40 Facts About M551 Sheridan

The Birth of the M551 Sheridan

The M551 Sheridan was a unique light tank developed by the United States during the Cold War. It was designed to be air-droppable and amphibious, making it versatile for various combat scenarios.

1. 01The M551 Sheridan was named after Civil War General Philip Sheridan.
2. 02Development began in the 1950s, with the tank entering service in 1967.
3. 03It was designed to replace both the M41 Walker Bulldog light tank and the M56 Scorpion tank destroyer.
4. 04The Sheridan was one of the first tanks to be equipped with a gun/launcher system capable of firing both conventional shells and guided missiles.
5. 05It was primarily used by the U.S. Army, with over 1,600 units produced.

Design and Features

The M551 Sheridan had several innovative features that set it apart from other tanks of its time. These features made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

6. 06The tank was equipped with a 152mm M81E1 rifled gun/launcher.
7. 07It could fire the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile, effective against armored targets.
8. 08The Sheridan had a lightweight aluminum hull, reducing its overall weight.
9. 09It was powered by a General Motors 6V53T diesel engine, providing 300 horsepower.
10. 10The tank could reach speeds of up to 45 mph on roads.

Combat and Deployment

The M551 Sheridan saw action in several conflicts, showcasing its versatility and combat effectiveness. Its deployment history is a testament to its adaptability.

11. 11The Sheridan was first deployed during the Vietnam War.
12. 12It was used in the invasion of Panama in 1989, known as Operation Just Cause.
13. 13The tank also saw action during the Gulf War in 1991.
14. 14It was air-droppable, allowing rapid deployment in various terrains.
15. 15The Sheridan could operate in amphibious environments, making it suitable for river crossings.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its innovative design, the M551 Sheridan faced several challenges and criticisms throughout its service life. These issues impacted its overall effectiveness and longevity.

16. 16The aluminum hull made the tank vulnerable to mines and RPGs.
17. 17The Shillelagh missile system was often unreliable in combat situations.
18. 18The recoil from the 152mm gun could damage the tank's electronics.
19. 19The Sheridan's light armor made it susceptible to heavy machine gun fire.
20. 20Maintenance and logistical support for the tank were often problematic.

Legacy and Impact

The M551 Sheridan left a lasting legacy in military history. Its design and deployment influenced future tank development and military strategies.

21. 21The Sheridan was retired from active service in 1996.
22. 22It was replaced by the M8 Armored Gun System, which never fully entered service.
23. 23The tank's air-droppable capability influenced the design of future light tanks.
24. 24The Sheridan's use of guided missiles paved the way for modern tank armament.
25. 25Several Sheridans are preserved in museums and military bases across the United States.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond its combat role, the M551 Sheridan has some fascinating aspects that highlight its unique place in military history.

26. 26The tank was featured in the 1984 film "Red Dawn."
27. 27It was also used in the 1996 film "Courage Under Fire."
28. 28The Sheridan was part of the U.S. Army's OPFOR (Opposing Force) at the National Training Center.
29. 29Some Sheridans were modified to resemble Soviet tanks for training purposes.
30. 30The tank's lightweight design allowed it to be transported by C-130 and C-141 aircraft.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the technical specifications of the M551 Sheridan provides insight into its capabilities and limitations. These details highlight the tank's engineering marvels.

31. 31The Sheridan had a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver.
32. 32It weighed approximately 15 tons, making it one of the lightest tanks of its era.
33. 33The tank's armor thickness ranged from 12.7mm to 38mm.
34. 34It had a range of 373 miles on a full tank of fuel.
35. 35The Sheridan could cross water obstacles up to 4.5 feet deep without preparation.

Training and Usage

Training and operational usage of the M551 Sheridan were crucial for maximizing its effectiveness in combat. These aspects ensured that crews could handle the tank's unique features.

36. 36Crews underwent extensive training to operate the Shillelagh missile system.
37. 37The tank was used in various training exercises to simulate real combat scenarios.
38. 38The Sheridan's air-droppable feature required specialized training for deployment.
39. 39Maintenance crews were trained to handle the tank's unique aluminum hull and engine.
40. 40The tank's amphibious capability was tested in various water-based training exercises.

The Sheridan's Legacy

The M551 Sheridan left a lasting mark on military history. Despite its mixed reviews, this light tank showcased impressive versatility. It could be air-dropped, swim across rivers, and pack a punch with its 152mm gun. Soldiers appreciated its mobility and firepower, even if its armor left something to be desired.

The Sheridan saw action in Vietnam, Panama, and the Gulf War, proving its worth in various combat scenarios. Its innovative design influenced future armored vehicles, blending mobility with firepower.

Though retired in 1996, the Sheridan's impact remains. It taught valuable lessons in tank design and combat strategy. Military enthusiasts and historians continue to study this unique vehicle, appreciating its role in shaping modern armored warfare.

The Sheridan's story is a testament to the importance of innovation and adaptability in military technology. Its legacy endures, reminding us of the ever-evolving nature of warfare.