RUSSIAN ARMOUR Vol 2 LIGHT TANKS

The Russian BT-2, BT-5, BT-7, T-26, T-40, T-50, T-60 and T-70. One of the ironies of Soviet tank development is that it was largely reliant on influences from Britain and the United States for many of its early designs. The Red Army was able to acquire and develop technology that was under-rated in both Britain and the US. In Britain, Vickers produced a six-ton light tank, which was effectively rejected by the War Office. One example was acquired by the Russians and formed the basis of the Russian T-26 of 1931. Further British designs also influenced the later light tanks, equipment which was pivotal to the Red Army during its campaigns in Manchuria, Finland and against the initial German assault in 1941. In the United States, Walter Christie was largely ignored as a designer. His influence was seen in the BT Fast Tank series of light-medium tanks that was first introduced in 1932. The BT series saw service in Spain, Manchuria, Finland and in the defence of Russia itself in 1941. This book provides the reader with a comprehensive account of the design, development and operational record of these Soviet light tanks. Heavily illustrated throughout, this volume will be of great interest to all those interested in the development of Russian armour..