README FOR BT-5 Light Tank

Thanks for downloading the BT-5 Light Tank

Civilopedia Text Entry:

#PRTO_BT5
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^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.
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^A city must have both $LINK<oil=GOOD_Oil> and $LINK<iron=GOOD_Iron> in its
$LINK<Strategic Resource=GCON_ResourcesS> box to build the BT-5.
#DESC_PRTO_BT5
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^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.
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^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.













PediaIcons Text Entries:

#ICON_PRTO_BT5
art\civilopedia\icons\units\BT5Large.pcx
art\civilopedia\icons\units\BT5Small.pcx

#ANIMNAME_PRTO_BT5
BT5


Suggested Stats:

Prerequisite:  Atomic Theory
Shield Cost: 8
Moves: 2
A/D: 10/5
Required Resources:  Oil, Iron
Unit Abilities:  Ranged Attack, Wheeled
AI Strategies:  Offence, Explore
Special Actions:  Load, Airlift, Pillage, Capture

