M1921 medium tank
type of Light tank
The medium tank M1921 was a medium tank built in the United States in the inter-war period. In design, it was similar to earlier World War I era tanks. United States Army engineers worked on the design of the tank, with some influence from British designs of the period, and from the earlier war experience. One example was produced. The tank was an early example of a turreted US tank, less usual at the time, with the turret housing the main gun, with the tank also possessing two machine guns for defense.
Development
The United States Army developed the tank with the idea that the US could produce a locally produced tank, and not rely on British or French technology, who were some of the main producers and exporters of tanks at the time. The tank was produced at the Rock Island Arsenal.
The biggest problem was the engine, which was meant to provide 220 hp (160 kW) at 1,200 rpm, but in fact generated less than that. The engine was later replaced with a 338 hp (252 kW) Liberty L-12 engine, and then a later a Packard 8-cylinder. The tank had a semi-spherical mounting for its main gun.
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