M22 Locust

Early concept drawing of the revised T9E1 light tank.

A letter from the British Purchasing Commission indicated a strong desire for an airborne light tank and a suitable aircraft to carry it. On 22 May 1941, characteristics were outlined for for such a vehicle and it was designated as the T9 light tank. It was estimated to weigh 7.5 tons and be armed with either a 37 mm or a 57 mm gun. The tank was then to be armed with as many additional machine guns as deemed practical.

In July 1941, J. Walter Christie was invited to present a proposal for the design. Unfortunately, his preliminary and secondary designs did not meet the specifications previously outlined. The Marmon-Herrington Company instead proposed to build a pilot tank, and the Douglas Aircraft Company would build the new C54 transport designed to carry the tank. Pontiac also proposed using two of their engines to power the tank.

The first T9 pilot was completed in April 1942. The tank was manned by a crew of three. As what tended to happen during US tank development programs, the weight of the tank had increased and now exceeded the original specifications. As a result, its performance was deemed somewhat sluggish. In order to reduce weight, numerous components were removed and the tank went through a significant redesign. Most notably the front hull, to provide greater ballistic protection.

The new vehicle was designated as the T9E1, and then standardized as the M22 in September 1944. Although it was never used by US troops, it did see action with the British and saw extensive use under the Lend-Lease program.

In order for the vehicle to work as a regular tank, it's going to need some new modules. While the 37 mm Gun M5 wasn't considered for this tank, as far as I can tell, it would make for a decent stock option. There was also an attempt to fit the 37 mm Gun M6 with the British Littlejohn adapter. This was a muzzle attachment with a tapered bore, which squeezed a tungsten-carbide projectile and increased its muzzle velocity. This should simply be an M6 with a higher muzzle velocity and greater penetration. A few German tanks like the VK 30.01 H can mount a similar weapon, the Waffe 0725.

Otherwise, there aren't any considerable changes to expect with making the M22 Locust into a regular vehicle, aside from giving it some stock options. Players who previously owned an M22 Locust could easily be compensated by receiving a full gold refund, along with having the tank be unlocked.

Guns: 37 mm Gun M5; 37 mm Gun M6; 37 mm Gun M6 w/ Littlejohn adapter

Engines: Twin Pontiac 239 (180 hp); Lycoming 0-435T (192 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): T9 (25/25/25); M22 (25/25/25)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T9 VVSS (6.8); T9E1 VVSS (7.43)

Hull Armor (mm): 25/13/13

Top Speed: 56 km/h

Crew: 3 (Driver; Gunner; Commander/Radio/Loader)




Parent: T1 Light
Children: T42 GMC
See Also: DHT-5

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Stuart. 1992.