This 1950s Tank Was Faster Than the M1 Abrams

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The M1 Abrams tank revolutionized tank warfare when it entered the scene in the 1980s. It was one of the most powerful and effective tanks ever built, in fact, the U.S. Army still uses these even after more than four decades of service. However, there is one category where other tanks are still comparable or even better than the Abrams, and that is speed. (These are the 30 most mass-produced tanks since World War II. )

Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at American tanks and which ones were the fastest. To determine the fastest tanks in U.S. military history, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a list of tanks used by the U.S. military from Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms and more used by militaries across the world. All U.S. tanks are ranked here according to their top speed. Additional data on the type of tank, crew size, and more also came from Military Factory. We excluded tanks that were not mass-produced or had production runs less than 250 units.

At the top of this list is the M41 Walker Bulldog. It was developed in the early 1950s to replace the M24 Chaffee light tank. The Walker Bulldog gets its name from General Walton Walker, and it was the first postwar American light tank to see worldwide service.

One of the key features of the M41 Walker Bulldog was its considerable top speed of 45 miles per hour. This was achieved through a combination of a powerful six-cylinder gasoline engine and a relatively lightweight design with the tank weighing roughly 23.5 tons.

The M41 Walker Bulldog remains an example of why speed and mobility are important factors in armored warfare. Its development realized the importance of agile tanks in the modern military following World War II, and its design would go on to influence many tanks in the decades to come. ( This heavily armed tank built for World War II, never saw combat in the war. )

Here is a look at the fastest tanks in U.S. military history: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the history of U.S. tanks gives context to their impact on military strategy, technological advancements, and the outcomes of many important conflicts. Ultimately, this plays into national defense strategies, training, and further advancements in armored warfare.

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