M3A1 Scout Car

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Specifications:

Crew:

Driver; Gunner; Commander; 5x Troopers;

Top speed:

81 km/h

Armament:

1x 12.7mm M2 Browning machine gun;

Brick count:

464

Cost:

2,564u

How to use:

Frontal light - L; Horn - H; Machine gun can be used by the seat behind the commander;

History of M3A1 Scout Car:

The M3 Scout Car (known as the White Scout Car in British Commonwealth service) was an American-produced armored car. The original M3 Scout Car was produced in limited numbers, while the improved M3A1 Scout Car saw wide service during World War II and after.

Being based on a commercial truck chassis, the hull could sustain some armored weight. This consisted of face-hardened plates, ranging from 6.4 to 13 mm (0.25-0.51 in) on the later M3A1. This was deemed to be enough, as it could deflect infantry fire. Speed was also seen as active protection. Protection was well distributed around the hull. The radiator was shielded by opening armored shutters and the windshield was made of shatterproof glass. The latter could be covered by a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) armored plate, which could be swung in place, with two vision slots. Some storage was installed above each rear fender. The rear open-top compartment received 6 bucket seats. The forward compartment was also open-topped. A tarpaulin cover for these was provided.

In 1940 came the much improved M3A1 main production variant. Several modification were implemented. The hull was lengthened, and to prevent bogging down, an unditching roller was mounted in front of the bumper, which remains a trade mark on all the White military vehicles afterwards. Production started in June 1939 and lasted until early 1944. Total figures differs, from 20,856 to 20,918.

The M3A1 became the main road scout in the US Army, serving actively in the Philippines and North Africa. Many were delivered to the Allies, especially the Free French and Russians. However, by 1943 they were seen as obsolete. Critics pointed out the open top compartment, light armour not immune to machine-gun fire, and old-fashion rigid suspension which never allowed them to be fully all-terrain vehicles. Normal duties were rear area road patrols, convoy escort, screening, and, sometimes, advanced scouting parties. All served in various cavalry units throughout the war, but in mid-1942, many were relegated to supply and ambulance work, MP and rear echelon vehicles. By 1943, they had all been replaced by M8 Armored Cars and M20 Utility Cars in their former roles. However, some limited numbers saw action in Normandy and in some pacific islands, but only for secondary duties.