In a startling revelation about military history, a new report exposes the 15 most significant tank designs in American history that were abruptly canceled before deployment. These groundbreaking projects, which promised to revolutionize armored warfare, fell victim to shifting military priorities, budget constraints, and technological challenges, leaving only prototypes and unrealized potential in their wake.
Among the notable casualties is the M1921 medium tank, one of the Army’s first serious attempts post-World War I. Armed with a 57 mm gun, it was rendered obsolete due to poor mobility and mechanical issues, with only a single prototype ever constructed. The M6 heavy tank, designed in 1940, faced similar fates, struggling with its 57-ton weight and cumbersome design, resulting in just 40 units produced, none of which saw combat.
The T20 medium tank, intended as a successor to the M4 Sherman, boasted advanced mobility but was sidelined as the M4 continued to dominate. The T14 heavy tank project, a joint effort with the British, was also abandoned when its prototype failed to match the battlefield success of existing models.
As World War II drew to a close, the T28 super heavy tank and the T34 heavy tank were both deemed impractical, despite their impressive specifications. The T42 medium tank and T-57 heavy tank, designed in the early Cold War, suffered from reliability issues, leading to their cancellations before full-scale production.
The ambitious MBT70, a joint venture with West Germany, faced insurmountable technical and financial hurdles, while the M48 armor gun system was cut after the Cold War led to sweeping defense budget reductions. Most recently, the XM1202 mounted combat system fell victim to shifting military needs, never progressing beyond mock-ups.
This exposé not only highlights the innovative designs that could have changed the face of warfare but also serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of military funding and strategic direction. As the dust settles on these forgotten giants, the question remains: what could have been?