XM551 Test Bed

In July 1962, an XM551 test bed turret with the 152 mm gun-launcher was installed on an M41 tank chassis to permit evaluation of the turret and armament. In August, testing began at Aberdeen Proving Ground. It was decided to test the conventional ammunition here and wait for future testing of the Shillelagh missile system. 590 rounds were fired during the test program.

This tank is essentially the old elite version of the T49 at Tier VIII, before Tier X light tanks were introduced. Compared to the Sheridan, this tank is a bit heavier, but also has a better power-to-weight ratio thanks to its more powerful engine and a slightly higher top speed. It’s also missing the foam spaced armor. The major differences between this tank and the Sheridan should be in terms of its gun handling. This tank is missing all the improved optics, giving an inherently worse view range. Gun handling could also be made worse than the Sheridan. In my opinion, this tank should trade gun handling and the foam spaced armor for a higher top speed and possibly increased mobility.

The old (Tier VIII) T49 in its top configuration: the XM551 test bed.

I currently have this tank in Tier X, but it might be better suited for Tier IX. Which tier it fits into would ultimately be a balance decision, when the tank is compared to both the XM551 and the Sheridan.

Guns: 152 mm Gun-Launcher XM81 (conventional)

Engines: Continental AOS-895-3 (500 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): XM551 test bed (38/15/15)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): XM551 test bed (22.35)

Hull Armor (mm): 25/25/13

Top Speed: 72 km/h

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

See Also: XM551, M551A1

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Sheridan, 2015.