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Lockheed XM800W (ARSV)

1974 COLD WAR X-TANK

History of the Lockheed XM800W (ARSV)

With the introduction of the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) in 1960, the U.S. Army finally gained a proven workhorse with notable sales and service to foreign companies around the world. It is very adaptable and can be used in a variety of roles - its success has many people still using it today (2018).

The M114, which looked identical to the M113, was developed as a larger, stronger, air-droppable tracked system for armed reconnaissance and was introduced later in 1962. However, the M114 was considered a failure by the Army as early as the 1973 Vietnam War (1955-1975).

Given the poor performance of the M114 in service, a successor to the reconnaissance role was sought in the mid-1960s, resulting in the "MICV-65" program, which was designed to produce a series of related vehicles to serve various battlefield roles . One of the products of this program is the XM800 Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARSV), which produced two more key vehicles, the "XM800W" (the focus of this article) and the "XM800T".

In 1971, design submissions for two vehicles were received: CONDEC, Ford and Lockheed attempted to meet wheel requirements, while Chrysler, FMC and Teledyne-Continental considered track requirements. Ultimately, Lockheed's design won the former, while FMC was awarded the latter contract.

In May 1972, Lockheed and FMC were awarded development contracts for pilot vehicles (prototypes) of the "XM800W" and XM800T, respectively.

Both companies are actively testing their pilot vehicles before the end of the year, with evaluations running until 1974. However, the Army did not consider either form to be a viable replacement for the M113, which could also perform armed reconnaissance missions (as if the M151 Sheridan light tank could serve), so neither vehicle was selected for service.

However, FMC was awarded the contract to promote certain MICV concepts that would eventually become the "Bradley" family of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and its offshoots, so all was not lost.

Lockheed has completed a pair of XM800W vehicles in this now-defunct Army program. One is on display today (2018) at the Florida Air Force Weapons Museum. It is finished in a bright orange scheme, reflecting its time within the EOD range of the nearby Eglin Air Force Base.

The built XM800W is powered by a 300 hp GM 6V53T diesel engine. The engine is mated to an Allison MT650 transmission system, providing five forward speeds and two reverse speeds. Armor protection consists of an aluminum hull and a cast aluminum/steel turret. When empty, the vehicle weighs nearly 17,000 pounds. Performance includes 65 mph road speeds and up to 450 miles of range (with a 90-gallon fuel tank installed inside).

As an amphibious design, the armored vehicle can travel at about 5 miles per hour through a water source and carries an Aero-Jet water-jet propulsion system.