Difference between revisions of "M551"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. The tank was added in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]]. It is armed with a 152 mm cannon, which has a missile launcher to fire 152 mm ATGM's and a 50. caliber Machine Gun.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]]. It is armed with a 152 mm cannon, which has a missile launcher to fire 152 mm ATGMs and a .50 calibre machine gun.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
+
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
* Aluminum Alloy 7039
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
−
 
 
−
* Aluminum Alloy 7039  
 
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Line 28: Line 26:
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (6-78°) ''Turret front'' <br> 31.7 mm (1-81°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm (50-55°) || 25.4 mm (46-54°) || 19 mm
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (6-78°) ''Turret front'' <br> 31.7 mm (1-81°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm (50-55°) || 25.4 mm (46-54°) || 19 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
+
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cupola || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm
 
| Cupola || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm
Line 43: Line 41:
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 465|rbMinHp= 265|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=465|rbMinHp=265}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 52: Line 50:
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|M81 (152 mm)}}
 
{{main|M81 (152 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm M81]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="3" | 30 || -8°/+19° || ±180° || Two-plane
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
−
|-
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || 46.24 || 52.71 || 64.00 || 70.78 || 75.29
+
! colspan="5" | [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm M81]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 15.60 || rowspan="2" | 13.80 || rowspan="2" | 12.72 || rowspan="2" | 12.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Realistic''
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 15.6 || 13.8 || 12.72 || 12.0
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380  
+
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380
 
|-
 
|-
−
| M657A2 || HE || 45 || 45 || 44 || 43 || 42 || 42
+
| M657A2 || HE || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38
 
|-
 
|-
−
| MGM-61B Shillelagh || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431  
+
| MGM-51B Shillelagh || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
−
''in m:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
−
''in mm:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
+
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 0%
+
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| M409A1 || 682 || 18.9 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
+
| M409A1 || HEAT || 682 || 18.9 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| M657A2 || 682 || 22 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 4,300 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| M657A2 || HE || 682 || 22 || 0 || 0.1 || 4,300 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| MGM-61B Shillelagh || 323 || 27.8 || 0.0 || 0.01 || 3,600 || +0° || 80° || 82° || 90°
+
| MGM-51B Shillelagh || ATGM || 323 || 27.8 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,600 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_M551.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the M551 Sheridan.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''30''' || 28&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 26&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+29)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
+
| '''30''' || 28&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 26&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+29)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
+
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
−
{{main|Browning M2HB (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
+
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The ''Sheridan'', even with the ability to fire ATGM's, is an extremely difficult tank to use due to it having no armour. Even some high-power MGs can penetrate the armour easily. The stock heat round while having high pen drops like a rock at range and bounces ALOT. Immediately upon reaching the tier 2 modifications research the ATGM missiles. Once those are unlocked the ''Sheridan'' becomes a fast and mobile missile platform that out ranges most vehicles in game. With only the stock HEAT always aim for ammo racks. This is pretty much the only way to destroy the heavier tanks. The mobile AAs will be the M551's biggest problems. While the ''Sheridan'' can drive circles around most of its heavy opponents, the fast anti-air turret can keep up with the M551, able to tear the armour to pieces. The ATGMs are a vast improvement over the HEAT rounds, one shotting pretty much everything and extending the ''Sheridan'' range past that of most of its opponents.
+
The ''Sheridan'', even with the ability to fire ATGMs, is an extremely difficult tank to use due to it having no armour. Even some high-power MGs can penetrate the armour easily. The stock heat round while having high pen drops like a rock at range and bounces a lot. Immediately upon reaching the tier 2 modifications research the ATGM missiles. Once those are unlocked the ''Sheridan'' becomes a fast and mobile missile platform that out ranges most vehicles in game. With only the stock HEAT always aim for ammo racks. This is pretty much the only way to destroy the heavier tanks. The mobile AAs will be the M551's biggest problems. While the ''Sheridan'' can drive circles around most of its heavy opponents, the fast anti-air turret can keep up with the M551, able to tear the armour to pieces. The ATGMs are a vast improvement over the HEAT rounds, one shotting pretty much everything and extending the ''Sheridan'' range past that of most of its opponents.
  
−
Stay in the back, everything will one shot the tank. Use the M551's speed and maneuverability to get around enemies. Don't be afraid to get in real close to the enemy, because with only HEAT, the 152 mm's effective range is very limited. Once ATGMs are usable, the ''Sheridan'' becomes an extremely formidable sniper. Able to fire on target, destroy a target, then move position for another opportunity. In Arcade, the ''Sheridan'' is an easy target for everyone, but in realistic and simulator its speed makes it a very hard target to hit.
+
Stay in the back, everything will one shot the tank. Use the M551's speed and manoeuvrability to get around enemies. Don't be afraid to get in real close to the enemy, because with only HEAT, the 152 mm's effective range is very limited. Once ATGMs are usable, the ''Sheridan'' becomes an extremely formidable sniper. Able to fire on target, destroy a target, then move position for another opportunity. In Arcade, the ''Sheridan'' is an easy target for everyone, but in realistic and simulator its speed makes it a very hard target to hit.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
Line 203: Line 165:
 
* Missiles in RB have a point-to-aim guidance system
 
* Missiles in RB have a point-to-aim guidance system
 
* Rather small profile in comparison to other Rank V vehicles
 
* Rather small profile in comparison to other Rank V vehicles
−
* Can have NVD (Night Vision Devices) as a Tier 4 Modification.
+
* Can unlock NVD (Night Vision Devices) as a Tier 4 modification.
 
* The ATGM has 431 mm of penetration, therefore, it can almost penetrate all enemy tanks frontally
 
* The ATGM has 431 mm of penetration, therefore, it can almost penetrate all enemy tanks frontally
  
Line 217: Line 179:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
{{main|M551/History|l1=History of the M551}}
 
{{main|M551/History|l1=History of the M551}}
 +
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
 
In the post-war period, U.S. Army specified for a new light tank that is light enough for air-transportation and have a large cruising range. The first resulting light tank, the [[M41A1|M41 ''Walker Bulldog'']], did not meet these specifications and the following development such as the [[T92]] were cancelled after the discovery of the amphibious Soviet [[PT-76B|PT-76]] tank, which added a requirement for the light tank to also be amphibious. A new tank design began development, using aluminum alloy to save weight, a fabric screen for flotation, and a controversial [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm gun/launcher]] for firepower with the Shillelagh missiles. However, the design's lightweight and mobility made it favorable and so the tank was approved for Army standard in May 1966 and designated the '''M551 ''Sheridan'''''. Between 1966 to 1970, 1,662 ''Sheridans'' were produced at a program cost of $1.3 billion.<ref name="ZalogaM551">Zaloga, 2009</ref>
 
In the post-war period, U.S. Army specified for a new light tank that is light enough for air-transportation and have a large cruising range. The first resulting light tank, the [[M41A1|M41 ''Walker Bulldog'']], did not meet these specifications and the following development such as the [[T92]] were cancelled after the discovery of the amphibious Soviet [[PT-76B|PT-76]] tank, which added a requirement for the light tank to also be amphibious. A new tank design began development, using aluminum alloy to save weight, a fabric screen for flotation, and a controversial [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm gun/launcher]] for firepower with the Shillelagh missiles. However, the design's lightweight and mobility made it favorable and so the tank was approved for Army standard in May 1966 and designated the '''M551 ''Sheridan'''''. Between 1966 to 1970, 1,662 ''Sheridans'' were produced at a program cost of $1.3 billion.<ref name="ZalogaM551">Zaloga, 2009</ref>
Line 248: Line 211:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/3736-development-m551-sheridan-en|[Devblog] M551 Sheridan]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/3736-development-m551-sheridan-en|[Devblog] M551 Sheridan]]
  
−
===References===
+
=== References ===
 
'''Citations:'''
 
'''Citations:'''
 
<references />
 
<references />

Revision as of 18:22, 3 February 2021

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
M551
us_m551.png
GarageImage M551.jpg
M551
USA flag.png USA
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The 152-mm Gun / Launcher M551 Sheridan is a rank VI American light tank with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB) and 8.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows". It is armed with a 152 mm cannon, which has a missile launcher to fire 152 mm ATGMs and a .50 calibre machine gun.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull31 / 25 / 19
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Armour type:

  • Aluminum Alloy 7039
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope Angle°) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25.4 mm (70°), 12.7 mm (87°) Front Glacis
31.7 mm (33°) Lower Glacis
25.4 mm (2-80°) Driver's port 		19 + 2 mm Top
25.4 mm (0-56°) Bottom 		12.7 mm (49-50°) Top
19 mm (32-55°) Bottom 		19 mm
12.7 mm Engine grilles
Turret 25.4 mm (6-78°) Turret front
31.7 mm (1-81°) Gun mantlet 		25.4 mm (50-55°) 25.4 mm (46-54°) 19 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 31.7 mm 31.7 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.

Against most opponents, the M551 can be destroyed with a single shot. It's best to just stay in one spot along a road and wait for an enemy to pass by where so that they present their vulnerable side armour and vitals to target at. Once the ATGMS are unlocked then the player can stay out of range from everything but ATGMs.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB77 / 17 km/h
RB and SB70 / 15 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight15.2 t
Engine power
AB572 hp
RB and SB300 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB37.6 hp/t
RB and SB19.7 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 77 17 15.2 465 572 30.59 37.63
Realistic 70 15 265 300 17.43 19.74

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 251 → 4 889 Sl icon.png
RB3 734 → 5 615 Sl icon.png
SB4 559 → 6 856 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications111 700 Rp icon.png
194 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 160 / 200 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_usa_MGM61B_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

152 mm gun/launcher M81
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition30 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
15.6 → 12.0 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 19°
Main article: M81 (152 mm)
152 mm M81 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 30 -8°/+19° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 15.60 13.80 12.72 12.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M409A1 HEAT 380 380 380 380 380 380
M657A2 HE 38 38 38 38 38 38
MGM-51B Shillelagh ATGM 431 431 431 431 431 431
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M409A1 HEAT 682 18.9 0 0.1 3,730 62° 69° 73°
M657A2 HE 682 22 0 0.1 4,300 79° 80° 81°
MGM-51B Shillelagh ATGM 323 27.8 0 0.1 3,600 80° 82° 90°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M551
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
30 28 (+2) 26 (+4) 21 (+9) 14 (+16) 1 (+29) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 28°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
7.62 mm M73 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M73 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 577 -10°/+70° ±60°
7.62 mm M73
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Sheridan, even with the ability to fire ATGMs, is an extremely difficult tank to use due to it having no armour. Even some high-power MGs can penetrate the armour easily. The stock heat round while having high pen drops like a rock at range and bounces a lot. Immediately upon reaching the tier 2 modifications research the ATGM missiles. Once those are unlocked the Sheridan becomes a fast and mobile missile platform that out ranges most vehicles in game. With only the stock HEAT always aim for ammo racks. This is pretty much the only way to destroy the heavier tanks. The mobile AAs will be the M551's biggest problems. While the Sheridan can drive circles around most of its heavy opponents, the fast anti-air turret can keep up with the M551, able to tear the armour to pieces. The ATGMs are a vast improvement over the HEAT rounds, one shotting pretty much everything and extending the Sheridan range past that of most of its opponents.

Stay in the back, everything will one shot the tank. Use the M551's speed and manoeuvrability to get around enemies. Don't be afraid to get in real close to the enemy, because with only HEAT, the 152 mm's effective range is very limited. Once ATGMs are usable, the Sheridan becomes an extremely formidable sniper. Able to fire on target, destroy a target, then move position for another opportunity. In Arcade, the Sheridan is an easy target for everyone, but in realistic and simulator its speed makes it a very hard target to hit.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Dual-purpose cannon, firing regular shells or guided missiles
  • Very fast turret traverse
  • Missiles in RB have a point-to-aim guidance system
  • Rather small profile in comparison to other Rank V vehicles
  • Can unlock NVD (Night Vision Devices) as a Tier 4 modification.
  • The ATGM has 431 mm of penetration, therefore, it can almost penetrate all enemy tanks frontally

Cons:

  • Virtually no armour
  • Uses only chemical rounds, no kinetic rounds (AP) available
  • Low ammunition storage (30)
  • ATGM has a reload several seconds longer than normal ammunition
  • Can only hold 10 ATGM ammunition total
  • Can be hull broken with 100 mm HEAT shells
  • Considering the low-velocity shells, absence of rangefinder is noticeable

History

Main article: History of the M551

Development

In the post-war period, U.S. Army specified for a new light tank that is light enough for air-transportation and have a large cruising range. The first resulting light tank, the M41 Walker Bulldog, did not meet these specifications and the following development such as the T92 were cancelled after the discovery of the amphibious Soviet PT-76 tank, which added a requirement for the light tank to also be amphibious. A new tank design began development, using aluminum alloy to save weight, a fabric screen for flotation, and a controversial 152 mm gun/launcher for firepower with the Shillelagh missiles. However, the design's lightweight and mobility made it favorable and so the tank was approved for Army standard in May 1966 and designated the M551 Sheridan. Between 1966 to 1970, 1,662 Sheridans were produced at a program cost of $1.3 billion.[1]

Deployment

The Sheridan first saw service in June 1967 in the 1/63rd Armor Regiment at Fort Riley. The first air usage of the Sheridan came from the 1/17th Cavalry at Fort Bragg. Its first overseas deployment was to South Korea in November 1968 and Europe in January 1969. 800 Sheridans were deployed worldwide by 1971. Troubles with the 152 mm Gun/Launcher plagued the M551's early service life as attempts were made to fix the issues in the weapon's ammo propellant and ability to fire missiles.[1]

The Sheridan's tank's first combat would be seen in Vietnam under the urging of General Creighton Abrams. The tank first arrived in January 1969 modified for the environment in a configuration dubbed "Two-Box M551" with many complex mechanical instrument boxes removed (save for two), as well as the ability to fire the Shillelagh missiles disabled and the production of a fletchette ammunition for the 152 mm gun/launcher. First impressions of the Sheridan were positive due to the weapon's effectiveness in anti-infantry and bunker busting roles, as well as the mobility able to maintain speed with the M113 armoured personnel carriers. However, experience soon soured when the lack of armour became apparent compared to the M48 Pattons employed in the theater, with the M551 vulnerable to mines and the numerous hand-held anti-tank weaponry.[1]

Post-Vietnam, the M551 Sheridans underwent a product improvement program (PIP) that upgraded the design. The next combat operation would be in Operation Just Cause in Panama, featuring the first and only time tanks were parachuted into a combat zone. Inserted with the 82nd Airborne Division, the M551 proved a popular psychological weapon against the opposing forces. After Panama, the M551 were also deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of the Gulf War in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where in the latter they fought Iraqi units equipped with T-55s and T-72s in the only time in the M551's history that the gun-launched Shillelagh missiles were used against an enemy.[1]

Back in the United States, the M551 also found use in the U.S. Army's National Training Center at the Mojave desert in California, where they are dressed up to look like Soviet vehicles to play as the "opposing forces" to train the army units on tactics in the battlefield. After the Gulf War, the Sheridan's combat career came to an end and so they remained in service at the National Training Center until 2004. The Sheridans were retired without any replacement in the airborne tank role. Though attempts had been made in the late 1990's for a replacement, the Army decided that an airborne tank was simply not worth the cost for a specialized vehicle.[1]

Media

Skins
Videos
Airmobile tanks discusses the M551 at 3:53 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

Citations:

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Zaloga, 2009

Bibliography

  • Zaloga Steven. M551 Sheridan: US Airmobile Tanks 1941-2001 Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2009


USA light tanks
LVT  LVT(A)(1) · ○LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
M2  M2A2 · M2A4 · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)
M3/M5 Stuart  M3 Stuart · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC) · M5A1 · M5A1 TD · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD)
M22 Locust  M22
M24 Chaffee  M24 · M24 (TL)
M18 Hellcat  M18 GMC · M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat
M41 Walker Bulldog  M41A1
M551 Sheridan  M551 · M551(76)
M3 Bradley  M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley
Wheeled  M8 LAC · T18E2 · M1128 · M1128 Wolfpack
Other  M8A1 GMC · T92 · T114 · HSTV-L · CCVL · XM8 · XM800T · AGS

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