The M2 light tank, officially Light Tank, M2, was an American light tank of the interwar period which saw limited service during World War II. The most common model, the M2A4, was equipped with one 37 mm (1.5 in) M5 gun and five .30 cal M1919 Browning machine guns.

In late 1941, the M2A4 was succeeded by the M3. They could be distinguished by the rear idler wheel size and configuration, which eased ground pressure for the second. The M2A1, A2 and A3, being obsolete by December 1941, were all kept for training only on American soil.

The M2A4 was the U.S. military's primary light tank when World War II started and would see service with the U.S. Marines in the Battle for Guadalcanal. The M2A4 would be replaced in production and usage by the M3 Stuart, which would achieve more …

Nov 5, 2024 · Eight M2A3s were built with the Guiberson T-1020-3 or T-1020-4 9-cylinder radial diesel engines, which initially made 250hp at 2,200rpm but were downrated to 220hp at 2,200rpm. These eight tanks were designated M2A3E1. M2A4 was based on M2A3.

Dec 26, 2015 · The American M2A4 light tank surpassed the stereotype that American interbellum tank building lagged behind European levels. It was mobile, well armed, and well protected.

Aug 21, 2018 · M2A4 This model was equipped with the 37 mm M5 Gun with 103 ammunition rounds and four Browning M19191A4 machine guns. Production of the M2A4 light tank started in May 1940, and went on through until March 1941, at the American Car And Foundry company.

Aug 8, 2010 · March 1942 handbook for the US M2A4, M3 and M3A1 Light Tanks. Printed in the U.S.A. for use by British and British Commonwealth Forces using this series of tanks. Published to include descriptions of fitting and accessories used in British issued vehicles. Scanned and uploaded by mgk.

The Light Tank M2 was an American pre- World War II light tank that saw combat with the US Marine Corps 1st Tank Battalion on Guadalcanal in 1942, during WWII.

Jan 1, 2025 · The Light Tank M2A4, it was based on the Light Tank chassis and was in use from 1939. It was armed with 4 light machine guns. Its main armament consisted of a 37mm Antitank Gun M6 which could penetrate 71 mm of flat plate at 100 metres. An explosion within 1 mtr of infantry in the open will cause > 66% casualties and could damage some AFV's.

Apr 6, 2017 · Famous US Army General George S. Patton is known to have used an M2A4 as his personal tank during Desert Training Center (DTC) instruction. The DTC was based in the Mojave Desert of California/Arizona, established in 1942, and served to train all-new generations of American tankers in the methods of modern warfare, particularly for the upcoming ...