Saturday, September 17, 2011

M8 Armored Gun System

M8 Armored Gun System
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.

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.

M8 Armored Gun System
Type Light tank
Place of origin United States
Specifications
Weight 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
Rheinmetall 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)
Speed Road: 45 mph (72 km/h)

Off road: 30 mph (48 km/h)

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