.82,3
2.25"@0°12, 2.25" (2")
51@5°		 50.83
Turret Rear 50.82,3
2.25" (2")
51@5°		 50.83
Turret Top 31.82, 22.23
7/8"
22@90° 		32
31.83
Engine (Make / Model) Continental R-975-EC21,9,10
Continental R-975-E11,10
Continental Wright2,3
Continental R-9755
Wright Continental (Whirlwinde) R-9758
Wright R-975-EC2, radial11
Continental R975-EC112
Guiberson T-140012 		Continental Wright3
Cooling Air2,3,8,9,10,11,12 Air3
Cylinders 92,3,5,8,9,10,11, R-912 93
Net HP 400@2,400 rpm2,3,11, 3405,7, 340@2,400rpm9,10
Continental: 34012
Guiberson: 34512 		400@2,400 rpm3
Transmission (Type) Synchromesh11
5 forward, 1 reverse2,3,11 		Synchromesh
5 forward, 1 reverse3
Steering Controlled differential11  
Starter Electric or hand11  
Electrical system 24 volts11  
Ignition Magneto  
Fuel (Type) Gasoline2,3,9,10,11  
Octane 8010, 9210  
Capacity 174 gallons11, 175 gallons10,12
662 liters2,3, 796 liters		 662 liters3
175 gallons
Fuel consumption - Road 0.837 mpg11  
Fuel consumption - Cross country    
Power to Weight Ratio 12.7 hp/ton9  
Performance    
Traverse 37 mm: 360°4,12, 18°/sec, hydraulic & hand11, power or manual12
75 mm: 15° each way8,12 		37 mm: 360°4
75 mm: 15° left, 15° right4
Max Speed 22 mph11, 25 mph12, 26 mph1,4,5,8,9,10
40 kph7, 42 kph1,9, 40.2 kph3 		26 mph4
40.2 kph3
Cross Country speed 4-20 mph11, 16 mph4,9
26 kph9 		16 mph4
Road radius 120 miles1,4,9,10, 146 miles11
193 km1,2,9, 177 km2 		120 miles4
177 km3
Cross country radius 120 miles11  
Turning Radius 37'10
18.9 m, 19 m3, 21 m2		 21 m3
Elevation Limits 75 mm: -9° to +20°4,12
37 mm: -7° to +60°4,12 		75 mm: -9° to +20°4
37 mm: -7° to +60°4
Fording depth 3' 4"4,10,11,12
1 m2,3 		1 m3
3' 4"4
Trench crossing 6' 2"10,12, 6' 3"4, 6.3'9, 7.5'11
1.9 m9, 2.3 m		 6' 3"4
Vertical Obstacle 2'4,10,11,12 2'4
Climbing ability 30° slope12, 31° (60%) slope11  
Suspension (Type) Volute Spring3
3: Vertical Volute bogies8
Vertical volute spring, 3 bogies of 2 wheels each11 		Volute Spring3
3: Vertical Volute bogies8
Wheels each side 62 63
Return rollers each side 311  
Tracks (Type) Dry pin, double pin per shoe, rubber cleat11  
Length    
Width 16.5"4, 16 9/16"
420 mm3 		16.5"4
420 mm3
Number of Links 7911,12  
Pitch 6"11,12  
Tire Tread Rubber3 Rubber3
Track centers/tread 81"12, 6' 11"4,10, 7'11 6' 11"4

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. Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1943-1945, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
  4. 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
  5. Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
  6. The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
  7. Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles The Complete Guide, Leland Ness, 2002
  8. Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
  9. Battle Winning Tanks, Aircraft & Warships of World War II, David Miller, 2000
  10. AFV 11: M3 Medium (Lee/Grant), Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis
  11. Tank Data, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, 1968?
  12. Tank Data 2, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, E. J. Hoffschmidt and W. H. Tantum IV, 1969
  13. M3 Lee/Grant Medium Tank 1941-45, Steven J Zaloga, 2005
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