The initial M2 model was powered by an air-cooled Wright R-975 radial engine, originally designed for aircraft. The rubber-bushed and rubber-shod track proved durable on roads. Twin-wheeled bogies were mounted externally, which saved internal space compared to other suspension designs. Many components were common or used a similar design, including the vertical volute spring suspension which would also be used in later tanks. The Medium Tank M2 was a larger development of the M2 light tank. After the first 18 units had been produced at Rock Island Arsenal and evaluated by the Army, the upgraded M2A1 specification was approved with a redesigned turret and a more powerful engine. Initially designated the T5, the redesigned model (with a 350 hp R-975 radial engine) was re-designated as the M2 Medium Tank in June, 1939. Rock Island Arsenal started work on a new medium tank, based on the design of the M2 light tank. tank designs including the M3 Lee, M4 Sherman and other armored fighting vehicles. Some features of the M2 series, especially the suspension and powertrain, provided the basis for later, important U.S. The main armament was a 37 mm (1.5 in) gun, with 32 mm (1.3 in) armor the M2A1 had a 51 mm (2.0 in) gun mantlet. The M2's features included an unusually large number of machine guns, bullet deflector plates, and sloped armor on the hull front ( glacis plate). Events in Western Europe rapidly demonstrated that the M2 was obsolete, and it was never used overseas in combat it was, however, used for training purposes throughout the war. Production was 18 M2 tanks, and 94 slightly improved M2A1 tanks, for a total of 112. The M2 medium tank, officially Medium Tank, M2, was a United States Army medium tank that was first produced in 1939 by the Rock Island Arsenal, just prior to the commencement of the Second World War in Europe.
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