![]() ![]() Post-war, the M24 was supplied to many NATO and aligned countries, primarily through the Mutual Defense Aid Program (MDAP). ![]() First produced on April 1944 the vehicle was in use by the Ardennes battle in December. A new Torsion bar suspension system, three man turret and commander’s cupola helped create a balanced and effective design which was reminiscent of a scaled down medium tank rather than a light tank. This was a lightweight, short recoil design, not as powerful as the equivalent fitted to other tanks but a real step up for a light tank. Light tanks, now obsolete, were used for reconnaissance missions in WWII.īy 1942 the then existing American Light Tanks were suffering from being under-armed and armored, even for their primary role of reconnaissance, let alone infantry support or use as a surrogate medium tank, which was frequently occurring.įortuitously, designers were able to take advantage of the availability of a new 75mm gun designed for the B25 Mitchell bomber. The M24 Chaffee first saw combat in the Ardennes in January 1945. The first reached Europe in late 1944, where they proved very effective and highly reliable. ![]() More than 4,000 wer produced by Cadillac and Massey-Harris during 1943-45. The M24 Chaffee - arguably the best light tank of World War II - was a fast light armored vehicle with the ability to deliver relatively large caliber direct fire with the excellent 75 mm M6 gun. ![]()
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