light tank

The M24 Chaffee, an American light tank used during the later part of World War II, and several subsequent conflicts

A light tank is a tank variant initially designed for rapid movements in and out of combat, and to outmaneuver heavier tanks. It is a smaller classification with thinner armor and a less powerful main gun, tailored for better tactical mobility and ease of transport and logistics. They are primarily employed in screening, armored reconnaissance, skirmishing, artillery observation, and supplementing landing operations in a fire support role of expeditionary forces, where larger heavier tanks are unavailable or have difficulties operating safely or efficiently.