Comparing: M2 Medium Tank vs. Somua S35

The only medium tank to be adopted by the US Army during the interwar period. The vehicle was equipped with a 37 mm gun and six 7.62 mm machineguns, four of which were mounted on rotating fire units. The two non-rotating machineguns were placed on the front of the hull. Despite unimpressive combat characteristics, the M2A1 became a milestone for American tank development from the time of its inception by virtue of being easily adaptable for mass production. In 1940, 94 vehicles were produced.

Good firepower, armor protection, and mobility made the S35 one of the best tanks of its time. However, the small turret forced the commander to handle multiple tasks at once: searching for enemy targets, aiming and reloading the gun, and coordinating the actions of the crew. This workload reduced his situational awareness and decreased the vehicle’s effectiveness on the battlefield. By the time France capitulated on June 22, 1940, a total of 427 vehicles had been manufactured.