The M1 Abrams tank revolutionized tank warfare when it entered the scene in the 1980s. It was one of the most powerful and effective tanks ever built; in fact, the U.S. Army still uses these tanks even after more than four decades of service. However, there is one category where other tanks are still comparable or even better than the Abrams, and that is speed.
Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at American tanks and which ones were the fastest. To determine the fastest tanks in U.S. military history, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a list of tanks used by the U.S. military from Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more used by militaries across the world. All U.S. tanks are ranked here according to their top speed. Additional data on the type of tank, crew size, and more came from the Military Factory. We excluded tanks that were not mass-produced or had production runs of less than 250 units.
Why Are We Covering This?
Understanding the history of U.S. tanks gives context to their impact on military strategy, technological advancements, and the outcomes of many important conflicts. Ultimately, this plays into national defense strategies, training, and further advancements in armored warfare.
Here is a look at the fastest tanks in U.S. military history.
20. M1917 6-ton
- Type: Light two-man combat tank
- Year entered service: 1918
- Top speed: 5.5 mph
- Crew size: 2
- Armament: 37mm cannon, 7.62mm machine gun
19. M103
- Type: Heavy tank
- Year entered service: 1957
- Top speed: 21.1 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 120mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine gun
18. Sherman Jumbo
- Type: Up-armored medium tank / assault tank
- Year entered service: 1944
- Top speed: 21.7 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 75mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke mortar
17. M4A3 HVSS Sherman (Easy Eight)
- Type: Upped-gunned medium tank
- Year entered service: 1944
- Top speed: 23 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 76mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns
16. M4 Sherman
- Type: Medium tank
- Year entered service: 1942
- Top speed: 23.9 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 75mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke mortars, flamethrowers
15. M26 Pershing
- Type: Heavy tank / medium tank
- Year entered service: 1945
- Top speed: 24.9 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 90mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns
14. M3 Lee / M3 Grant
- Type: Medium tank
- Year entered service: 1941
- Top speed: 26.1 mph
- Crew size: 6
- Armament: 75mm main gun, 37mm cannon, 7.62mm machine guns
13. M46 Patton (General Patton)
- Type: Medium tank tracked combat vehicle
- Year entered service: 1950
- Top speed: 29.8 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 90mm M4A1 main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns
12. M47 (Patton II)
- Type: Medium tank tracked combat vehicle
- Year entered service: 1951
- Top speed: 29.8 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 90mm M36 main gun, 12.7mm M2 machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns
11. M48 Patton
- Type: Medium tank
- Year entered service: 1952
- Top speed: 29.8 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 105mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke grenade dischargers
10. M60 (Patton)
- Type: Main battle tank
- Year entered service: 1960
- Top speed: 30 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 105mm M68 main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke grenade dischargers
9. Marmon-Herrington CTLS
- Type: Light tank / tankette
- Year entered service: 1935
- Top speed: 32.9 mph
- Crew size: 2
- Armament: 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns
8. M2
- Type: Light tank
- Year entered service: 1935
- Top speed: 34.8 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 37mm M6 main gun, 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns
7. M24 Chaffee
- Type: Reconnaissance light tank
- Year entered service: 1944
- Top speed: 34.8 mph
- Crew size: 5
- Armament: 75mm main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke mortar
6. M5 Stuart
- Type: Light tank
- Year entered service: 1942
- Top speed: 36 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 37mm M6 main gun, 7.62mm machine guns
5. M3 Stuart
- Type: Light tank
- Year entered service: 1941
- Top speed: 36 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 37mm M6/M7 main gun, 7.62m machine guns
4. M22 Locust (Light tank, Airborne, M22)
- Type: Airborne infantry light tank
- Year entered service: 1943
- Top speed: 39.8 mph
- Crew size: 3
- Armament: 37mm M6 main gun, 7.62mm machine gun
3. M1 Abrams
- Type: Main battle tank
- Year entered service: 1980
- Top speed: 41.6 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 120mm Rheinmetal M256A1 main gun, 12.7mm machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke grenade dischargers
2. M551 Sheridan
- Type: Armored reconnaissance airborne assault vehicle
- Year entered service: 1968
- Top speed: 43.5 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 152mm M81E1 main gun, 12.7mm machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns, smoke grenade dischargers, Shillelagh missiles
1. M41 Walker Bulldog
- Type: Light tank tracked combat vehicle
- Year entered service: 1951
- Top speed: 45 mph
- Crew size: 4
- Armament: 76mm M32 main gun, 12.7mm machine gun, 7.62mm machine gun
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