M24 Chaffee

In 1943, Ordnance listed the requirements for a new light tank based on the power train of the M5A1 and designated the tank T24. It was proposed to mount the M4 Sherman’s 75 mm M3 gun. The T13E1, a newer version of this gun was considerably lighter and designed for aircraft use, was standardized as the 75 mm Gun M5 and installed instead. In October, the first T24 pilot was delivered to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds. The chassis used a new transfer unit, which allowed the tank to reach 18 mph (29 km/h) in reverse. In June 1944, the tank was standardized as the M24. Later improvements would result in the development and installation of the 75 mm Gun M6 and the 75 mm Gun M17.

I’ve gone and given this tank the M3 and M5 75 mm guns it’s missing. While the M3 is less necessary, I think it would make for a decent stock option. The production M24 Chaffee only has one historical engine option, which I think will be a necessary evil when it comes to balancing this tank.

Overall, though, I’m pretty happy with how this tank is already represented in-game.

Guns: 75 mm Gun M3; 75 mm Gun M5; 75 mm Gun M6; 75 mm Gun M17

Engines: Twin Cadillac, Series 44T24 (296 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): T24 (38/25/25); M24 (38/25/25)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M24 TBS with T72 tracks (16.47); 
M24 TBS with T72E1 tracks (18.37)

Hull Armor (mm): 25/25/19

Top Speed: 56 km/h

Crew: 5 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander; Radio)

Parent: M5 Light
Children: T21, T37
See Also: M24 Tensa, M41 Gorilla, T24E1

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992.