User:Armis Libertatem/Medium Tank M7

Medium Tank M7
Third production M7 medium tank at the General Motors Proving Ground.
Type	Medium tank
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	International Harvester Corp.
Produced	1942
No. built	7
Specifications
Mass	53,950 lb (24,470 kg)
Length	17 ft 2 in (5.23 m)
Width	9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
Height	7 ft 9 in (2.36 m)
Crew	5 (Commander, loader, gunner, driver, co-driver)
Armor	13–64 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
Engine	Continental R975 C1; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, radial gasoline 350 hp (260 kW)
Suspension	Vertical 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. The M7 had significantly less armor than the M4, boasted no greater firepower, and held only a slight advantage in top speed. For these reasons, and because the M4 was already battle-tested and in full production, the M7 was put aside shortly after completing trials.

External links

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