M1 COMBAT CAR (Redesignated M1A1 Light Tank)

M1 COMBAT CAR (Redesignated M1A1 Light Tank)
Image: M1 Combat Car (U.S. Ordnance Department)
Year1935
Vehicle Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced89
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Driver & Assistant Driver)
Main Armament1 x .50 cal M2HB Heavy Machine Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range1.830m (.50 cal)
Armour Penetration19mm @ 500m @ 30° (.50 cal)
Gun Sight1.100 x .5
Secondary Armament1 x .30 cal M1919A4 Machine Gun (AA Mount).
1 x .30 cal M1919A4 Machine Gun (Coaxial).
1 x .30 cal M1919A4 Machine Gun (Bow).
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried1.100 x .50 cal & 6.700 x .30 cal
Height2.30m
Width2.40m
Length4.14m
Combat Weight8.523 kg
Ground Clearance0.38m
Fording Depth1.10m
Trench Crossing1.20m
Obstacle Clearance0.61m
Climbing Ability26°
RadioSCR 210
ArmourUpper Hull Front: 16mm
Lower Hull Front: 16mm
Upper Hull Sides: 13mm
Lower Hull Sides: 13mm
Hull Rear: 6.4mm
Hull Top: 6.4mm
Hull Bottom: 6.4mm
Gun Mantlet: None
Turret Front: 16mm
Turret Sides: 16mm
Turret Rear: 16mm
Turret Top: 6.4mm
EngineContinental R-670 (Petrol).
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range120 miles (190 km)
Maximum Cross Country Range[@maximum_cross_country_range]
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed45 mph (72 kph)
Maximum Cross Country Speed20 mph (32 kph)
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe first Combat Cars were the Cavalry’s way of getting round the restrictions which stated that Tanks were for Infantry use only, hence the name Combat Car. These were based on the earlier light tank T5 design and had changes made to the position of both the engine and turret. This the first model had a D-Shaped turret with no Cupola and was armed with two machine guns. In 1940 the M1 combat car became the M1A1 light tank.