M8 Armored Gun System

M8 Armored Gun System
M8 AGS at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Type	Light tank
Place of origin	United States
Specifications
Weight	19.25 tons (Level I Armor) 22.25 tons (Level II Armor) 24.75 tons (Level III Armor)
Length	29ft 2in (8.9m)
Width	8ft 10in (2.69m)
Height	8ft 4in (2.55m)
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)
Armor	Welded aluminium alloy
Main armament	XM35 105 mm rifled gun (30 rounds)
Secondary armament	7.62 mm coaxial M240C (4500 rounds) 12.7mm commander's M2 Browning (210 rounds)
Engine	Detroit Diesel Corporation DDC 6V 92TIA 550 HP at 2400 RPM (JP-8), 580 HP at 2400 RPM (diesel)
Power/weight	28.6 HP/ton (Level I)
Suspension	Hydropneumatic
Fuel capacity	150 gal.
Operational range	280 mi (451 km)
Speed	Road: 45 mph (72 km/h) Off road: 30 mph (48 km/h)

The United Defense M8 Armored Gun System was an American light tank that was intended to replace the M551 Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as being expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR). The M8 project was eventually canceled in 1997. Its role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the M1128 Mobile Gun System.

In the 1980s, the United States Army began looking for a replacement for their M551 Sheridan light tanks. Several attempts over the years to update or replace the Sheridan had proved unsuccessful. The Armored Gun System (AGS) competition was initiated and in 1992 FMC/United Defense's vehicle was selected. In addition to being expected to replace the Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division, it was expected to replace TOW-equipped Humvees in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

A total of six prototypes were eventually built for the U.S. Army under the designation XM8 AGS. The M8 was later type-classified by the U.S. Army in late 1995 and initially slated for production in 1996. The M8 project was canceled in 1997 to free up money for other fledgling programs. In March 2004 at the 82nd Airborne Division's request, the Army approved the transfer of four production vehicles from United Defense's facility in York, Pennsylvania to the 82nd at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. However as of June 2004, this transfer was on hold pending an "ongoing analysis." The M8's role in the 2nd ACR was eventually taken by the Stryker.

United Defense had reportedly sought overseas customers, without success. In late 1997 they parted with FNSS Defence Systems to offer the M8 AGS to the Turkish Land Forces Command. As of 2006, Taiwan at one point expressed interest as a replacement for its fleet of M24 Chaffee/M41 Walker Bulldog light tanks but would not commit following cancellation by the U.S.