| Revision as of 23:09, 22 September 2013 editSchierbecker (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Page movers, File movers, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers57,127 edits →Development: temp save← Previous edit | Revision as of 23:21, 22 September 2013 edit undoSchierbecker (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Page movers, File movers, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers57,127 edits →Development: four vehicles apparently approved for 82ndNext edit → | ||
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| ==Development== | ==Development== | ||
| In the 1980s, the ] began looking for a replacement for their ] light tanks. Several attempts over the years to update or replace the Sheridan had proved unsuccessful. The ] (AGS) competition was initiated and in 1992 FMC/United Defense's vehicle was selected. In addition to being expected to replace the Sheridan in the 82nd , it was expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the ]. | In the 1980s, the ] began looking for a replacement for their ] light tanks. Several attempts over the years to update or replace the Sheridan had proved unsuccessful. The ] (AGS) competition was initiated and in 1992 FMC/United Defense's vehicle was selected. In addition to being expected to replace the Sheridan in the ], it was expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the ]. | ||
| A total of six prototypes were eventually built for the U.S. Army under the designation of the XM8 AGS. The M8 was later type-classified by the U.S. Army in late 1995 and initially slated for production in 1996. The M8 project was |
A total of six prototypes were eventually built for the U.S. Army under the designation of the XM8 AGS. The M8 was later type-classified by the U.S. Army in late 1995 and initially slated for production in 1996. The M8 project was canceled in 1997 to free up money for other fledgling programs. In March 2004 at the 82nd Airborne Division's request, the Army approved the transfer of four production vehicles from United Defense's facility in York, Pennsylvania to the 82nd at ] in North Carolina. However as of June 2004, this transfer was on hold pending an "ongoing analysis."<ref name="Transfer hold">{{cite news|title=Seeking `Options,' Army Plans Stryker Gun Airdrop|url=http://www.defensedaily.com/articles/dt/2004/dt06040402.htm|accessdate=22 September 2013|newspaper=DEfense Daily|date=4 June 2004|author=Nathan Hodge}}</ref> The M8's role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the ]. | ||
| United Defense had reportedly sought overseas customers, without success. In late 1997 they parted with ] to offer the M8 AGS to the Turkish Land Forces Command. As of 2006, Taiwan at one point expressed interest as a replacement for its fleet of ]/] light tanks but would not commit following cancellation by the U.S. | United Defense had reportedly sought overseas customers, without success. In late 1997 they parted with ] to offer the M8 AGS to the Turkish Land Forces Command. As of 2006, Taiwan at one point expressed interest as a replacement for its fleet of ]/] light tanks but would not commit following cancellation by the U.S. | ||
Revision as of 23:21, 22 September 2013
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| M8 Armored Gun System | |
|---|---|
 The M8 Armored Gun System with 105 mm gun | |
| Type | Light tank |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 19.25 tons (Level I Armor) 22.25 tons (Level II Armor) 24.75 tons (Level III Armor) |
| Length | 8.9 m |
| Width | 2.69 m |
| Height | 2.55 m |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver) |
| Armor | Titanium |
| Main armament | XM35 105 mm rifled gun (30 rounds) |
| Secondary armament | 7.62 mm Coaxial MG (4500 rounds) Commander: 12.7 mm M2 Browning (210 rounds) |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel Corporation DDC 6V 92TIA 550 hp at 2400 rpm (JP-8), 580 hp at 2400 rpm (diesel) |
| Power/weight | 29.1 hp/ton (32.1 hp/tonne) (Level I) |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic |
| Fuel capacity | 150 gal. |
| Operational range | 280 mi (451 km) |
| Maximum speed | Road: 45 mph (72 km/h) Off road: 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| Tanks of the United States | |
|---|---|
| World War I | |
| Interwar | |
| World War II | |
| Cold War | |
| Post–Cold War | |
The United Defense M8 Armored Gun System was a light tank that was intended to replace the M551 Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as being expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR). The M8 project was eventually canceled. Its role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the Stryker.
Development
In the 1980s, the United States Army began looking for a replacement for their M551 Sheridan light tanks. Several attempts over the years to update or replace the Sheridan had proved unsuccessful. The Armored Gun System (AGS) competition was initiated and in 1992 FMC/United Defense's vehicle was selected. In addition to being expected to replace the Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division, it was expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment.
A total of six prototypes were eventually built for the U.S. Army under the designation of the XM8 AGS. The M8 was later type-classified by the U.S. Army in late 1995 and initially slated for production in 1996. The M8 project was canceled in 1997 to free up money for other fledgling programs. In March 2004 at the 82nd Airborne Division's request, the Army approved the transfer of four production vehicles from United Defense's facility in York, Pennsylvania to the 82nd at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. However as of June 2004, this transfer was on hold pending an "ongoing analysis." The M8's role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the Stryker.
United Defense had reportedly sought overseas customers, without success. In late 1997 they parted with FNSS Defence Systems to offer the M8 AGS to the Turkish Land Forces Command. As of 2006, Taiwan at one point expressed interest as a replacement for its fleet of M24 Chaffee/M41 Walker Bulldog light tanks but would not commit following cancellation by the U.S.
Owing to poor off-road performance of the M1128 Mobile Gun System, Fort Benning officials in September 2013 related a lingering interest in the Armored Gun System.
Design
The basic hull of the M8 is made of welded aluminum alloy, with a unique modular armoring system that allows the vehicle to be equipped according to requirements. The Level I (basic) armor package is designed for the rapid deployment role and can be airdropped from a C-130 Hercules and protects the vehicle against small-arms fire and shell splinters. The Level II armor package can still be carried by C-130, but must be airlanded and is designed for use by light forces in a more serious threat environment, while level III armor is designed for contingency operations and is supposed to provide protection against light handheld anti-tank weapons. Level III armor cannot be carried by C-130. All versions are air-transportable by C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III (five and three respectively).
The M8 is armed with the M35 rifled autoloading 105 mm cannon main gun with an M240 7.62 mm machine-gun mounted co-axially. The M35 has a rate of fire of approximately 12 rounds per minute, with a ready capacity of 21 rounds with 9 more in stowage. Power is provided by a Detroit Diesel 6V-92TIA diesel developing 580 hp.
Variants
"Thunderbolt" Armored Gun System (Block II)
This technology demonstrator was a test bed to bring Future Combat System technologies to the current force in the near term. Advanced technologies incorporated into this variant include hybrid electric propulsion, band track, improved ceramic/composite armor, Second Generation FLIR Night Vision technology, digitization, a XM-291 120 mm main gun along with its 120 mm auto loader. This demonstrated system upgrade retains the M8's C-130 Hercules air transport capability, as well as the AGS 3-man crew.
References
- Nathan Hodge (4 June 2004). "Seeking `Options,' Army Plans Stryker Gun Airdrop". DEfense Daily. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
- Matthew Cox (20 September 2013). "Army Looks to Mount 30mm Cannons on Strykers". Military.com. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
- Miller, D. (2000). The Illustrated Directory of Tanks of the World. pp. 478-480. Osceola, MI: MBI Publishing.
- Plummer, A. (15 March, 2004). Inside the Army. Army To Transfer Four Armored Gun Systems To 82nd Airborne Division.
- United Defense Unveils Thunderbolt 120 mm Demonstrator. Accessed 24 September 2006.
- Shirley A. Kan, "Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990", November 29, 2012, RL30957, Congressional Research Service, 7-5700, www.crs.gov
External links
- M8 Armored Gun System at GlobalSecurity.org
- M8 LAV at Jane's
- Link to CRO Doc RL30957 on the USAF Air University