The M56 Scorpion was an unarmored American self-propelled anti-tank gun, which featured a 90mm M54 gun with a simple blast shield, and unprotected crew compartment.
About this creation
The M56 saw combat service with U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. It was deployed with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, which was the only Airborne Brigade deployed with the M56, where it was used mainly in a fire-support role. Its function as an air portable, self-propelled, anti-tank vehicle was eventually replaced in Vietnam by the troublesome but effective M551 Sheridan which had a fully armored turret.
The M56 was armed with a single M54 90mm Gun with 29 rounds. The recoil from the gun was so intense, that after firing the front end of the M56 would lift into the air, all the way to the last road wheel. Consequently, standing behind the M56 was ill-advised.
The M56 had no armor, save for the blast-shield and the crew was completely exposed to enemy fire, shrapnel and grenades.
A crew of four usually operated the M56, a commander, a gunner, a loader and a driver.
Below is the M56 Scorpion at the museum where I work.
