M56 Scorpion

The M56 Scorpion was developed in to provide airborne elements with a mobile
anti-tank weapon.

Designation: M56 Scorpion
Classification Type: Airborne Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun
Contractor: Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors Corp - USA
Country of Origin: United States
Initial Year of Service: 1953

The M56 (sometimes called the "Scorpion") was a fully tracked 90mm gun
developed in the 1950s to provide airborne troops with a mobile anti-tank
weapon. As such the system was used by airborne battalions and airborne
infantry tank companies in the 1960s. The M56 Scorpion was also known as the
SPAT for Self-Propelled Anti-Tank. Hull construction of the M56 consisted of
an all-welded and riveted aluminum. The standard 90mm main gun was closely
associated with the main gun as found on the M47 Patton Tank (detailed
elsewhere on this site).

One major drawback of the M56 was that the crew of the M56 was exposed to
the elements, with the exception of the blast shield and a windscreen for
the driver. The loader utilized a folding stage from which to stand on to
reload the weapon system. Despite this complete lack of crew protection, the
system was a formidable piece of mobile artillery, particularly given the
fact that it would be made available to frontline airborne units. Couple
that with the maximum range of the main gun set out to 1,500 meters and the
benefits appear to outweigh the drawbacks. Another major drawback was in the
force of the recoil of the main gun which would literally tilt the entire
system up and backwards when the weapon was fired along with produce an
absorbent amount of dust and smoke in the process.

The M56 had a lifespan with the United States 82nd Airborne and 101st
Airborne up until the 1960's to which the system gave way to the M551
Sheridan. Despite this replacement, the M56 was in fact fielded in the
Vietnam War in limited numbers, yet relegated to the fire support role. The
chassis would also be featured in several less noteworthy roles including
that of an APC, mortar carrier and a recoilless rifle tank.

Variants:
T101 - Prototype Systems as built by Cadillac Motor Car Division of which
two were produced.
M56 - Standardized Production Model Designation based on the T101 prototype.

Specifications: M56 Scorpion
Dimensions:
Length: 19.03ft (5.80m)
Width:8.43ft (2.57m)
Height: 6.56ft (2.00m)
Performance:
Speed: 28mph (45km/h)
Range: 143miles (230km)

Structure:
Accommodation: 4
Weight: 7.9 US Short Tons (7,144kg)
Systems:
NBC Protection: None
Nightvision: None
Power:
Engine(s): 1 x Continental AOI-402-5 6-cylinder 4-cycle opposed
fuel-injected gasoline engine generating 200hp @ 3,000rpm.

Armament & Ammunition:

1 x 90mm main gun

Ammunition:
29 x 90mm projectiles