The tip of the guns appeared “hidden” and only fired in the direction the tanks were pointing. The driver had access to at least two.30-06 Browning machine guns mounted in the hull. Eventually, the US would eliminate the radio operator role and assign it to the driver instead. In comparison, the M3 Lee was manned by seven, the last being the radio operator. This included a driver, two loaders, two gunners, and a tank commander. This was aimed through an M2 periscope in the mantlet side of the gun. In addition, a smaller turret with a high-velocity 37mm gun can be found at the top of the hull. The gun was operated using an M1 periscope on top of the sponson. Its primary weapon was a large caliber, medium-velocity 75mm gun mounted on its hull. A single Wright-Continental R975 EC2 powered the medium tank and was rated at 340 to 400 horsepower. Though the two versions differed in design, the tanks were still powered by the same air-cooled radial engine. The British version, called the M3 Grant, had a flatter, more elongated turret with a bulge at the back for the radio. The American version was called the M3 Lee and had a simple slab-sided turret with a machine gun cupola on top. The tank had two versions for British and American use. Here are ten things you need to know about the M3: 1. Tank Museum Historian David Fletcher shares some fascinating facts about the M3 Medium Tank – the vehicle used as a stopgap while the M4 Sherman was still in development.
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