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The BT Series
was based on 2 Christie tanks purchased from the USA
in 1931. These were designated as the BT1 with the first
series production of the new Fast Tank being ready in
1932 as the BT2 armed with a 37mm gun. Further development
produced the BT3 and BT4 and in 1933 the BT5 was developed
incorporating numerous changes but most importantly
with a new 45mm gun in an elarged turret.
1937
a new hull design was introduced as the BT7 (Model 37)
(aka BT7-1) and on this chassis the
earlier styled large turret, previously used on the
BT5A and armed with the 76.2mm L/16.5 gun, was used
for fire support and designated as the BT7A.
These tanks
would remain in service until, and including, the first
years of the Great Patriotic War having previously seen
action in the brief hostilities with Japan in Manchuria
in 1938 and in the Winter War of 1940 against Finland.
They would also participate in the Soviet-German partition
of Poland in 1939.
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