The M22 was designed in 1941 to provide a lightweight tank of 8 tons that could be transported either inside or beneath a transport aircraft. It had a crew of 3 with armour protection up to 25mm and a 37mm M6 main gun plus a 0.3cal machine gun. A large number were supplied under Lend-Lease arrangements to the British where the Hamlicar glider, designed to carry the British Terrach, was capable of lifting the M22 - then designated the Locust.