The initial 180 BT-2 vehicles were then followed by some 440 BT-2 Light Tanks, these showcasing 2 x 7.62mm DT machine guns in their turrets. Up to 2,500 x 7.62mm rounds of ammunition were afforded to the crew.
Despite the newness of the BT-2 design, it could be improved and work on its successor was already underway in 1931 and into 1932, producing the follow-up "BT-3" mark. The BT-3 was nothing more than the BT-2 produced through metric measurements as opposed to Imperial and, therefore, officially recognized as the "BT-2" as well. The BT-2 itself was furthered into the BT-2-IS which served as a test platform. Other dedicated test platforms included the SBT Bridgelayer and the HBT-2 chemical warfare platform. The BT series of light tanks was truly improved with the arrival of the quantitative 45mm cannon-armed BT-5 Fast Tank of 1933 (the BT-4 appeared in only three prototypes with welded hull armor and revised suspension systems). The definitive BT tank arrived in the BT-7 of 1935 with its welded hull, Mikulin M-17T engine and a shrouded muffler system.
The BT-2 was available in number by the time of the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June of 1941. 594 BT-2 Fast Tanks were on hand despite their official retirement announced the year prior. Their available numbers and the level of desperation on the part of the Soviets ensured that the outmoded little tank was pressed into service. Many fell to German anti-tank guns while providing a valiant -if foolhardy - unprepared defense. When possible, damaged vehicles were repaired and pushed back into service to help stave off complete elimination. Others were dug into deep trenches with only their gun turrets exposed and utilized in a defensive role. Needless to say, the lightly-armed and armored BT-2 tanks (and her BT successors) did not fare particularly well in the hasty Soviet responses that followed the German assault.
A total of 620 BT-2 series light tanks were eventually produced. The series undoubtedly lay the groundwork for the T-34 Medium Tank to follow, the T-34 being the BT's direct successor in the Red Army inventory.
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