The batch of four were tested thoroughly in 1928 and found to be quite reliable. This allowed the T1E1 to be standardized under the "Light Tank, M1" designation but the type was not serially produced as expected (some argued the rear placement of the engine and there were concerns of dangerous fumes entering the fighting compartment). The "T1E2" then followed in 1929 and this offering added armor (nearly 16mm thick) but the change came at the expense of weight so an uprated (132 horsepower) engine was fitted. Still, speeds barely reached 16mph.
The "T1E3" became the next offshoot of the T1 line and this was a modification of the earlier T1E1 seen in 1930. It brought along a high-velocity cannon and heavier armor of the T1E2 but more or less physically embodied the T1E1. Speeds reached over 21mph and an all-new suspension system offered greater ride comfort.
In 1932 arrived the "T1E4" and this, again, was based on the earlier T1E1 offering. The engine compartment was now relocated to the rear of the hull and the turret emplaced over midships. An all-new suspension system promised a better ride and the Model 1924 37mm gun (fed by 5-round magazines) replaced the original armament. While the T1E1's engine was first used in testing of the T1E4, an uprated Cunningham 140hp unit ultimately replaced it in time and speeds nearing 20mph were achieved.
The" T1E5" was given a new control scheme with braking system and carried the Cunningham 140hp engine which proved some qualities sound. This was followed by the "T1E6" in 1932 which was based in the T1E4 prototype. The engine was an American-LaFrance and Foamite Corp. V12 gasoline unit of 244 horsepower but the vehicle's weight increased beyond 9 tons. However, the output power and combined power-to-weight ratio of the new tank provided the necessary drive to keep the vehicle's speed in the 20mph range.
The T1 Light Tank, and all of its sisters, became limited-service endeavors on the part of the United States Army and were used strictly as test beds for various qualities related to mechanized warfare. Only the T1E1 was constructed beyond a single example but the group served the Army, and American industry for that matter, well in providing the necessary framework when pursuing tank designs of greater complexity. Before the end of World War 2 (1939-1945), the United States would become a global leader in tank design and production but it would have to thank the work completed in the 1930s for its position on the world stage.
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