The M24 proved successful enough for her time but the new wars being waged dictated a modernized weapon system that would feature both improved armor protection and firepower. The M41 light tank began development in 1947 and production ensued in 1953 to directly replace the outmoded M24. Such a war environment served to dictate the short-term needs of any army and, accordingly, American authorities began to phase out their World War 2-era M24 "Chaffee" light tank and all its related derivatives to concentrate production of new derivatives based on the newer M41 "Walker Bulldog" light tank. The M41 was succeeded by the M551 Sheridan.The United States went to war in Korea in 1950 following the invasion of the democratic South by the communist-backed North, spawning the Korean War that - at least on paper - lasted from 1950 to 1953. Production of the M41 ended in 1954, but stayed in service with the US army until 1967. These entered service too late to take part in the Korean War, though some may have been shipped out to US forces in that region just as the fighting ended. The Army placed orders for the T41 in August 1950, yet the first M41s only were completed in March 1951. After entering US service, all M41s received the designation "Little Bulldog" and subsequently, "Walker Bulldog" after the late General Walton Walker. Later foreign upgrades included systematic replacement of the powerplant for a sober Scania or Cummins diesel engine and extended fuel capacity. However, it was also found cramped, noisy (a real problem in reconnaissance missions) with an engine of high consumption with limited range. It was simple to operate, maintain, with an engine which can be quickly replaced on the field. It was even more mobile and agile, well-armed to deal with lighter armor than MBTs and WW2-era tanks, with an accurate and fully stabilized main gun. The M41 was a real improvement over the M24 Chaffee. The second prototype of the trio, T37 Phase Two, was selected for further testing and received a unique designation, T41. The T37 concept did not reach viability until 1949, when three disparate prototypes were finally built. Thus, beginning in 1946, the United States Army commissioned the T37 project to oversee the replacement of the M24 Chaffee light tank in the reconnaissance role. While the M24 Chaffee was a successful tank and accomplished its role, already by the end of WW2, it was outdated.
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