RDF/LT: Outracing Progress

In the second half of the 20th century, the United States focused on developing its hallmark ability to deploy a large armed force to any part of the world in a very short time. And a large armed force can’t do much without armored vehicles, so the military employed the M551 Sheridan that was lightweight, amphibious, and easy to transport. Soon, however, the perks of this unusual combat vehicle turned into flaws, and the military began to consider a replacement. Multiple propositions were introduced, from conservative remakes to modernization projects for existing tanks and IFVs to brand new and original vehicles. One of the latter was a program later codenamed ‘Rapid Deployment Force / Light Tank’, or RDF/LT for short.