Comparing: Pz.Kpfw. II Luchs vs. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) n.A. vs. M5A1 Stuart

As compared to the Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. C, the vehicle featured a new hull and turret, as well as a chassis with a staggered arrangement of roadwheels. The reconnaissance tank had strong characteristics, but only 131 vehicles of the L modification were built, after manufacture proved to be too expensive.

Developed by the BMM company as a new light reconnaissance tank on the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) from July 1940. The vehicle used welding technology instead of rivets. The new engine and improved transmission allowed for a top speed of 64 km/h. Development was discontinued in favor of the VK 1303. Five prototypes were manufactured.

The first tanks of the M5 series were produced in April 1942, and a new modification, the M5A1, was preferred over other variants. After the M24 Chaffee was developed, the M5A1 tanks were deemed obsolete and were exported to other countries, including China. A total of 100 tanks of this type were supplied to the Kuomintang. During the Civil War (1946–1949), many of these vehicles were captured by the PLA.