M22 Locust
In service 1943 - 1945
The airborne tank, carried slung under a Hamilcar glider across the Rhine.
Built byMarmon-Herrington
Development history
Designed to be small and light enough to fly, the Locust sacrificed armour and firepower for air transportability. The US Army never used it operationally, but the British took delivery and flew eight into action during Operation Varsity in March 1945, the Rhine crossing - the only combat use of the type. Several were damaged on landing and the rest found the 37 mm gun of little value, closing the chapter on glider-borne tanks.
Notable actions
- Operation Varsity (1945)