M3/M5/M9 Half-Track: Armored Personnel Carrier

The M3 vehicle was a thirteen-person armoured transporter used by the US Army. Due to production overloads, the International Harvester Company developed the Half-Track Personnel Carrier M5, which was almost identical to the M3 version and was used by the British Army, Polish, Czech, and Free French units. After the Second World War, they were also used by the Israeli army.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 20 pages
\n Publication date: 01 December 2021
\n Publisher: Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza
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The M3 vehicle, a versatile thirteen-person armoured transporter, served a multitude of roles, including transporting mechanized infantry, functioning as an artillery tractor, ambulance, and communications vehicle. Its adaptability extended to serving as a carrier for various types of guns, making it a crucial asset on the battlefield. However, the demand for M2 and M3 armoured personnel carriers exceeded the capacity of American factories, leading to a shortage in meeting army orders. Recognizing this challenge, the International Harvester Company in 1942 expressed its capability to produce a combat vehicle similar to the M3. While there were some differences in the plant's machine park, it was determined that not all components could be manufactured in the exact same way. Consequently, slight design modifications were necessary to create the Half-Track Personnel Carrier M5, which bore a remarkable resemblance to the M3 version.

The M5 versions of the Half-Track Personnel Carrier were primarily designed to cater to the needs of foreign customers. The British Army, along with Polish, Czech, and Free French units, extensively utilized these vehicles. The British primarily employed them to tow a variety of anti-tank guns, showcasing their versatility in supporting offensive operations. These vehicles also found their way to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease agreement, further expanding their reach and impact on the war effort.

After the Second World War, the Israeli army also incorporated the M5 variants into its arsenal. The M3 vehicle, with its adaptability and multifunctionality, played a significant role in the conflicts of the 20th century, providing mobility, protection, and firepower to military forces worldwide. Its legacy continues to be felt in modern warfare, with its design principles and capabilities serving as inspiration for the development of new armoured vehicles.

\n Weight: 130g\n
Dimension: 222 x 298 x 6 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9788366673632\n \n