Italian Light Tanks

Italian Light Tanks
Author: Filippo Cappellano
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2012-06-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1780964595

The Italian army, unlike those of the British and French, did not use tanks in combat during World War I and, by November 1918, only one training unit equipped with French Schneider and Renault tanks had been formed. Consequently, during the 1920s the Italian army had just one single tank type in its armoured inventory – the Fiat 3000. Only in 1927 was the first tank unit formed as a branch of the infantry and not as an independent organization, while the cavalry rejected the idea of both tanks and armoured cars and decided to stand by the use of horses for its mounted units. Between 1933 and March 1939, a further 2,724 CV 33 / L 3 tanks were built, 1,216 of which were exported all over the world. By the time Italy entered the war in June 1940, the army had 1,284 light tanks, 855 of which were in combat units, including three armoured divisions. Variants of the CV 33 / L 3 tanks included flame-throwers, bridge-layers, recovery vehicles, and a radio command tank. Some L 3 tanks were still in use in 1945, by both the Germans and the German-allied Italian units of the Repubblica Sociale.

Light Tanks

Light Tanks
Author: Mikhail Baryatinskiy
Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2006
Genre: Tanks (Military science)
ISBN: 9780711031630

It is one of the ironies of Soviet tank development that a country opposed to free enterprise and capitalism was largely reliant on influences from Britain and the USA for many of its early designs. However, unhindered by many of the tactical constraints that affected tank development in the West, the Red Army was able to acquire and develop technology that was under-rated in both Britain and the USA. From Britain, the famous manufacturer Vickers produced a Six-Ton light tank; effectively rejected by the War Office, one example was acquired by the Russians and this formed the basis of the Russian T-26 of 1931. Further British designs also influenced the later light tanks, equipment which was pivotal to the Red Army during its campaigns in Manchuria, Finland and against the initial German assault in 1941. In the USA, Walter Christie was also largely ignored as a designer but, as with Vickers, his designs came to be highly important. His influence was seen in the 'BT' - short for 'Bystrochodri' or 'Fast Tank' - series of light-medium tanks that was first introduced in 1932. The BT series saw service in Spain, Manchuria, Finland and in the defense of Russia itself in 1941. The critical aspect of the Christie design was that the vehicles were capable of operating both with nor without tracks; in the latter case eight road wheels carried the weight of the vehicle, with steering being achieved via a steering wheel acting in conjunction with the clutch/brake system.In the second of the new 'Soviet Tanks' series, Mikhail Baryatinsky provides the reader with a comprehensive account of the development and operational record of Soviet light tanks. Utilizing photographs, line drawings and speciallyprepared artworks, he provides a detailed portrait of these highly successful tanks.Aimed at the modeler, military historian and war gamer, the new 'Soviet Tanks' series is designed to provide, probably for the first time in the English language, authoritative information on the classic Soviet tank designs of the 20th century. The series will be required reading for all those interested in the development of armored warfare over the past 100 years.

Italian Light Tanks

Italian Light Tanks
Author: Filippo Cappellano
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2012-06-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1849087784

The Italian army, unlike those of the British and French, did not use tanks in combat during World War I and, by November 1918, only one training unit equipped with French Schneider and Renault tanks had been formed. Consequently, during the 1920s the Italian army had just one single tank type in its armoured inventory – the Fiat 3000. Only in 1927 was the first tank unit formed as a branch of the infantry and not as an independent organization, while the cavalry rejected the idea of both tanks and armoured cars and decided to stand by the use of horses for its mounted units. Between 1933 and March 1939, a further 2,724 CV 33 / L 3 tanks were built, 1,216 of which were exported all over the world. By the time Italy entered the war in June 1940, the army had 1,284 light tanks, 855 of which were in combat units, including three armoured divisions. Variants of the CV 33 / L 3 tanks included flame-throwers, bridge-layers, recovery vehicles, and a radio command tank. Some L 3 tanks were still in use in 1945, by both the Germans and the German-allied Italian units of the Repubblica Sociale.

M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940–45

M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940–45
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1999-11-18
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781855329119

The M3 and M5 family of light tanks were the culmination of American tank development of the 1930s. By the time of the outbreak of the World War II, they were approaching obsolescence, as tank forces in Europe were shifting from light to medium tanks as the main element of their armored forces. First entering combat in the autumn of 1941 in the Western Desert with the British Army, the Stuart quickly proved its inadequacies. The M3 and M5 light tanks proved more suitable in the Pacific theater than in Europe, and fought successfully in many of the major battles including Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Peleliu. This title narrates this distinctive and unusual fighting vehicle's history.

Tanks

Tanks
Author: Marsh Gelbart
Publisher: Brasseys Uk Limited
Total Pages: 160
Release: 1996
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781857531688

The role of the armoured fighting vehicle (AVF) on the battlefield is probably the subject of more discussion now than at any time in recent history. From the formidable main battle tank to the light armoured personnel carrier, the variety and role of these versatile vehicles is extensive. This work details the equipment to be found in current use throughout the world.

British Battle Tanks

British Battle Tanks
Author: David Fletcher
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 238
Release: 2016-08-25
Genre: History
ISBN: 1472817567

A highly illustrated history of the development and operation of the first British tanks, published to coincide with the 100th anniversary of their introduction in World War I. When British soldiers charged across the Somme in September 1916 they were accompanied by a new and astonishing weapon – the tank. After a stuttering start armoured behemoths such as the Mark IV, Mark V and Whippet played a crucial role in bringing World War I to an end. Marking the centenary of their battlefield debut, this comprehensive volume traces the design and development of the famous British invention during World War I and the increasingly tense years of the 1920s and 30s, from the first crude but revolutionary prototype to the ever-more sophisticated designs of later years. Bolstered by historic photographs and stunning illustrations, author David Fletcher brings us the thrilling history behind the early British battle tanks.

Tanks

Tanks
Author: Michael Green
Publisher: Zenith Imprint
Total Pages: 194
Release: 2008
Genre: Tanks (Military science)
ISBN: 1616732709

Modelling the M3/M5 Stuart Light Tank

Modelling the M3/M5 Stuart Light Tank
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 159
Release: 2012-04-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1780966385

The M3 and M5 Stuart were the most significant light tanks of the US Army, as well as many other allied armies, during World War II. They have proved to be popular modelling subjects ever since, largely due to the large number of kits available in many different scales covering a broad selection of the different variants used. The Stuarts were also painted in a wide range of colourful camouflage schemes, reflecting their widespread service, and this adds to their appeal. This title shows a number of different ways to model this popular tank in 1/35 scale, covering construction, painting and weathering the vehicle.

Stuart

Stuart
Author: Richard Pearce Hunnicutt
Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media
Total Pages: 516
Release: 2015-03-26
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781626540903

In Stuart: A History of the American Light Tank (Vol. I), Richard Hunnicutt outlines the development history of the American light tank and its associated self-propelled guns and support vehicles. Beginning with the modification of the French Renault in the midst of WWI, Stuart covers all pre-Stuart vehicles active during WWI in addition to light tank models and variations active during WWII, with emphasis on the wartime development of M3, M5, and M24 series of light tanks. A few other vehicles that are not technically light tanks, such as the M18 and LVT, also receive attention here as they share a number of key characteristics with the Stuart. In this comprehensive history, Hunnicutt also touches on postwar modifications and service of vehicles developed during WWII. In addition to detailing nearly all aspects of technical data and specifications, Stuart features images on nearly every page: photographs, full-color plates, line drawings, and cutaway diagrams, many of which are rare interior shots and diagrams from technical manuals. While Hunnicutt leaves the writing of the complete combat history of the Stuart to those who manned them in battle, he includes some of the Stuart's actions to demonstrate its uses in combat and attributes, both positive and negative. The definitive reference tome for the military historian, professional soldier, and tank restorer, Stuart remains the most comprehensive history on the American light tank's development from its beginnings through WWII. Richard Pearce Hunnicutt (1926-2011) enlisted in the 7th Infantry Division in 1944 and in 1945 was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. After WWII, Hunnicutt earned a Masters in engineering from Stanford University under the GI Bill. In addition to being one of the most respected metallurgists in California, Hunnicutt wrote the definitive 10-volume history of the development and employment of American armored vehicles. As a tank historian and leading expert in the field, Hunnicutt was one of the founders of the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD and was a close friend and frequent contributor to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY. Readers interested in related titles from R. P. Hunnicutt will also want to see: Abrams (ISBN: 9781626542556), Armored Car (ISBN: 9781626541559), Bradley (ISBN: 9781626542525), Half-Track (ISBN: 9781626541320), Patton (ISBN: 9781626548794), Pershing (ISBN: 9781626541672), Sheridan (ISBN: 9781626541542), Sherman (ISBN: 9781626548619), Firepower (ISBN: 9781635615036).

United States Tanks and Tank Destroyers of the Second World War

United States Tanks and Tank Destroyers of the Second World War
Author: Michael Green
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 395
Release: 2021-12-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526787482

This comprehensive and superbly illustrated book describes in authoritative detail the characteristics and contribution to victory of these formidable American fighting vehicles. Only after the Nazis invaded Poland and France did the United States Government authorize mass production of tanks. By the end of the War American industry had built nearly 90,000 tanks, more than Germany and Great Britain combined. The first big order in May 1940 was for 365 M2A4 light tanks, the initial iteration of the Stuart series, with almost 24,000 constructed. The Stuart series was supplemented by almost 5,000 units of the M24 Chaffee light tank. There was also the failed M22 Locust light tank intended for airborne operations. The M4 series of medium tanks, best known as the Sherman, were the most numerous with some 50,000 in service with not only the American military but British and other Allied armies. It was not until later in the war that the M26 Pershing heavy tank was built. Initially the US Army doctrine saw tanks as primarily for the exploitation role. Later the concept of tank destroyers evolved to counter large scale German armored offensives. These defensive AFVs included the half-track-based 75mm Gun Motor Carriage M3 and the full-tracked M10, M18, and M36. This comprehensive and superbly illustrated book describes in authoritative detail the characteristics and contribution to victory of these formidable fighting vehicles.