With its lightweight build, the M24 could reach a maximum speed of 34 mph, but this of course came at a cost.

The M24 could therefore engage combat vehicles, aircraft, and ground targets. The M24 was kitted with a 75mm M6 canon, two M1919A4 machine guns, and a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun. It was operated by a five-man crew, with the driver and bow gunner seated in the front hull, and the loader, gunner, and commander seated in the turret. As a result, the M551 Sheridan's role soon shifted from a frontline combat unit to armored cavalry missions until being retired in 2003.Īs an improvement over the already nimble M3 Stuart, the M24 Chaffee was designed to be as light as possible.

The M551 was vulnerable to enemy fire and was no match against heavily armored tanks. Due to its lightweight design, the M551 incorporated aluminum armor, which reduced its overall weight but sacrificed protection. The M551 Sheridan's biggest drawback, however, came with its greatest advantage. Pairing this with its thermal imaging sights, the M511 could operate just about anywhere and at any time. The M511 Sheridan could also operate in aquatic environments and cross water obstacles.

High pressures were generated while firing which led to cracks developing near the breech, eventually leading it to be replaced by the M81E1 variant which had a shallower barrel. The M81 could fire conventional high-explosive rounds or use the MGM-51 to engage enemy tanks at long ranges with precision guidance.

In terms of firepower, the M551 was equipped with an M81 launcher that could also fire the MGM-51 Shillelagh anti-tank guided missile.

Us modern tanks