2041 Ps | M551 Sheridan inaction: 2041 by David Doyle Color Series551 Sheridan in action'n.. 20: ion SPE Ce eeeThrough the year, evo widely dierent choos of thought have ford on the MSS1 stalin Oneclopum the whckaratcnormanly pete compl! wpe 9m that wane alu The other camp ses the Shean ers whol succes, tht Alp ething proiems, povided US ope with an armored asc wth capes that eran ancy, Regus of one's viewpon, h acta the Shean rane Fone ln service ith the Ary fr des docs makes unique song nk digs The foes that xe ogee oc ths Sign wee nique a he ede el. Tn November 1545, the War Deparment Equpnent Boar (popu known asthe Sie Board) stout itera forthe poswar developmen fay mata of al ope indading aks. Ags a basin ofthe hen caren US ht tank, te M24 Cha thi repre sct out the deg parame of light tanks by myn “The light aki for ‘commune and cuir The proent igtnk soul ahr deveoped wo obean ‘he maximum cosreounty bly snd maneuver nd al around sx ponion tsa rand sl fgets, th onl ame potion saith ann fine shou ot xed 25 on in weigh. The ak gun boule of ppoximatly Sch [Sib capable of peneating inches of honsgenoamor at Slee obdiguty a 1.00 Jards sing pil ammnion "Mont of tase cra echoed thse ofthe Report ofthe Amore Equipment Board (Robin Board, which peered churinow pre the Arr Center tet Ki 115 The Army Gro Forces Epp Review Board (Ck Bond) hal come to the sme coclson nue of 1345. "Acoingyn Jly f 1986 digest tw achieve the precribel gous eneating asc of degascht would eal ele ino th Mt Walker Balko. Alou the (MAT wax we Hd byte crews and wasa matted inpreent ve te MCh if shorcafhelfy gnaht by the Sil bord nol in wee ad ange ~ and has was “nsiered only an ier vehi, Work connie ows meting Sle Boar sandr Sind in May 1952 the characteristics ofa scart he Mal were outine. Alhough an ‘per weg is of 20 sons ws aly pose, this was soon revs down 18 tat By Jy of 1953 propo ad brn fexcedrom Deot Asal the Cal: Moor ‘Gor Divison of Gen Novos, and Aira Armament norprtd AD, The AAT desig the T92 76mm gun tank was lected for Fret Selopment with the fine pot mod arving a Abe Proving Ground fr esi in Novenib 1956 Inert reach the degy etn the AAT engine ad cst a ery compat vehick ~ ‘vhs volume prt the shir weight f'rmor coud Rel down, withthe father Tenet of presedngs a tage Though nox wichout few big extn went well and ic Copyright 2008 Squadron/Signl Publications 1115 Crowley Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 USA. Printed in he US.A. (Mops mace No pt of his pation ny be podccl, some in arte system tanita say form by means cect, mechanical, ot eters, wou ren pemison ofthe publ, ISBN 978-099747-582-2 Military/Combat Photographs and Snapshots ifn na ey es ua el ect or ae ee are eee eee eerie ee aera ee yee eee passion pemenbirarprider or mrerpinairiay Sinaieleeae ‘Squadron/Signal Publications 1115 Crowley Drive Caroton, TX 75006-1312 USA. srmmSquadonSignalPublcstine com About the In Action® Series 1h Aaton” books, despite thei ofthe ene, are books thar trace the development of sing ype of ater armored sei or hip fom prorrype tthe final prduton vara Experimental or “one-off warts can ao benched, Outi in Ationbook wa printed (ie Page) The MSS Sheridan Armored ReconnalssancalAiborne Assault Vehicle was conceived in 1953, produced inthe 196, and sow combat int the 1900s. Although the [Msst nods shortcomings, suitable replacement has yet to be found (Paton Museum) (Front Cover) The S51 frst served in (Back Cover) The 2nd Alrbome Division Vietnam and ito the 1990s. ltended a operated the MSBIAT. Sheridan In the {fast reconnaissance veice wth potent Mic-East during Operation Desert Storm, fantckiing bites, te Sherda's 152mm which was the Sherida’s last combat ‘ound proved effective agaist inlay and. deployment. bringing down te curtain on fontiiatons| All plots, unles otherwise note, ae fim the Navona Archives, and Recs | ‘Adrian calles, The Pau scr, the Ordnance Mase, andthe Rock and ‘Arnal Museum provided dona photos. ‘This bo wold nor hate been pcble wou the enemas aivance of Dog Ki, gusting Sh ain wm icky MST nl Speci Dene Ns ho patent caced wa mea a opie countess phovr nd datumen me‘hls a Squadron, 4th Cavaly, 2th infantry Dvsln vehicle n Vietnam has ad its ture ventilator relocated othe top let ofits tre, Located on the left ear side ofthe turret ‘nearly veces the ventiatr was moved tothe trret's to let on iter predation vehicles Ba nits wohl. The 6th Engineors also fabricated th bustle stowage rake, n smooth conditions isa second M2 mactine gun, which the 650 Engineers added tos reridan had an approximate cruising range of 50 rls, 3rs icp tht he T92 wo ene prdasion in 1962. In 1957, howe al of he el plans would chang. ’A Copel coming at military mater note atthe Soviet Union ao cnufsng free wih nw ight ok - br ta ws amphibious The abu queion sta why wat Are ci nk not do ape ore fan bj iron weigh ow han a cl lure of wer deplacem Hic the compa gn of the T92btame isundong th small mead ary ih mas ne oly od {noe or, could nce sony be mae to fest In June 1988 Rather dexdopment of {het ot ps conclel aed egies rerrned oth dew bone mldng cate cht tony ct Suber bt we te crcl Coins, og she way the mod wd by the US. Ary to diy tanks wat change. Fi, on 9 Novem 1930, tke were 0 longer ob cid by weigh, ba tery mann he aE Lp rkicame ie "pwn Fa sich hen sme the MAL. Tc, Ags 1957 an even more wie ecping approach Srv then Forint delopment tas mandi ha the US. wo ave oe pe ‘Frank asf ashe Man Bu Tank. Gone wee ight mtn ay, Tom, Os {aoe ck dagasons Tosco he Man Bard Tank tice would so be he ‘zoel RconmsrtiAvbone Atel Vk, Bec of i the veh that was ‘ep he shore T92proer war an Amored ReconaiancfAiorne Ale Vee Gv, Speciation forthe new vehi wr presto indy in fly 1959 and in October fe same yea oof there reponse mete see or uh say One deine from AAT and the ther fom Callin, which in 148 ad Ben scl the pray produce flight taken the event of fare ational emergency: Tn 1960s contact wa ‘ned o Cail fr ithe deepen oft dig, whi ws designated se OSS “The mame Goes Shran was apptved bythe Seay of he Any gut of 198 The Clic AmeedReconnsune Aborne Asal Vb me hc amy oqo ofingbodh amphibious ad ai doppale Despite egy ofl nomena othe {cal sue and mont he miry~ wa 3 sank The Allon Don of Gener Moto bai 1502 of hoe tn geting 196, wth eel Shnan lingo (Gv asembiy nen 1970, The pir ere ~andcinidnly the par somes of woul the wide wat he 320m gauche tou fi cet cocoa mani rhe Fo talc hillgh sk mi The poem wih che-sonvensonal” amnion wa ha ‘wom cinco aa Rate han a cel elec he Shera anno {clchieao shard ws MGDAD"Sarhip Tha combust caries, The nate th nr we ach ht shy hoe rte om rnare = ven att = onder that thy aay tote and comply Bur A ema se wa devo wih he Peg ect eenet ected Cerda Eg cto Fossa diac ican plore tnd x de re “The 1Sdoum gauche won dened priya «mie lunches, wth the an asp being scondary The Shean fed the Silldagh mse in comb nl in Bsr. Sm, and then over hun allen ies wre cin cont wo te hoch of ‘eu of sonvenonal unton expended in Viena, Pinan nd Deer Sem, With amphibious reurrents che MSS1 bl was made of webded 7099 alin alloy armor pte. The rt however, was made from eel amos A lye of high-density far enc {he adc ull This war an floret improve Neataon. Around the fer hi mio kt ‘lad the exeto ofthe hall A G-inder Devot Deel engine powered the vehicle “Asay: 1966 thee begun tobe rumbling about deploying the new vehicle View — input asa ld il” However, pesienc problems with de combuse case ammmunison| St th ack of vil tare forthe expensive Shilegh mise postponed hk deployment inal wth dhe bugs work ut 1968 the decison was made to equip the rd Sado ‘it Conky aod Tot Sqdion, Ith Armored Carry Regimen wth the Sheridan, Boch ‘anes ere easing in Viena, For the es ACR who po thie had bee ing {the M113 armored personnel carter hs waa define upgrade" however, de troopern tbe Sd Squadon, th Cavalry were aig in hey ame and amored MASA Paton tanks {or thelighrocightSherdane Nonethlos,dw two unis employed the Sheridan aah and ec accumulating fr moe combat hours ia the vehicles than any he wis ‘The tank that wasnt «the T92 76 mm gun tank was crested Inthe le 1850s to be [Amerer's next gonration ight tanks nck of amphibios eapablties, long with the ‘ned for larger weapon, ldots cancelation ad the subsequent development ofthe [MSS1 Sheridan. (TACOMLEMC History Ofes) tgtiore and no mura ake on the sor bar, when conventional rounds were Bird fen ‘he fine one or wo rod whe postions would it rm she proud om the rd Ih Ont wep weigh to tincmim, a meaty Or the Seid aorve ac 4“wo proposals were given serious consideration forthe Armored Reconnaissance! Designated the XMSI, the frst pilot mode ofthe ARUAAV was delvered In J Airborne Assauk vehicle ARIA) contact One was ajlntfn hy Arraftarmaments. Wie the asic shape of he skuminumhulled vehicle had been tied, tho evolution Incorporated and Als Chalmers whe the ether was submited by the Cailae Motor of the design fr from complete. Notice the band-ype tack (TACOM LCMC History Car Divison of General Motors The Calle proposal was accopted, with his being one Office) ‘ofthe early concept drawings. (TACOM LCMC History Office) Plot number five was essentially iemtcal opt fur and kets predecessors, had “The style of the fourth plot model, now preserved atthe Patton Museum, defined the convertonsl-stve driver's hatch onthe enterine f te ull. The XMSST was powered ‘hae othe Shandan. Conventional rack has rplaced band wack, and larger, 24 1a: by 2 Delo Diesel 6VS3 engine, The early plot, Inciding ths one, had water jot inch claneteroadwheeshavebeen used, The srfboars,Itendeatopreventswampng propulsion for amphibious operations. A power take off (PTO) from the Alison X70 ‘during amphibious operations, has been deployed inthis view, (David Boy) tranemiasion drove the wrter jt propulsion unt (TACOM LCM History Ofc) anee tee = Par sa VWs ever xM3 plot, hombre, te othe ele wa envy ese anda XMS pt seven was ested extensively at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Wi he seventh teary vers hatchelecedtie convents unt Ths espn preter excaert lt, te rad wheal deter creased yet aga, ts te fo 28 ches in ae \tobiny wiout eaung tim ttc heed abore the plane ote hu he "has cap fn site twa vrai uring sre proaseson Begining wh ths plo he wart Vitis ont ood whews war an efor rove tunyncy A TSnm TZ aptingropuslon system was elite, TACOM CMG Hsory tes) "le fe mounted acjacnt tothe 120m guivauncher (Rock sland Arsenal Museum) With the 42th XMSSI plot, shown here, delivered February 1965, the vehicle was fully M55 plot 9 through 1 were dovered in 1964 a sid inthe anginceinglservie defined. The most notabeeifference between this and th ear plots was the new {est program, primary at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Mayland. Below fe» hot of plot two-piece foding surfboard and folding ation bare, sen here stowed on tha top ‘0, shown test fing the 152mm guniauncher (TACOM LOMC History Offes) ‘Sogo ofthe hull TACOM LEMC History Office)‘A Shilelogh i launched from Pit 12 tight Nght sighting ofthe 152mm guntauncher The ist 730 motrs of misleMight wore unguided after which the missle was guided {emained problematic unt 1990 when a handfl of vehicles wore fied withthe Tank by an inare ink othe gunners sight. The missile tracked tothe point on which the ‘Thermal Sight (TTS) from the MGOAS. Paton Musso) {urine eosshavs were waned unl detonation, Paton Museum) “Te erect configuration ofthe flotation bare is splayed on pilot 2. Obviously, the Plots and early production MSS featured an open broch scavenging syst and {abr bamer was easly damaged. The hl ofthe vehicle fae was the greatest soures bore evaeustor This system blew buring debris into the vehicle (possibly lgning ‘of buoyancy. ead ofthe gun bate can be seen the upper of wo visors provided fo stowed an). and edo a closed breech scavenging system (CBSS) that was fecory the dever inthe soreen (Paton Museum) Installed beginning with vehicle 700 and retrofited to earr vehicles, M551 Main Gun Mss (Early) sightacting -— Scavenger Msst System Tube (Standard) ‘Scavenger System TobeVietnam: This Sra Squadron, th Cavalry, 2‘Fifty four Sherians were shipped to Vietnam i January B60. The isle yes rele behing because here wee fw orn stable ages forthe expensive meses. Operating Inconcert withthe MIDs hor, the MSST was weal sadn fe reconnaissance ok ‘As with any AF, stowage space onthe MSS1 was at @ premium. Thelarge bustle basket txpedient to adress this probiem. This photo was snapped as A Troop patrlled the fre around Long Binh. ‘Along with M113. Armored Personnel Carers (APCs), MES1 Arbome Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle wom Troop "A." 1th Armored Cavalry, move out ing 8 sweep of he Long Binh area, ‘Among the ems stowed inthe turret bustle rack of this 1th Armored Cavary 55, ‘Photographed n 196, ar sovera cats and, worthy of not, apa of past Jory cans [Aiton cots are stowed on the rear ofthe engine deck ofthe voice ns wel slong witha plethora of ther gear ncuding a number of spare Wack inks,Combat Modifications M551. commancs— te (Early) Socaiber - Wiachine Gun =z pen Breech ‘Scavenger Gun Tube Msst (Vietnam) CroseaBreacn Seta Seavengor Gun Tube Frequent cloe-quarters encountrs with onary infantry in Vietnam le othe creation uch a this being pushed though by Toop, ‘tthe Commander's Balsstic Steld Ri, dubbed the “birdcage” by troops "A tit Armored Cavalry, lod to overheating problems, transmission weer, and a maintenance eterSharda crews of ted Squacon, Cava, 25 arty Dio te up on he range a CC to re te ‘ofthe FS-SHGA 24087 civ ard for US. Army vehicles during the Veta eat lar‘But forthe chansnk fence antsRPG screens, these "BS" Troop, 3rd Squadron, dth The heavy recol ofthe 182mm unis clear here as it its the front suspension of ‘Cavalry, 25 Ifeiry Division Sherdans appear actoy-new inthis 12 February 1969 this Sheridan iing on Range 3 at Cu Chi on 1 Febuary 1969. The combust pote Whin days, however, the erews woud bagin nding a patpourt of gear, and ease conventional rounds were more than adequate against any target found In ‘operations n Vietnam would coat the voices in ust and scratch he pai Vietnam Sal pices of cain fencing have been attached to xry-igged supports on the On 22 February 1969 troop from tet Squadron, th Armored Cavalry Reginer ‘ront ofthis MBS. Ths was an fort fo protect the Sheridan fom RPGS. RPGs and the MSSt to prabe te rush naar Lang Binh searching for Vet Cong. Combined a Irines proved the greatest Uwest to U.S. armored vehicles in Viet, ‘persons such os Us were a necesiy in combating guerla arate.“The Devt Avenges,” an 11 ACR Sheridan was photographed while opertingin Vietnam in February 106, have Been made -incucing the Installation ofan ACAY shield on the commanders 50 Calber machine gun. James Leop via Patton Musou) ‘Three daye before Christmas 1969, this group of Shoridane was found at Qvan Lo! Undergoing reper bythe 185th Maintenance Ballon. ln adatton tothe previously Imontoned cooting problems, preventative maintenance ofthe suspension by crows was often lacking, Bong impaled by the extremly muddy condone ofen found In Vietnam ‘By thotime this photo was akon on 8. 1969, crews had gun extensive operations with the Sherdans, This "A" Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th infantry Division 'MSS1 moves across arice paddy meearchof te enemy. The improved bust stowage ‘ack is overowing wth gear and arsmunition box ‘Aretha’ sporting “Rhine Power graft onthe ACAV un shield patos the ung's ‘dg. This voll, ike many Sheridan In Vietnam, was aesigned to th 1th Armored Carary Regiment. Crowmen often rode on the outide of the vehicles, risking smal farms fe to escape the heat, nd rik rom land mines, that were Inherent wih Filing Inside, Paton sou).“— a Dep pane Vieam was ot the only pace to which the MS was deployed in 1968. This Sheridan As a result of various exercises in Alaska, was determined that the Sheridan was not ‘won photographed in early February a hat ear in Alaska, Assigned to "D" Company, wol-suited fer operation in rele contonsHere an STB ie used to recover asaled “th Armored Regiment. {72nd Infantry Brigade, the vehicle fe taking par in Exerc MSSI of “O" Company, Oth Armored Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade in February "Aci Tost Punch Card ‘This Sheridan serve wih the 2nd Platoon, C Troop, 15tSquatron, th Amore Caray This Sheridan cored wih the 2nd Patoon, 1st Squadron, 11h Armored Cavalry Roget opera Vata February 168 Regiment The MSSt was used along he Comodian border during 1988,This "A" Toop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavaly, 25th infantry Division, MSS! ats inthe mud at Landing Zane Hampton in Vietnam during a reconnaissance in force mission on 3 ‘August 1960 The vehicle commander has lashed many MB smoke grenades tothe side of he trot for quick uo, A smal section of fencing has Boon inte on top ofthe ‘surfoard just ahead of tho arver's pcton 1”‘Mud, ke this ot Landing Zone Hampton in August 1969, did ite tohamperthe Sheridan's. The day aftr Cvistras, 1969, members of Toop “E," 2nd Squadron, 1th Cavalry, Imobity drecty, but K de contrute to marienance problems, Numerous grease sweep te road for mies ahead of column of MSI armored aeeal voices. Wines {rings dot he suspension components af the vehicle. but even he cow member were conta treat and could wreak havoc on the alumina Sharia and ailing to servic hem, tek mud mage maintenance nary impasse Iii amore personnel eros M551 Sheridan Add-On Armor Ki Faint visi in this phot is theta edge of the ste underbelly armor that was pao the mine protective kl developed fr the Sheridan. Although Il regated the use Se driver's escape hatch, most crows beloved this to bea worthwhile Wade of for Legend 1. serew 2) 2 serow 2} ‘mounting bracket 4 Serow (ie sie, ‘Bright sie) secrew 2) 6 washer @) 7-plate eh shown, ight simi) screw (9)-7th Sheridan in Veta, The.md, rendered ka rnich las efective‘Although the hl ofthe Sheridan was aluminum, te turet was see, and accordingly, heavy. AMBE reve is used here to pull the tut fora maintonance operation, (Rock Isang rsa! Museum)In order to place the tut onthe stand, maintenance personnel must st disconnect Onc ited clear ofthe ture ring the chassis canbe pulled out from under the ture ‘he tre rom the hl. The liting singe are atached fo the designated points onthe and the ret towered to the maintaranice stand. The MBS i ofan ver fr tis turret and connected othe ft holt ofthe MS. (Rock Islnd Arsenol Museum) job, asks ealy capable of Hing the ene Sheridan. (Rock sland Arsenal Museum) ‘Aso of Sherdans move out on patrol after being resuppied. The MSS1 mounted one of The muzzle blast upon fring the 152mm main gun was formidable. Although orginaly theta'gestcalber weapons in Vietnam but the shor bare! length meant tat the rounds ont M409 igirexplosive ant tank (HEAT) and tT traning rounds were developed had a very low muzzle velocty. This made them ideal for fring on Iighly protected this was soon augmented by the M625 Canitor round, which contained 1000013 grain targets, whore a high veloc round, sch at that fred by the Paton, could completely Mecheties. Theatr was widely used in Vein, where it could cut large swathes from ponetate the target without detonating, (Rock sland Arsenal Museum), both te jungle and Vet Cong infarty concentratorsying across the ear ul ofthis re Squadron, Ath Cavalry, 2 ntanty Divison Sheridan is ama or grass-weave rig used or ground cover when the crew ws halted ta Night Defensive Perimeter (NOP), Atop the mat sa madium-cty vehicular towbar, used when towing a deabled vehi. rates, ammo boxes, and smoke grenades itr the engine echt hve a teopers eth ei ough tw Canoaan ng my 17security patrol equipped with an M161 MUTT and a Dodge M37 3/44on cargo tuck they ly laden wth stowage, including what appears to be ve mm Bofors ammunition Boxesaa” combination of M113 ACAV and MSS provided an effect Because ofthe warin Vietnam and the lack of suitabetrgots forthe Shilelogh mics widely Used. Both vehicles provided excellent moblty in mudy condtion, such as ther, not only wore the miss systoms removed from the inal Sheridan sent to this road betwoon Cambodia nd Vietnam. Typically crows rose on the ouside ofthe. Vietnam, cher, with manufacturer's numbers 140 223d 740-85, ftheacory ‘vehicles as here except inthe most severe af condtions ‘tno the missle system ever having ben instal In oa, over 200 Sheridan wore ‘hipped to Vietnam, including these te awaiting asus at he Clas 7 are ofthe 6250, By no means were the new Sherdans shipped only to Vietnam. Large numbers also $88 Company in June 1870 ‘went to Europe where they faced the Sova armor ty wore designed to combat Tis ‘amouflage-panted MSS fom the ist nfantry Division Mech, passes nfeview atthe Although the swimming ably ofthe MS51 was sldom if ever used in Vietnam, during beginning of Phase ITX "Certain Trust." part ofthe REFORGER I (REdeployment of the REFORGER oxorcues frequently came ito play. Here 9st Infant Forces fo GERmany) exercise, REFORGER wae a lage-scaleexertise conducted in. Sherdan emerges trom the iver Main Between Dippach and Rastad in West Germany ‘Germany almost annvaly Wom 1969 unt ater (on 19 October 170. Patton Museum)poston near Hung Loc on 23 ‘gun shield. Theof tho same 11ACR Shordan withthe name “Blessed One" stencled on the side, just tothe rear ofthe 12F37360 registration number. The red dust of Vietnam 2 Another vs has covered the vehiclo, with heavy doposts near the seams inthe ftaton cover.‘Exhaust outs of Sherdans in Vietnam were frequently extended with ertlary powder This 21th Sheridan ls being prepared to move out from an NOP. large rubber ful ‘containers, as hare tat the fumes above the vice and gear patcuarly important vet has been brought i for reuaing. Such collapsible rubber fuel ladders were ‘modieaton when porating in tal goss or jungle. An MD machine gun forthe onder transported by halcoptr or tuck and were wsedto creat “insta” uel dots. Crates {Suse hae Been aad onthe wert (Doug KID) that nea hand grenades rations, and ammunition lier he ground, (Doug Kibbey) G37 moves trough tll grass in Mitary Region Il the area surrounding Saigon) in The crossed sabres on the sde of this tith Armored Cavalry Regiment Sheridan are Vietnam. With the Sheridan hat under 10 Yet fal, grabs would completely hide the symbole of the units Cavalry designation. Mary Sheridane and M135 of tis unt in some paces (0009 Key) ‘operating Vietnam cared tls marking during the 1969-1870 periodea ae: The crew of this Sheridan reprovsions thir vehicle Between missions. They have An MIIZSATC 10on 6x6 tractor with MISAZ Wa Sido a second 50 caliber machine gun, tis for Use by the leader, to he top ofthe {aying vehicles are expensiveto operate on longroad marches and requiedmaintonance {ret augmenting the commander's weapon. A mermte can is sapped othe back of skyrockts. Hence, wheeled anspor such as this is used tomove the vehicles ear the the tet and ammunition boxes cover te glacl, (Crs Harlow) front a wal a fo retum worn or damaged vehicles te repair facies, (Chis Harton) ‘Shall agments have raed the aluminum outer fltation pod covering on this MSS. This Sheridan formed part of the perimeter detente ata Fire Suppor Basen such ‘The registration umber ientifes tes Sheridan as having been built in 1970, making Ruse. te canister round fired by the Ts2rm guvouncher wes devastatingly effective. one ofthe lat of th vehicios fo have been assombied (Wim Powis) (iam Powis)chainlink fencing. Cratos and ammo boxes cover the rear ofthe vehicle and turret. (Dave Orth)kod ou by a land ming, stowed Back to base on ts bely by a MSTB recovary vehicle, The salvage crew has pled the diledged road wheels onthe hull and in the‘The spocil ft produced “luggage” rack found on many 2/1th ACR Sheridans is An MBS retiaver pul nto postion ahead ofa stowagesaden Sheridan. The smal ‘lai vibe nhs photo. Crews often cared as much extra water ous, and ammo. M78 was most ofon used to recover MSS, afthough upon aacasion the massive Ml ‘=the could physically place on their vehicles during operations. (Wiliam Powis) was used instead (lam Pow) 637s shown here alter having been recovered flowing a mine detonation. Typical, The botedon mine protective pte is visible near the Bottom font ofthe hull. The ‘nth damage this extensive, the vehicles were DX@ (Direct Exchange", meaning the extensive damage tothe suspension is evidanee of Just ow eiteally needed tis ‘damaged on sted in and rplacementretubishedrepaied vehicle givento the adetonal armor was. Despte the shortcoming af thin armor, the Sharan remained tntin exchange. The 1963 roduced vehicle was repaled and retumed to service, unt the best lightweight armored combat vehicle avaiable, and would solder on in further ‘nally being eed in $985 Wiliam Powis) confit (Wlism Pow)$tanlieconnalesance vehicle Is diven rom Army ub landing eat 1674 (CU 167 fo the left an MASH MUTT, the Army standard 44on trick of Ye ene Tho 2nd AM361 (Ea) The purchase of 505 Hughes ANIVVG- laser range finder for istllaton on Sherdans The Sherdanstayedin service wit the 2nd Airborne Ovsion fora number of reasons ran approved on 22 Ape 1971. Vehicles so equipped were redesignated MSSIAI. The ~ tis f one of thom. The vehicle could be Wanaported via C-130 Hercules alert (0 Inter unit beneath the machine gun mount was a key choectrstc of hase vehicles. primitive fils as sean here curing Exercise OCEAN VENTURE 84,1 could even be ‘roropped (US. Ary) Members ofthe 1th Armored Cavalry deploy rom an M113A1 armored personnel carrier protected by an MSSTAT during an exercise near one ofthe many observation posts that Members ofthe 11th Armored Cavalry deploy around an MSSYA1 Sheridan Armored Border betwoon East and West Gormany. The camouflaged Sheridan caries Reconnaissance/Arbore Assaut Veco whi guarding the border between East size mathings as opposed tothe smal aubdued markings Invoduced army West Germany. The Sheridan was developed to counter te messive buldup of Soviet the Iter MERDC caro scheme. (UA), arma during the Cold War (U.S. Army)(op) when the 7714 armor deployed to Saud Arabia in 1990 for Desert Shi, they Brought with them thelr Sheidane wearing teecoloe NATO camoufage. As eld expedient the vehicls were smeared with mud to beter blend thm ito the desert (Wile) The only combat air drop of the Shordan occurred during Operation Just (orto) The MSS1A1(7TS) vehicle thatthe 373 rode int combat with ring Operation Desert Storm had been freshly recndltioned at Anniston Army Depot Durag the depot saree they wore panied with CARC Desert Tan FSSQSB 32446, alco known os Ta 686A. The chevion markings on the side of ths Sherdan incest fis 8 ee. EI) Company, 3 Platoon vehicle.fen Pheasant, consisting ofthe Tih Light Infantry Division and elements ofthe znd AirbornePost-Vietnam it adv who was seated in the front centr dec As fhe ll and eee ere crew contig of the meme, gies an le oily eh Ie much tobe desired the gamer nad cy this problem, i 1971 Hag the ANGI ler angstind ed as MSSIAI, Th by the er ined beneath the Ana ws contacted 3 pth lod 2 be vnulydcingiied Go theater eels int. for we on the Shean, Veils wih his tem in tcocope place the MIZ7 tlcope previa men 1 1977 Podact Improvement Prog iba. The og tow lags made fauna and off in opr rtrd the hl and were bed weld othe hll, woe er Lid ive socket pe eet eden ree vchide ra portion onthe outside ofthe bul frome Ince the ied alurinu-bloced 6VS3T Detroit Dice enges were replaced with newer versions with carton Backs, improved urbospercharger, and an improved thro ince perfomance, anda markedly les orcable cxhaus plume. Sil itr, newer se ‘dtr smoke nade bunches placed the eigial gop, and the MZAO762rmen conta machine gun plc the oigial-ype M219 machine gun. “Two members ofthe 82nd Airborne Dison epat the let eve sprocket on an MSI Sheridan ight tank parked atthe intrationel airport fllowing Operation Just Cause, the US. invasion of Panama. Fourteen Sherdans were deployed ~ four landed by C5 nd tena roped, sthough two a the ton eh not survive te lang (US. Ar) Operation Just Cause, the US overthrow of Panamanian dictator Manuel Novega in Decomber 1089, was the fret combat use of the Sheridan sr thera from Vetnam, The Shordans provided the needed punch to bast trough the Dest Panamanian detenses. (US. Army va Michael Green) in suppor of Operation Desert Shield i 1990 C-5 Galanos few tem nto heater sil wearing ther European camoulage. Designed to be caried by the C130 and other “llr arrat, the MSS¥ was no challenge for the mammoth Gals. (Department of Detenss)‘The 56 MSSIA\ Sheridans operate by the 3d Bataon 7rd Arbor Armor Rogiment, Bnd Airborne Division in Operation Desert Sto were specily modiied withthe ination of te Tank Thermal Sight (TTS) rom the MGOAS a Anniston Army Depot which concurent averhauled ahd patted the vehicles. The modified vehicles replaced those aeady in heater during November and December £990 As thea war began, they were reposioned in theater via C-120H Hercules, seen being loxded here (Department ot Datense){Asoldermans an M-22460mm mortar ae anMSSIA1 Sheridan parole asectonofdesert An MSEAT crew from the 2nd Aitbome Dhision tak ‘uring an exrcne pat of Operation Desert Shield Judging rome pant scheme, ths rotation atthe Joint 1s tinal one ofthe frst such vehicles to ar hasty smeared with mud in ordarto blond into the desert (Department of Detense) found (Department of Delense) ‘An MSEA1 on patrol in support ofthe €2nd Aborne atthe Joint Readiness Training The last bastion forthe Sherdon was atthe National Trining Center. Among the uses Centr The blank ring adapter onthe commander's ik Heavy Gare [HE) machine gun found forthe vehicies there was as Wanspor for relere and cont personnel Vehicles Invent a is the amber strobe ight that ashes several mes, Indeating a simulated put to ths use, such as ths one, had thle unlguncher removed and adconal ‘earmiss on the vehicle, or continously fra faux Kil” (Department of Defense) —_slecvoics equipment installa (Department of Defense)ih front view of MSSIA1 Sheridan modified to look ikea 7.72 Soviet tank. The cutouts in the front fenders provide visibility to red Brigade, which untl the 11 ACR assumed ther oleae an opposing force in October 1994, provided such personnel during exerteas a the National Training Cente. 5i. hte pd ar rg a pn congeerts oft se crate he st ect by coven ren on "gun opaa tem Deparment Delmy Depo : she i ane were modified to resamble a Soviet ZSU-25-4 salt popeled Beale Fi ‘After tefl of ron Curtain, seta! Easten Blo vehicle became avalsle fr use at se even for traning purposes. Some vehicles the NTC further numbering the Sheridan's days. Here, two variant MSSINTC: Sheridan were preservedin combat configuration cers scrapped or dumped at sea Aandhul Ugh armored tanks from the TIth Armored Cavalry Regiment rol by Colonel Joh ‘ih a tis MSSINTC resembng 2 Soviet 72 man bale tank, are preserved in. Rosenbergo, ft on an MSS1 Sheridan and leuonant Colonel Michael Chambers on 2 ‘ssl BMP-1 armored personel vehice, (Department of Detonee)M551 Sheridan MERDC CamouflageCondition Color Distribution FS595A a 45% 3% a Color namber 1 3 3 Winter US. & Europe— | Forest Green 34079 | Field Drab 30178 | Sand 30277 ‘Black 37038 Snow-temperature wivees & | Forest Green 34079 | White 37875 | Sand\30277 Black 37038 shrubs Snowdemperature wiopen | White 37875 Flekd Drab 30118 Sand 30277 Back 37038 | ‘Summer US.& Europe | Forest Green 34079 [Light Green 34181 | Sand 30277 Black 37038 verdant Tropies—verdant Forest Green 34079 | Dark Green 34102 | Light Green 34161 | Black 37038 Gray desert (Sana 30277 Fiekd Drab 30178 | Earth Yellow 30257 | Black 37038 Red desert Earth Red 30117 | Earth Yellow 30257 | Sand 30277 Black 37028 Winter Arete White 37875 White 37875 [White 37875, White 37875MS81A1 Sheridan NATO CamouflageMS61A1 Sheridan NATO Camouflage