The M42 Duster was the first major self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of the Cold War, designed to replace the wartime M19 (based on the M24). The M42 was based on the newer M41 light lank, retaining the hull's general shape and configuration and with a new open top mount that was a slightly redesigned version of that used on the M19, thought it was mounted in the center of the hull rather than the rear. The mount had an open top and a rounded armor plate at the front that gave the crew some protection from small arms and shrapnel. Main armament remained the same as that on the M19, consisting of twin Bofors (M2A1) 40-mm cannon. These had a maximum rate of fire of 120 rounds per minute and could fire numerous types of ammunition including HEAT and AP-T for use in the ground attack role. An additional 7.62-mm M1919A4 machine gun was also added for defensive purposes. The M42 entered service in 1953 but too late to see action during the Korean War. The development of the HAWK SAM led to the belief that vehicles like the M42 were obsolete but the missile's poor performance along with the US's involvement in the Vietnam War led to a new lease of life for the M42, many of which were recalled into active service and were mostly used for fire support where it excelled as a convoy escort and for perimiter defense. Replaced by the M163 VADS in active service, it continued to serve in National Guard units almost until the end of the Cold War, and were also exported to around a dozen countries including large numbers to West Germany.

Design of the T141 and later T141E1 began in 1951 along with an associated radar-equipped fire-control vehicle known as the T53 which was later scrapped. It entered service in 1953 as the M42. Variants include the M42A1 with a new engine. Foreign conversions included the Taiwanese Type 64 light tank which used the M42's hull with the turret of M18 tank destroyers, and the Venezuelan Ráfaga with the M42 turret mounted on the hull of AMX-13 light tanks.