M8 Armored Gun System | |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Role | Light tank |
| Produced | Unknow |
| Built | Unknow |
The United Defense M8 Armored Gun System was an American light tank that was intended to replace the M551A1 Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as being expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR). The M8 project was eventually canceled in 1997. Its role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the M1128 Mobile Gun System.
Source: M8 Armored Gun System on Wikipedia
| CCV-L (Close Combat Vehicle, Light) Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Vladimir Yakubov |
| Localisation | Military Vehicle Technology Foundation |
| Photos | 125 |
See also:
General Characteristics and Role
The Close Combat Vehicle Light (CCVL) was a prototype American light tank developed by FMC Corporation (later United Defense) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was designed primarily for the U.S. Army’s Armored Gun System (AGS) program, aiming to replace the aging M551 Sheridan in airborne and light infantry divisions. The CCVL prioritized firepower, air transportability, and mobility over heavy armor protection. It featured a high-velocity 105 mm gun in a low-profile, fully stabilized turret, combining the lethality of a main battle tank with the lightweight requirements for airborne operations. While the CCVL was a technically successful design and won the competition, budget cuts and strategic shifts led the Army to ultimately choose a variant of the CCVL’s competitor, the M8 Armored Gun System.
| Property | Typical Value (CCVL Prototype) |
|---|---|
| Role | Light Tank, Armored Gun System (AGS) Prototype, Airborne Support |
| National Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | FMC Corporation (later United Defense) |
| Development Period | Late 1980s – Early 1990s |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver) |
| Main Armament | 105 mm M35 rifled gun |
| Secondary Armament | 1 x 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 1 x 12.7 mm commander’s machine gun |
| Length (Hull) | 5.48 m (18 ft 0 in) |
| Width | 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in) |
| Height (Overall) | 2.45 m (8 ft 0 in) |
| Combat Weight | ~19,000 kg (41,900 lb) |
Powerplant and Performance
- Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA turbocharged diesel engine.
- Power Output: 388 kW (525 hp).
- Maximum Speed (Road): 72 km/h (45 mph).
- Range (Road): 480 km (300 mi).
- Air Transportability: Designed to be transportable in C-130 Hercules aircraft and air-droppable.
- Transmission: Automatic transmission, providing high agility and quick response.
Technology and Legacy
- Fire Control: Advanced digital fire control system with a fully stabilized gun, allowing accurate firing on the move.
- Autoloader: Features an automatic ammunition loader for the 105 mm gun, reducing the crew size to three.
- Armour: Modular aluminum armor with provisions for appliqué (add-on) armor packages, prioritizing protection against medium caliber rounds and shrapnel rather than heavy tank fire.
- Fate: The CCVL technology was later sold to another country. In 2022, the CCVL concept saw a spiritual successor in the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program, which led to the adoption of the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle.
Views : 2396
