M-8 Ridgeway Armored Gun System (AGS)
A unique feature of M-8 Ridgeway Armored Gun System (AGS) design provides for rapid installation of add-on, modular armor protection to tailor the M8 AGS to meet the threats expected during a deployment. The three armor levels are:
- Level I aluminum soft skin
- Level II resists armor piercing small arms and small cannon fire
- Level III resists cannon up to 30mm
The armor configuration can be changed on the ground after arrival of the M8 AGS.
Another advanced engineering feature is the power train of the AGS, designed for battlefield sustainability. The M8 AGS engine achieves 90% parts commonality with the HEMTT family of vehicles and uses a standard M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle transmission. Generating 550hp using JP8 fuel, the engine delivers a higher power-to-weight ratio than the M1. The powerpack can be rolled out to the rear of the vehicle in five minutes and can be replaced in five more minutes.
In 1996 the vehicle was adopted as the M8 Ridgeway AGS but the Army cancelled the program in 1997 after only four vehicles were delivered. The cancellation was due to funding limitations, not deficiencies in the M8 AGS. U.S. allies have tested the M8 AGS but none have ordered production quantities (2005).
Specifications of the M-8 Ridgeway AGS
| Main armament | 105mm (4.12 in) M35 gun |
| Secondary armament | 7.62mm MG and 12.7mm (0.50in) MG or one 40mm Mk 19 grenade launcher |
| Crew | 3 |
| Weight | 23,590 kg (23.2 tons) |
| Height | 8ft 4in (2.55m) |
| Width | 2.69m (8ft 10in) |
| Length (over gun) | 8.97 meters (29ft 3in) |
| Sustained rate of fire | 12 rpm |
| Road speed | 72 km/h (45 mph) |
| Max range | 451 km (280 miles) |
| Manufacturer | United Defense |
Thanks to Bob Petit for help with this page.
M-8 Ridgeway Armored Gun System during testing. Photo: United Defense.
M-8 Ridgeway Armored Gun System during field tests.
Loading the M-8 Ridgeway Armored Gun System for air transport.
M-8 Ridgeway Armored Gun System, Aberdeen Proving Ground.
