The M22 light tank was intended for airborne use, and the C-54 Skymaster cargo aircraft was the original carrier plane. When transported by the C-54, the turret of the M22 was removed, and the hull was suspended below the plane, which seriously hindered the tanks from achieving any measure of surprise. The turret of the Locust was designed to be easily removable for this reason. The M22 had lifting brackets at the four corners of the hull which allowed carriage by the C-54. The British Hamilcar glider and later American aircraft like the C-82 could carry the M22 ready for battle.

The suspension of the M22 included strengthening braces running between the two bogie brackets and between the rear bogie and idler assembly. The commander and gunner had their own hatches, and the driver was protected by a protruding hood on the hull left front. The first 27 M22s featured a protected direct vision slot for the driver, which was replaced with a vision port which was closed with a steel plug. The steel plug closure system was similar to the driver's direct vision setup in the light tank M5. The sides of the driver's hood were also sloped on later tanks. The exhaust pipe for the M22 exited the engine compartment in the rear, and then curved up to the right rear fender of the tank, where the muffler rested.