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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