After various modifications to the T2 light tank, the new T2E1 was standardized as the M2A1 in 1935. Additional modifications would give two side-by-side turrets with the M2A2 and with some improvements, the M2A3. However, all these vehicles carried .50 caliber machine guns. In 1938, based off experience gained from the Spanish Civil War, there arose a need for a vehicle to mount a dedicated 37 mm antitank gun. The M2A3 was then modified to use a single turret that could carry this weapon, designated M2A4. However still, the M2A4 proved to be inadequate and ceased production in 1942 after 375 were produced. Nonetheless, the experience gained in its development would prove invaluable with the T7 light tank program.
There really aren’t many changes here to propose. I added a new
stock engine, the Continental R-670-3C, found on early versions of the M2
Light. The T-1020 also had its horsepower adjusted to a more historical value.
And finally, the turrets and suspension/hulls were renamed to be more easily
identifiable to their respective M2 Light variants.
One thing to note is the alternate hulls. The M2A1 hull has
much worse armor than the M2A4 hull, but its top speed it a whole 15 km/h
faster. The M2A4 turret should be incompatible with the M2A1 hull, however. So
if you want super speed, you shouldn't be able to mount the 37 mm gun.
Guns: .50
caliber MG HB M2; 20 mm Hispano-Suiza Birgikt Gun; 37 mm Gun M5
Engines:
Continental R-670-3C (235 hp); Gubierson T-1020 (245 hp); Continental W-670-9A
(262 hp)
Turrets
(Turret Armor (mm)): M2A1 (16/16/16); M2A4 (25/25/25)
Suspensions/Alternate
Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M2A1 (8.52);
M2A4 (11.61)
Hull Armor (mm): 16/13/6 (M2A1); 25/25/25
(M2A4)
Top Speed: 72 km/h (M2A1); 57 km/h (M2A4)
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