M8 Armoured Gun Systems

[Ukro Turk]

Design
The basic hull of the M8 is made of welded aluminum alloy, with a modular armoring system that allows the vehicle to be equipped according to requirements. The Level I (basic) armor package is designed for the rapid deployment role and can be airdropped from a C-130 Herculesand protects the vehicle against small-arms fire and shell splinters. The Level II armor package can still be carried by C-130, but must be airlanded and is designed for use by light forces in a more serious threat environment, while level III armor is designed for contingency operations and is supposed to provide protection against light handheld anti-tank weapons. Level III armor cannot be carried by C-130. All versions are air-transportable by C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III (five and three respectively).

The M8 is armed with the XM35 rifled autoloading 105 mm cannon main gun with an M240 7.62 mm machine-gun mounted coaxially. The M35 has a rate of fire of approximately 12 rounds per minute, with a ready capacity of 21 rounds with 9 more in stowage. A Browning M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun is mounted in a manually-operated pintle on the commander's hatch. Power is provided by a Detroit Diesel 6V-92TIA diesel developing 550 hp.

Variants
M8 Thunderbolt / AGS 120

A single technology demonstrator built by United Defense and demonstrated in 2003, incorporating a 120mm smoothbore cannon fitted with an autoloader.

P.S. from member: AFAIK M8 light tank is made from titanium armour which cost very expensive.

SpecificationsWeight 19.25 tons (Level I Armor)
22.25 tons (Level II Armor)
24.75 tons (Level III Armor)
Length 29 ft 2 in (8.9 m) (hull + gun), 20 ft 4 in (6.2 m) (hull only)
Width 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Height 8 ft 4 in (2.55 m)
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 (4,500 rounds)
12.7 mm commander's M2 Browning(210 rounds)
EngineDetroit Diesel Corporation DDC 6V 92TIA
550 hp (410 kW) at 2,400 rpm (JP-8fuel),
580 hp (430 kW) at 2,400 rpm (diesel)
Power/weight 28.6 hp/ton (Level I, using JP-8)
SuspensionHydropneumatic
Fuel capacity 150 US gal (570 l; 120 imp gal)
Operational
range
280 mi (451 km)

Speed Road: 45 mph (72 km/h)
Off road: 30 mph (48 km/h)