Medium Tank M7
Third production M7 medium tank at the General Motors Proving Ground.
TypeMedium tank
Place of originUnited States
Production history
ManufacturerInternational Harvester Corp.
Produced1942
No. built7
Specifications
Mass53,950 lb (24,470 kg)
Length17 ft 2 in (5.23 m)
Width9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
Height7 ft 9 in (2.36 m)
Crew5 (Commander, loader, gunner, driver, co-driver)

Armor13–64 mm (0.51–2.52 in)
Main
armament
75 mm M3 in M47 mount
71 rounds
Secondary
armament
3 × .30-06 Browning M1919A4 MG
4,500 rounds
EngineContinental R975 C1; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, radial gasoline
350 hp (260 kW)
SuspensionVertical volute spring
Maximum speed 30 mph (48 km/h) on road

The Medium Tank M7 was originally conceived as an up-gunned replacement for the Light Tank M3/M5. The project was supposed to mount the same 75mm armament as the Sherman while retaining the light weight and maneuverability of the M3 Stuart; however, during development the weight of the prototype surpassed the US Army's standard for light tanks and crossed into the medium category[1]. The M7 had significantly less armor than the M4, boasted no greater firepower, and held only a slight advantage in top speed[2]. For these reasons, and because the M4 was already battle-tested and in full production, the M7 was put aside shortly after completing trials.

Development

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Testing

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References

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  1. ^ Conners, Chris. "Medium Tank M7". The AFV Database. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  2. ^ Conners, Chris. "Medium Tank M4". The AFV Database. Retrieved October 14, 2014.

[1] [2]

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[1] [2]


  1. ^ Conners, Chris. "Medium Tank M7". The AFV Database. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  2. ^ Conners, Chris. "Medium Tank M4". The AFV Database. Retrieved October 14, 2014.