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M56 Scorpion



Overview


M56 Scorpion

US Army M56 Scorpion self-propelled anti-tank gun with its crew.
Source: US Army - © Public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Tank destroyer
Entered service
1953
Status
Out of service
Development
Early 1950's
Developer
United States
Production
1953 - 1959
Producer
United States - Cadillac
Number produced
325, plus 2 prototypes
Designations
90mm Self-propelled Gun M56 (US service)
Scorpion (official nickname)
T101 (prototype designation)
Notable users
United States - US Army
Morocco - Army
Spain - Marines

Description


Introduction

The M56 Scorpion is an early Cold War era tank destroyer of US origin. It was developed to provide airborne forces with a light self-propelled anti-tank gun. Although the M56 did provide significant firepower, it proved to be lacking in many other aspects. In US service it was replaced by the M551 Sheridan light tank. Also a rather unique vehicle with some difficulties of its own.

Design

The M56 is a rather unique vehicle. It is a very light in order to be air transportable, yet features a large cannon. The M56 is a tracked vehicle with wide rubber pneumatic tires. The engine and drive train are located at the front. The gun is mounted in the middle and The driver is seated on the left of the gun and the gunner on the right. The commander sits on top of the radio behind the driver. The loader sits on the rear platform where he has access to the ammunition racks.

Firepower

The M56 is armed with a powerful full pressure 90mm M54 rifled cannon. This cannon has similar ballistics as the M36, the most powerful US tank destroyer in action during World War 2. A total of 29 rounds are stowed in the rear of the vehicle. Even though a large muzzle brake it fitted the vehicle rolled back about 1 meter when firing the 90mm gun. There is no secondary armament.

Protection

The chassis is made of aluminum alloy. Even though the driver and gunner are seated partially within the vehicle, the hull officially is does not protect against small arms fire. The only armor on the M56 is the face hardened steel gun shield, which has a mere 5 mm thickness. There is no NBC protection and smoke grenade dischargers ar absent as well.

Mobility

The M56 is a rather light vehicle with wide tracks. This results in an exceptionally low ground pressure. The 200 hp petrol engine provides a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Power to weight ratio is good, but the engine has poor fuel economy and results in a maximum range of 230 km on road. The rubber tires have run-flat inserts that allow the M56 to travel 25 km at half speed.

Users

A total of 325 vehicles were produced for the US Army. A number of vehicles served in the Vietnam war. The M56 was replaced by the M551 Sheridan light tank. Ex-US vehicles were supplied to Spain, South Korea and Morocco in the 1960's. With Morocco receiving the largest number and using them in conflicts in the Western Sahara. Today the M56 is either in long term storage or

Details


Facts M56 Scorpion
General
Origin
United States
Type
Tank destroyer
Crew
4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Dimensions
Weight
7.1 t combat load
6.4 t empty
Length
5.84 m gun forward
4.56 m hull
Width
2.57 m
Height
2.07 m
Main armament
Type
90mm M54 cannon
Mount
Open turntable gun mount
Ammunition
29 rounds
Elevation
-10° to +15°, manual
Traverse
30° left, 30° right, manual
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 4 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.51 m
Track on ground
2.40 m
Ground pressure
0.29 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Tread
1.98 m
Automotive
Engine model
Continental A01-403-5
Engine type
6-cylinder fuel injected petrol
Power output
200 hp at 3.000 rpm
Transmission
Allison CD-150-4, 2 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
210 L
Mobility
Speed
45 km/h on road
24 km/h on punctured run-flat tires
Range
230 km on road
25 km range on punctured tires
Turn radius
Pivot
Power to weight ratio
28.2 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.33 m
Wall
0.75 m
Trench
1.2 m
Gradient
60 %
Fording
1.1 m
Protection
Armor type
Softskin aluminum alloy vehicle with gunshield
Armor thickness
5 mm gunshield
NBC system
None
Smoke system
None
Equipment
Night vision
IR driving lights
Radio
Yes

Media


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