Based off experience gained with the M2A4, in February
1941 a new light tank was outlined. It was to weigh 14 tons or less and have a
maximum armor thickness of 1.5 inches. This tank was meant to provide
equivalent mobility of the M3 Light, while utilizing the firepower of the M4
Sherman. As such the tank was to be armed with the 37 mm M6 gun. Two pilot
tanks were authorized, the T7 and the T7E1. The T7 had a welded hull, cast
turret, and an individually sprung volute spring suspension. The T7E1 had a
riveted hull and a turret formed out of a homogenous steel plate. It also had a
more conventional horizontal volute spring suspension. The tanks were required
to have a +60 and -10 degree weapon elevation. The first T7 was powered by the
Continental W-670. At one time, the Guiberson T-1071 was proposed for the T7E1.
However, neither T7 pilot would reach full completion.
Development was already underway on three more prototypes, the T7E2, T7E3, and
T7E4. They showed more promise than the other T7 pilots, so the T7 and T7E1
were ultimately abandoned and their parts would be transferred over for use in
the other prototypes.
While part of the same program, the initial T7 prototypes
are vastly different than the end product with the M7 Medium. As such, I’ve
gone and split the old M7 into two tanks: the Tier III T7 Light, and the Tier
IV M7 Medium. Compared to the M3 Light, this tank would have better turret
armor and weaker, yet trollish, hull armor. It would probably have worse gun
handling to compensate.
The T7 Light also has a big profile for a light tank. So
you can probably expect this to be more sluggish than the M3 Light. And while
the 37 mm M5 was never actually considered for this tank, I think it would make
for an acceptable stock gun.
Guns: 37
mm Gun M5; 37 mm Gun M6
Engines: Guiberson
T-1071 (245 hp); Continental W-670 (262 hp); Twin Cadillac, Series 42 (296 hp)
Turrets
(Turret Armor (mm)):
T7 (50/31/31); T7E1 (50/31/31)
Suspensions/Alternate
Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T7 IS-VSS (12.7); T7E1 HVSS
(15.3)
Hull Armor (mm): 38/25/25
Top Speed: 56 km/h
Crew: 5
(Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander; Radio)
Parent: M2 Light
Children: M7 Medium
Sources:
Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992.
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