XM-800 Armored Reconnaisance Scout Vehicle

XM-800 Armored Reconnaisance Scout Vehicle. . , In reaction to the poor showing by the M114 Armored Command and Reconnaissance Vehicle, it was decided to design a new vehicle. Beginning in 1966, a requirement began to evolve for a 3-man vehicle weighing about 7 tons and armed with a 20mm cannon for reconnaissance , and by 1971 several companies had submitted designs for such a vehicle., Chrysler, FMC (Food Machinery Company), and Teledyne-Continental submitted designs for a tracked version, while CONDEC, Ford, and Lockheed submitted designs for a wheeled version. In May of 1972, contracts were awarded for development of one wheeled and one tracked design (XM-800W and XM-800T). The XM-800W (wheeled) was developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. The XM-800T (tracked) was developed by FMC., As the year closed, both contractors had their first vehicle in operation and being tested. Testing was based on two major points: one, was it survivable; and two, did it have an adequate crew size. Testing between the two vehicles occurred in 1974, the results were that the new vehicles were not any better than the current M113 , ultimately neither vehicle was to go into production. The FMC Company did get a contract but it was with the MICV or as it is now called , The Bradley Fighting Machine., This XM-800W ARSV Is one of two in existence and was donated to the Museum by the Eglin AFB EOD School., Specifications , Manufacturer Lockheed Missile and Space Company , Powerplant General Motors 6V53T Diesel engine rated at 300 hp , Transmission Allison MT650 (5 speed forward, 2 speed reverse) , Roll Articulated , Body Aluminum alloy armor hull w/cast aluminum and steel turret , Weight 16,972 lbs Empty , Road Speed 65 mph Max , Water Speed 5 mph using an Aerojet waterjet propulsion system , Range 450 miles on its 90 gallon of diesel fuel capacity , Armament M139 Hispano-Suiza 20mm gun with post mounted M60 7.62 mm Light Machine gun , This vehicle is part of the USAF Heritage Program collection