Production of BT-5 tanks began in March of 1933 out of the Kharkov plant. For every five combat versions produced, a single iteration came with a radio set as the "BT-2RT". As many as 263 radio-fitted BT-5s were produced. 1933 also saw testing of a new V-2 diesel-fueled engine and these made their way into production tanks in 1939. Various other developmental platforms were also retained. The base BT-5 combat tank was further evolved into several distinct models including the the BT-5A artillery support tank mounting a 76.2mm howitzer and seeing limited production. Similarly, only a few of the PT-1A amphibious tanks were produced. The BT-5PKh amphibious platform and BT-5 flamethrower tank both resided in limited prototype forms.
Production of all BT-5s was eventually given up for good after some 1,884 examples had come off of the lines due to the arrival of the definitive, all-welded hull BT-7 Fast Tank model - in development from 1933 to 1934. The BT-7 incorporated a new M-17T engine of 500 horsepower, increased fuel stores, increased ammunition stowage space, increased maximum road speeds (53mph) and greater displacement (14-15 tons). The mark was eventually produced across three major variants to include the BT-7, the 76.2mm-armed BT-7A and the BT-7M. All fielded the same 7.62mm DT tank machine guns.
BT-5 tanks saw their official baptism of fire during the Spanish Civil War alongside Republican forces. The type saw additional combat actions in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol of the Soviet-Japanese border wars. It was then utilized with limited success in the Winter War against Finland from 1939 to 1940. In early engagements, BT-5 Fast Tanks proved successful largely due to their unquestioned speed and hard-hitting 45mm main gun which could penetrate available enemy tanks at range with little effort. By the time of the German invasion of the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa during June of 1941, the BT-5 had seen its best fighting days - its armor too weak and its main gun too small. Regardless, it was available in suitable numbers and pressed into service as both offensive and defensive set pieces. When on the defensive, BT-5 tanks could be dug in up to their turrets and left to await the oncoming enemy. Many were either destroyed or abandoned in the ensuing drive of the Germans which left few to combat by 1942. Regardless, the Red Army had mobilized and factories were outputting more potent combat tank systems such as the T-34 Medium Tank - the direct successor to the BT series. Captured BT-5 tanks was pressed back into service against their former masters along both the Finnish and Eastern fronts.
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