 |
M551 Sheridan |
|
| GENERAL INFORMATION |
| Designations |
M551 Sheridan |
| Manufacturer(s) |
General Motors (Allison) |
| Status |
Production complete. Phased out of service with USA. |
| Production Period |
1966-1970 |
Production Quantity |
about 1700 |
| Type |
light tank (1) |
Crew |
4 |
| Length, overall |
6.3m |
Length, hull |
6.3m |
| Width, overall |
2.8m |
Height, overall |
2.9m |
| Combat Weight |
15830kg |
Unloaded Weight |
13589kg |
| Radio, external |
n/a |
Communication, crew |
n/a |
| FIREPOWER |
| Main Armament |
152mm M81 gun/launcher |
Ammunition Carried |
20x152mm
8xShillelagh missiles (MGM-1A) |
| Gun Traverse |
360 |
Elevation/Depression |
+19/-8 |
| Traverse Rate |
48/s |
Elevation Rate |
n/a |
| Gun Stabilization |
n/a |
Rangefinder |
no (2) |
| Night Vision |
yes |
Auto-Loader |
no |
| Secondary Armament |
7.62mm M73 MG (coaxial)
12.7mm M2 MG (AA) |
Ammunition Carried |
3000x7.62mm
1000x12.7mm |
 |
|
| MOBILITY CHARACTERISTICS |
| Engine |
Detroit Diesel 6V53T 6-cylinder, water-cooled |
Transmission |
TG-250 (4 forward, 2 reverse) |
| Horsepower |
300hp at 2800rpm |
Suspension |
torsion bar |
| Power/Weight Ratio |
n/a |
Track Width |
44.4cm |
| Speed, on road |
70km/h |
Track Ground Contact |
366cm |
| Fuel Capacity |
598 l |
Ground Pressure |
0.49kg/cm2 |
| Range, on road |
600km |
Gradient |
60% |
| Fuel Consumption |
n/a |
Vertical Obstacle |
0.8m |
| Turning Radius |
n/a |
Trench Crossing |
2.5m |
| Ground Clearance |
0.48m |
Fording |
amphibious |
| SURVIVABILITY FEATURES |
| Smoke Laying |
2 x 4 smoke dischargers |
NBC Protection |
yes (3) |
| Armor Details |
Aluminium armor hull. Welded steel turret. |
| TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND OTHER IMAGES |
|
|
| NOTES |
(1) Development contract called it the Armoured Reconnaissance Airborne Assault Vehicle. This was intended to replace the M41 light tank and the M56 self-propelled anti-tank gun.
(2) Laser rangefinder developed in 1971.
(3) Crew provided with uncontaminated air via face masks connected to a central system. |
|
|
