M3A1

The M3A1 is a light tank developed by the United States during World War II. It was intended as a less expensive and more easily manufactured alternative to the M3 Lee tank. The M3A1 shared many components with the M3 medium tank, including its chassis and drivetrain. Its primary armament consisted of a 37 mm M5 gun mounted in a one-man turret, with a coaxial .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine gun. A second .30 caliber machine gun was typically mounted in the hull. The M3A1 was characterized by its welded hull and relatively simple design.

Production of the M3A1 began in 1941 and continued until 1943. While it saw limited combat service with the U.S. Army, it was primarily supplied to Allied nations under the Lend-Lease program, including the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom. Its combat effectiveness was somewhat limited by its relatively light armament and armor, making it vulnerable to heavier enemy tanks. Despite these shortcomings, the M3A1 contributed to the war effort by providing a mobile gun platform and reconnaissance vehicle. It was eventually superseded by more capable light tank designs.