xm551 sheridan

Intro Here’s an image of the XM551 Sheridan (also known as the M551 Sheridan) — the U.S. light tank developed during the Cold War era. --- Historical and Technical Overview Development and Role The XM551 emerged from the U.S. Army’s AR/AAV (Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle) project beginning in 1959. Prototypes were produced from 1962 to 1965, with the first entering service as the M551 Sheridan in 1967. Designed to be air-droppable, amphibious (via flotation screens), fast, and lightly armored, it fulfilled roles in reconnaissance, airborne support, and infantry accompaniment. Armament & Innovations Equipped with a distinctive 152 mm M81 gun/launcher capable of firing conventional rounds and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile. It also featured secondary armament: a .50 cal M2 Browning machine gun and a coaxial 7.62 mm weapon. Mobility & Armor Powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T with ~300 hp, the Sheridan boasted impressive road speeds (up to ~69 km/h or 43 mph) and amphibious capability (~5.8 km/h). Armor was minimal—aluminum hull and thin steel turret—mostly vulnerable even to heavy machine-gun fire and mines. Service Record & Drawbacks Saw extensive combat in Vietnam (starting in 1969), later deployed in Europe and the Gulf War. However, it was plagued by reliability issues with its gun/missile system, combustible ammo cases, and poor survivability in the field. Produced from 1966 to 1970, about 1,600–1,700 units were built. The Sheridan was officially retired by the U.S. in 1996 without a direct successor in the airborne tank role. --- Summary Table Feature XM551 / M551 Sheridan Role Airborne & reconnaissance light tank Developed 1959 – first service in 1967 Armament 152 mm gun/missile launcher + MGs Mobility Up to ~70 km/h; amphibious capability Armor Very light; vulnerable to MGs and mines Combat Use Vietnam, Europe, Gulf War Production ~1,600–1,700 units (1966–70) Retirement 1996 --- In essence, the Sheridan was