The M5A1 light tank which was developed from the M3 Stuart light tank was put into production from January 1943. It was powered by twin four-stroke V8 300hp Cadillac gasoline engines which enabled a top speed of 58km/h. It came armed with a 37mm main gun and two 7.92mm machine guns and featured additional armor plating on the turret"s right side to protect the anti-aircraft machine gun. Approximately 6, 800 units were produced and were mainly used in reconnaissance roles at the Italian and North West European Fronts.