The United States prewar tank and Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) production numbers were small and were focused on light tanks such as the M2 and M3 Light Tanks. In 1941 US production started its transition to medium tanks and AFVs which surpassed light tank and AFVs production in 1942. Light tank andAFV production continued through to the war’s end but with lower production rates in each ensuing year. The production of these vehicles was crucial to the success of the Allied Forces in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. The United States produced a wide range of tanks and armored vehicles, including light tanks, medium tanks, heavy tanks, tank destroyers, and armored cars.
Table of Contents
Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicle
Light Tanks
The United States produced several types of light tanks during World War II, including the M1/M2/M3 Stuart and the M22 Locust. These tanks were used primarily for reconnaissance and were armed with a 37mm main gun. The M1/M2/M3 Stuart was produced in large numbers, with over 25,000 units built between 1940 and 1944. The M22 Locust, on the other hand, was produced in smaller numbers, with only 830 units built between 1943 and 1944.
Medium Tanks
The United States also produced several types of medium tanks during World War II, including the M2/M3 Lee and the M4 Sherman. The M2/M3 Lee was produced in smaller numbers, with just over 6,000 units built between 1940 and 1943. The M4 Sherman, however, was the most widely US produced tank of the war, with over 49,000 units built between 1942 and 1945.
Heavy Tanks
The United States produced several heavy tanks during World War II, including the M26 Pershing. The M26 Pershing was produced in relatively small numbers, with just over 2,000 units built between 1944 and 1945.
Tank Destroyers
The United States also produced several types of tank destroyers during World War II, including the M10 Wolverine, the M18 Hellcat, and the M36 Jackson. The M10 Wolverine was produced in large numbers, with over 6,400 units built between 1942 and 1943. The M18 Hellcat was produced in smaller numbers, with just over 2,500 units built between 1943 and 1944. The M36 Jackson was also produced in smaller numbers, with just over 2,300 units built between 1944 and 1945.
Armored Cars
The United States also produced several types of armored cars during World War II, including the M8 Greyhound and the M20 Scout Car. The M8 Greyhound was produced in large numbers, with over 8,500 units built between 1943 and 1945. The M20 Scout Car was produced in smaller numbers, with just under 3,800 units built between 1943 and 1945.
Annual Production Numbers
The production of tanks and armored vehicles in the United States ramped up significantly after the country entered World War II in December 1941. In 1942, the United States produced a total of 26,394 tanks and AFVs. The production numbers continued to increase throughout the war, with a total of 37,188 tanks and AFVs produced in 1943. The production numbers began to decline in 1944 with 21,267 units produced. The production numbers in 1945, with a total of 13,018 tanks and AFVs produced that year.
US WW2 Tank / AFV Production by Year by Type Data
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Source: Wikipedia. ‘American armored fighting vehicle production during World War II’, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_armored_fighting_vehicle_production_during_World_War_II, Data accessed on July 7, 2022
Other Vehicle Production and Availability Data Links
Soviet Armored Vehicles Availability 1941-45
US WW2 Production – Combat and Motor Vehicles
Tanks Produced by Nation 1940 to 1945
USSR – Germany Tank Production and Losses by Month
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