M551 Sheridan

Early production M551 Sheridan.

On 29 June 1966, the first two production M551s were completed and delivered to the US Army's test and evaluation center for durability testing, where they recommended further development of the XM81 gun-launcher. This involved redesigns of the conventional 152 mm ammunition. Early production M551s used a bore evacuator on the M81 gun-launcher, but later production versions had this feature removed and thickened the tube walls near the muzzle, resulting in the M81E1.

Late production M551 Sheridan.

A total of 1662 M551s would be built. The overall cost exceeded $1.3 Billion, nearly a 25% increase from the initial figure which was expected to cover about 2500 vehicles, including ammunition and supply costs. Nonetheless, the program did produce a vehicle with capabilities unmatched by any other in the Army's inventory.

Compared to the old (Tier X) XM551 Sheridan, this new tank is made simply faster and more mobile. Other improvements over the old Sheridan might include increased view range, increased accuracy or aim time, and better on-the-move dispersion. Its armor is relatively unchanged, however, still being very poor. In fact, the “spaced” foam armor is reduced rather drastically, making it even easier to penetrate. It’s also possible for any of the guns found on the new XM551 I proposed to be mounted here. I didn’t include them because Wargaming has shown hesitation towards Tier X tanks with extra modules in the past. But if that mindset has changed, then any of those guns are more than welcome here.

Guns: 152 mm Gun-Launcher M81E1 (conventional)

Engines: GM 6V53T Late (300 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): M551 Sheridan (38/15/15)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M551 Sheridan (15.18)

Hull Armor (mm): 15/32/13

Top Speed: 69 km/h

Crew: 4 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander/Radio)

Parent: XM551
See Also: M551 SPH, M551 105, M551A1, M551 MBT, XM551 TB

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Sheridan, 2015.