The earlier 1930’s Russian BT light tanks were prototypes and test beds that were developed around the famous US inventor J. Walter Christie’s suspension. The Russian BT-5 Light Tank was the first of the BT light tanks to enter production in 1932.

It used a M-1932, 45mm main gun, which had a good muzzle velocity and therefore offered a better level of lethality in comparison to other tanks of its generation. It was also equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm MG. The Main Gun required a new turret, which was also used on the T-26.

The vehicle had a command variant with a distinct round frame aerial running around the turret. Not only seeing action in World War 2, it saw action in the Spanish Civil War and proved superior to the earlier German Panzer Marks it went up against.

The Russian BT-5 Light Tank Spec’s

Armament: 45mm Main Gun and coaxial DT MG
Armour: 6 to 13mm steel plate
Crew: 3
Dimensions: Length 5.48m / Width 2.23m / Height 2.2m
Weight: 11.5 tonne
Engine: M-5 12 cylinder petrol
Speed: 70km/h
Range: 200 km