- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The M3 Stuart fitted with the D58101 turret represented the final iteration of the base M3 light tank before the transition to the M3A1. This variant was produced for a short duration, beginning just months prior to the introduction of the M3A1 and continuing briefly alongside its production. While exact figures are unknown, the D58101 equipped M3 was manufactured over a span of several months, serving as a transitional model the M3 and M3A1.
The D58101 turret was a modified version of the earlier D39273 design. Its most notable alteration was the removal of the commander’s cupola, which was replaced by a periscope to reduce profile and simplify construction. The machine gun mount, previously affixed to the cupola, was relocated to the rear-right area of the turret when viewed from behind. In place of the cupola, two hatches were installed on the turret roof to allow easier crew access.
Operationally it was deployed domestically within the United States and distributed abroad through the Lend-Lease program. Recipients included the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth allies (though specific nations remain uncertain) as well as the Soviet Union. At least one example was captured and repurposed by Hungarian forces, which to my knowledge, is the only one ever operated by the Axis during World War 2.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 4
Combat Weight - 12,700 kg
Length - 4.53 m
Width - 2.24m
Height - 2.4 m (MG mount included)
Ground Clearance - 0.42 m
Powerplant - 1 x W-670-9A Continental Radial Engine (62.84 kW Net at 2400 RPM)
Transmission - +5 / -1
Track Type - T16E1 or T16E2
Max Speed - 58 kph
Cruising Range - 110 km
Armor
Turret
Composition - Rolled Homogeneous Steel
Gun Shield - 51 mm
Front - 38 mm
Side - 31.8 mm
Rear - 31.8mm
Roof - 13 mm
Hull
Composition - Rolled Face-Hardened Steel
Upper Frontal Plate - 38 mm
Middle Frontal Plate - 16 mm
Lower Frontal Plate - Up to 44 mm (Cast)
Sides - 25 mm
Rear - 25 mm
Roof - 13mm
Floor - 13 to 9 mm (Front to Rear)
Armament
1 x M6 37mm Cannon on M23 Mount
Ammo - 103 Rounds of M74 / M51 / M63
Horizontal Traverse - 360° (Manual)
Vertical Traverse - +20° / -10° (Manual)
1 x M1919A4 .30 Cal MG’s fixed in both sponsons
1 x M1919A4 .30 Cal MG in M13 Bow mount.
Horizontal Traverse - 17° Left / 14° Right (Manual)
Vertical Traverse - +24° / -14° (Manual)
1 x M1919A4 .30 Cal MG in M20 Bracket mount.
Horizontal Traverse - 360° (Manual)
Vertical Traverse - +55° / -35° (Manual)
1 x M1919A4 .30 Cal MG in Co-ax mount.
Same Traverse as M6 37mm.
Ammo for M1919A4’s - 8,270 Rounds
Images
Sources
Spoiler
Stuart - A History of the American Light Tank - Volume 1 of History of light tanks
Concord - Armor at War 7038 - US Light Tanks at War 1941-45