Brief Operational History

Evolving from the light and fast BT-2, the BT-5 was introduced in 1932.  It was a more modernized version of the BT-2 with a different turret.  The tank had the same Christies suspension and riveted hull armor of its predecessor with welded armor on the turret.  It also used a much more powerful 1932 model 45mm gun that was accurate out to 4800 meters.  The shell could penetrate 42mm of armor at 100 meters.  The tank also had two escape hatches in contrast to the single hatch of the BT-2.

A commander's version of the tank known as the BT-5 TU was soon introduced in 1934.  It differed from the basic model by having a radio and only 72 rounds of main gun ammunition.  Both models of the BT-5 retained the armor of the earlier BT-2.

Less successful versions of the tank were a bridge laying version known as the T-5 Pch.  It carried a wooden bridge and was expected to help the conventional BT-5's in crossing rivers.  There were also attempts to make the tank amphibious.  In 1936 a flamethrower version was introduced.  Few of these ever saw action.

The tank gained world attention in the mid-1930's after it was seen undergoing large scale maneuvers in the Kiev Military District where it was dubbed the 'Russian Christie Fast Tank'.  During those exercises the tank proved that it could surround and destroy large enemy forces.  After these maneuvers the tank was fitted with a diesel engine and improved steering.  It also would no longer operate without tracks as it had in the past.  Steering was changed from a traditional wheel to the more conventional lever system.

Its first combat action would be during the Spanish Civil War.  During this conflict 64 BT-5 tanks were sent as aid to the communist Spanish Republican forces.  They saw action on the Ebro front.  Some were captured and used by the Nationalist forces.

The BT-5 also would see action against the Japanese in Khalkin Gol and against the Finns during the Winter War of 1939-40.  The tank was very successful when used against the Japanese, but this was partly due to the fact that the Japanese employed very little armor during the conflict.  The BT-5 fared poorly during the Winter War.  They were easy prey for the anti-tank weapons of the Finns.

Operation Barbarossa would be the last operation that BT-5 would take part in.  Already lacking in armor, the tank was no match for the Panzer III tanks of the Wehrmacht.   It would soon be replaced by a vehicle better suited to the task - the T-34/76.

Tactical Use and Limitations

The BT-5 fast tank was designed to engage front line enemy tanks.  Once it had destroyed them it was expected to penetrate behind the enemy lines and destroy artillery concentrations, supply trucks, and command posts.  It was only successful in this role against the Japanese during the battles of Khalkin Gol in the late 1930's.

Its primary disadvantage was its thin armor.  The vehicle proved to be highly vulnerable to other armored vehicles, machine guns, and anti-tank artillery.  This was improved with BT-7, but would remain a weakness of the BT family throughout its service life.  The tank also had large linked tracks that had a tendency to slide on mud and wet ground.

Deployment Chronology

The BT-5 fast tank was a product of the rapidly changing technologies of the 1930's.  Here you can see what vehicles the BT-5 replaced and tanks eventually replaced it.  You will be able to find more about each vehicle if we have them on our site by clicking on the links below.

Sources Cited

Here are some of the most informative sources that we have used in compiling this information for you.  We hope you can find them as useful as we have.

• Russian Tanks and Armored Vehicles 1917-1945, by Wolfgang Fleischer, published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglen, PA, 1999

• The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, edited by Chris Bishop, published by Barnes and Noble Inc., 1998