 | |
| General Characteristics (BT-5) | |
| Length: | 5.7 m |
| Width: | 2.1 m |
| Height: | 2.2 m |
| Weight: | 11.5 tons |
| Speed: | 53 km/h (road) - (off-road) |
| Range: | 375 km |
| Primary armament: | 45 mm gun |
| Secondary armament: | one or two 7.62 mm machine guns |
| Power plant: | |
| Crew: | 3 |
The BT-2, BT-5 and BT-7 Soviet fast tanks, were produced between 1931 and 1940.
Production History
In 1931 two experimental Christie tanks[?] were purchased from the US. The first prototypes BT-1s appeared in August 1931. These were almost copies of the Christie design. Only a few BT-1s were built. In September 1931 the production of the BT-2 started. The BT-2s wereequipped with 37 mm gun and/or machine guns. The BT-3 and later models were equipped with a 45 mm gun.
Variants
- BT-1 - Prototype
- BT-2 - Production model 1931.
- BT-3 - With a 45 mm gun.
- BT-4 - Infantry support variant with machine guns.
- BT-5 - Main production model 1932.
- BT-7 - Main production model 1936.
- BT-42 - Finnish assault gun, captured BT-7s were equipped with British 114mm howitzers.
Combat History
Some BT-5s saw action on the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War. Also fought against Japan in 1939 and Finland during the Winter War (mainly BT-2 and BT-5).