The M41 was conceived as a direct successor to the M24 Chaffee light tank from World War II. While the M24 served its purpose during the conflict, its main gun proved ineffective against the heavier late-war German tanks, limiting its tactical effectiveness. Post-war, the primary adversary for the US Army became the formidable Soviet T34 medium tank, which was equipped with an 85mm main gun. Consequently, in 1949, efforts began to develop a new air-transportable light tank with improved armament, resulting in the creation of the "T37" prototype. Following the tradition of its predecessor, the T37 prioritized lightweight design, which inevitably led to compromises in crew and system protection.