The development of the M24 Chaffee can trace its origins back to feedback from British forces fighting in the desert and their experience with the M3 Stuart. The Stuart's 37mm cannon lacked the power to knock out early Panzers with rounds "bouncing off like marbles".
The first M24s arrived in Europe in 1944 and were issued to Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadrons as a replacement for their aging Stuart tanks.
The improved off-road performance and reliability quickly made them crew favourites, but it was the 75mm gun that they enjoyed most of all as it gave them a chance to fight back when required.
Lightweight Gun
In order to fit a 75mm gun in the lightweight Chaffee designers looked at the 75mm gun fitted to the B-25H Mitchell bomber. Thanks to thinner barrel walls and a different recoil mechanism, the Chaffee carried the same firepower as the much heavier, and slower, M4 Sherman.
Smooth Ride
The combination of twin Cadillac engines and torsion bar suspension system, similar to the one used on the M18 Hellcat, contributed to the Chaffee's impressive speed and performance.
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS:
- 3x Highly Detailed Plastic M24 Chaffee Tanks
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These miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted