As American tank designers began to recognize the outdated and obsolete nature of the M2 light tank, they realised they needed to create something new.
The M3 Stuart was a direct upgrade from its predecessor, the M2 light tank, with thicker armour, modified suspension and new recoil system. The M3 Stuart used the 37mm M5 gun (later to be replaced by the new, slightly longer M6 gun) as well as five mounted Browning machine guns.
