M8-AGS
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The M8 Buford AGS with 105 mm gun |
|
| M8 Armored Gun System | |
|---|---|
| General characteristics | |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver) |
| Length | 8.9 m |
| Width | 2.69 m |
| Height | 2.55 m |
| Weight | 19.5 tons (Level I Armor), 23.0 tons (Level II Armor), 25.5 tons (Level III Armor) |
| Armour and armament | |
| Armour | Titanium |
| Main armament | Rheinmetall M35 105mm rifled gun |
| Secondary armament | 7.62mm Coaxial MG, 7.62mm / 12.7mm MG (air defence) |
| Mobility | |
| Power plant | Detroit Diesel Corporation DDC 6V 92TIA 550 hp at 2400 rpm (JP-8), 580 hp at 2400 rpm (diesel) |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic |
| Road speed | 45 mph (72 km/h) |
| Power/weight | 29.1 hp/ton (32.1 hp/tonne) (Level I) |
| Range | 280 mi (451 km) |
The United Defense M8 Armored Gun System was a development of the private venture Close Combat Vehicle - Light (CCV-L) and was to have been the successor of the M551 Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as expected to replace TOW-equipped HMMWVs in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (Light). Its role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the Stryker.
Contents |
[edit] Production History and Development
[edit] Troubled Start
Since the 1980's, the United States Army needed a replacement for their M551 Sheridian tanks. Several attempts over the years to update or replace them were unsuccessful. One of the solutions that came up was the Armored Gun System (AGS) concept.
The M8 is the result of the AGS concept that originated in the early 1980s to provide light forces with more powerful direct support. In 1980 the Army's 9th Infantry Division was selected as the test unit for the new High Technology Light Division (HTLD). The HTLD was designed to fight in the deserts of Southwest Asia. Due to several budget cuts and constraints, critical pieces of equipment needed to realize the division concept were never available. The Army was only able to field prototypes of some key pieces of the high technology equipment. In the case of the AGS, it could not even field prototypes.
A total of six prototypes were eventually built for the US Army under the designation of the XM8 AGS. The M8 was later type-classified by the US Army in late 1995 (reporting name Buford) and initially slated for production in 1996. However, the M8 program was officially cancelled a few months later due to budget cuts. There were still plans to find out the feasibility of having a 120mm cannon on the AGS platform, along with the installation of Future Combat Systems. A demonstrator, christened "Thunderbolt", was unveiled by United Defense Industries in 2003.
Since that time, United Defense has reportedly been seeking overseas customers, so far without success.
[edit] Possible Revival
There has still been calls to meet the outstanding requirement for a rapidly deployable AFV with the appropriate firepower. This was made even more apparent during Operation Iraqi Freedom, when the 82nd Airborne Division passed an "operational needs statement" to Army Forces Command outlining the still unfulfilled requirements in early 2004.
TRADOC completed its analysis on Feb. 19, and the G-3 approved the needs statement on March 8, authorizing transfer of the existing vehicles to the 82nd Airborne Division. The approval of the transfer of the four M8 Armored Gun Systems from contractor storage facilities marked the first time the vehicles will be used by the service since the program was terminated in 1996. This is however, just an attempt to meet the immediate requirement with an interim solution and allow the division to begin developing and refining tactics, techniques and procedures, not to be mistaken as support for revival of the AGS program.
[edit] Combat History
[edit] Design
The basic hull of the M8 is made of welded aluminium 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 a M240 7.62mm machine-gun mounted co-axially. Because of the M35's autoloading capability, the M8 carries a crew of 3 instead of the usual 4 crew carried by other US tanks. 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. Additionally, a 0.50in M2HB machine gun is carried for anti-air duties. This can be replaced with a second 7.62mm machine-gun. Power is provided by a Detroit Diesel 6V-92TIA diesel developing 580hp.
[edit] Variants
- "Thunderbolt" Armored Gun System (Block II)
This technology demonstrator was a test bed to bring Future Combat System technologies to the current force in the near term. Advanced technologies incorporated into this variant include hybrid electric propulsion, band track, improved ceramic/composite armor, Second Generation FLIR Night Vision technology, digitization, a XM-219 120mm main gun along with its 120mm auto loader. This demonstrated system upgrade retains the M8's C-130 Hercules air transport capability, as well as the AGS 3-man crew.
The Thunderbolt also has a ramp door in the rear that lowers for the Engine/Transmission power train to be rolled out for easy maintenance. With the conversion to Hybrid Electric Drive and the flexibility of positioning drive train and suspension components, significant space is freed up in the existing propulsion system compartment for increased storage and mission payload.
[edit] References
- Miller, D. (2000). The Illustrated Directory of Tanks of the World. pp. 478-480. Osceola, MI: MBI Publishing
- Plummer, A. (15 March, 2004). Inside the Army. Army To Transfer Four Armored Gun Systems To 82nd Airborne Division.
- 82nd Airborne fights for M8 Buford AGS Light Tanks!. Accessed 24 September 2006.
- United Defense Unveils Thunderbolt 120mm Demonstrator. Accessed 24 September 2006.
[edit] External links
- M8 Buford Armored Gun System at GlobalSecurity.org
- M8 LAV at Jane's
