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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Sheridans
Message-ID: <1991Mar18.140550.22670@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 18 Mar 91 14:05:50 GMT
References: <1991Mar8.024137.11028@cbnews.att.com> <1991Mar14.020059.20720@cbnews.att.com>
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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)

> From: fiddler@Eng.Sun.COM (Steve Hix)
 
> >My real question involves the M551 Sheridan.  I was suprised to see
> >them being used by units operating in the Gulf War.  I had thought
> >that they had died a quick, quiet death after the Army had some 
> >operational experience with them. 
> 
> There isn't much armor around that can be usefully airdropped.
> 
> The M551 weighs in around 16 tons...the M1A1 closer to 60.
> 
> I understand that the M551 is only currently used by Airborne units.

  The M551 Sheridan remains as the armor force for the 82nd Airborne.
  It can be rigged for a heavy equipment drop - but more likely flown into
  a secured tactical airfield and driven off.  I don't think there are
  any Sheridans left in the 101st - essentially and Air Assault force with
  helicoptors - and helo gunships providing "tank-like" fire support.

  The M551 Sheridan, along with the M114 Cav APC, were initially the 
  vehicle organic to armored cavalry units (divisional cav squadrons, and
  armored cav regiments).  Supposedly, they would be light, fast, with only
  enough firepower and armor to get them out of trouble (to keep from becoming
  "decisively engaged").  The M114 had a terrible maintenance record and was
  soon dropped from the army inventory (replaced initially by M113s and
  eventually by M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - CFV).  The M551
  Sheridan just did not have the fire power nor armor protection, now to
  keep up with the M113s nor to provide all the missions required of the
  cavalry as a strong fighting force if needed.  So - the M551 was replaced
  by the M60A1.  The cav units were the last to upgrade to M60A3 - essentially
  receiving the M60A3s from units now equipped with the M1.  Now - all 
  active Cav units are equipped with the M1.  Still - the tank is only there
  to get their scouts out of trouble (by doctrine).

  So, now, the 82d Abn has the M551 for their tank force - they were also
  used in Panama - and I understand - very effectively.

  The story is told that a 1st Armored Div tank commander, parked next to
  an 82nd M551, pointed to his M1 and said, "This is your tank."  And pointed
  to the M551 said, "This is your tank on drugs."


  mike schmitt