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M-8 with a M55 quad .50
Background
In 1995, the Colombian government deactivated the last M8 TOW, keeping these vehicles in storage. The following year, a new program aimed at vehicles capable of offering air coverage to armored columns was approved. At this moment, eyes turned to the stored vehicles that had been modernized a few years ago. The company Imdicol was responsible for once again modifying the Colombian M8s. In the end, these vehicles were more successful than their predecessor, as they also adapted to the anti-insurgency another function required in the South American country.
Changes
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Its changes were very simple, removing the tower and the TOW missile (these were installed on the new Humvee jeeps that recently arrived in the country) and replacing it with the anti-aircraft tower M55. In addition to revitalizing the electrical system, Detroit Diesel engine and Alison automatic transmission.
Result of the Changes
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These units remained in service until 2019, equipped with individual, dual, and quadruple mounts, thanks to their simplicity and low operating costs, these vehicles, were inserted within the Meteoro Plan for surveillance and control of the main Colombian trunk roads. These vehicles are one of the few mechanized and armored means of anti-aircraft defense that the Colombian Cavalry had.
Specifications
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Crew: 3 (+2 loaders)
Dimensions and Weight:
Mass: 7.7 tons (full)
Length: 5.08 m
Width: 2.54 m
Height: 3.10 m
Armament:
Main Armament: M55 quad .50 (12.7mm)
Reloading time: 17.6s
Torret rotation: 44º/s
Vertical Guidance: -10/90º
Mobility:
Engine: Detroit Diesel 4-53N 4-cylinder / 136 hp
Transmission: Allison AT-545
Suspension: Leaf spring
Maximum Speed: 90km/h on road
Power to Weight: 16.62 hp/t
Armor:
Turret: 7 mm
Front (Upper Glacis): 19 mm
Front (Middle Glacis): 12.7 mm
Front (Lower Glacis): 16 mm
Side: 9.5 mm
Rear: 9.5 mm
Images
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Sources