M2 Light Tank
In service 1935 - 1943
The pre-war American light tank whose running gear became the Stuart.
Built byRock Island Arsenal, American Car and Foundry
Photograph pending. No clearly licensed photograph of this vehicle was found.
Development history
The M2 series established the pattern American light tanks kept for a decade: a radial aircraft engine, vertical volute spring suspension and a high, boxy hull. Early versions carried only machine guns - the twin-turret M2A2 was nicknamed Mae West - while the M2A4 gained a 37 mm gun and thicker plate. A handful of M2A4s fought with the Marines on Guadalcanal, but the type's real legacy was becoming the M3 Stuart after observers studied the fighting in France.
Variants
One canonical record, 3 recorded variants.
M2A2
1935Twin machine-gun turrets, nicknamed Mae West
M2A3
1938Lengthened hull, improved suspension and armour
M2A4
1940Single turret with 37 mm gun, thicker plate; used on Guadalcanal
Notable actions
- Guadalcanal Campaign