The vehicle began evaluation at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland during 1922 under the designation of "U.S. Ordnance M1921 Medium Tank".
Also in 1922 was the arrival of the "M1922", a slightly evolved design based on the M1921 though utilizing a British-originated suspension system. Additional changes included a raised rear hull superstructure and lengthened hull overall. The effort intended to improve cross-country performance as well as trench-crossing initiatives.
Despite the two endeavors - which held merit in the interwar years - the world's armies were in a massive military drawdown mode which hampered many-a-program thereafter. The U.S. Army's interest in a new and expensive armored vehicle waned into the decade as surplus war products were still readily available and the prospect of another years-long war in Europe was limited. As such, the M1921 and M1922 programs fell to naught.
Before the M1921's history was officially written, Army engineers fitted the chassis with a Packard engine during 1925 - intended to improve the weaker, original gasoline unit with a more purpose-built powerplant. The change produced the developmental "Medium Tank T1". This product, too, was then cancelled and work continued down other possible routes.
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