Sheridan Light Tanks

pvt64 · Post by **pvt64** » Mon Jan 18, 2010 3:27 am

Anyone know what the Sheridan light tanks have been replaced with in the 82nd Airborne?

HKurban · Post by **HKurban** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:51 am

US Airborne units are pretty much strictly foot mobile now when conducting airborne operations (HMMWVs and MRAPs of course used in the contemporary operating environment). Any vehicular support has to be brought in by C-130 or C-17 once the airborne troops secure an airfield.

ZMONSTER · Post by **ZMONSTER** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 7:29 pm

The Sheridan Light tank was not replaced by any specific weapon system when retired. I believe that was due to the presence of other systems that covered the same fire lane as the Sheridan. Such as the TOW2/3, air support, artillery based systems, etc.

I believe the Sheridan is still in use at Fort Irwin, CA, as a training simulator in the sandbox, National Training Center (NTC).

I may be wrong, but its one and only combat use was in Panama in 1989.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M551_Sheridan

WargameHub · Post by **WargameHub** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:24 pm

The US Air Force.........

WHM · Post by **WHM** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:25 am

ZMONSTER wrote:
"I may be wrong, but its one and only combat use was in Panama in 1989."

Nope, used in Vietnam and was told that "#"&*$)?:@ is not a tank!!"

pvt64 · Post by **pvt64** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 9:01 am

Thanks!

ZMONSTER · Post by **ZMONSTER** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 7:55 pm

I stand corrected

about the Combat Use, and the title.

An Armored Airborne Reconnaissance Assault Vehicle, with a similar configuration to a TANK, could Kill a tank at distance with its Shillelagh missiles or up close with its 152mm HE round, IF it could survive that long.

Had friends in the 82nd that were glad that they didn't ride in on the parachute drops, as some Sheridan's didn't survive the drops.

While it was not a tank, its configuration probably led to it being used like a tank. Especially on the field were it had not real threats, other than the RPG, which proved leathal every time.

I can remember seeing several on display during State Fairs, Armed Forces Day events, etc. I was always amazed at the size of the gun (152mm), that number could be view as a fearful weapon against an enemy. Probably at the expense of the crew who were only protected from small arms fire.

Bill

voltigeur · Post by **voltigeur** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:13 pm

The technical data I have read about the Shillelagh missiles was that if you ever hit a bump you knock the thing out of allignment and can't hit anything with it. Actually same for the M901 as well. I read that most crews just used the 152 in an infantry support roll. The M60A2 wasn't much better.