M56 "Scorpion" Self-Propelled Anti-Tank (SPAT)
In 1948 a requirement was established for a air-portable self-propelled antitank gun that could be utilized by airborne forces. Following several years of development, the Cadillac Division of General Motors was awarded the contract for the vehicle which became known as the "Scorpion." The first vehicle appeared in 1953 and became a primary piece of equipment for the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. The Scorpion was operated by a crew of four and was armed with a M54 90mm gun. This fully tracked 90mm gun developed in the 1950s to provide airborne troops with a mobile anti-tank weapon. Used by airborne battalions and airborne infantry tank companies in the 1960s.
This vehicle was in limited use during the Vietnam War. The Army deployed the “Sky Soldiers” of the 173rd ABN BDE from Japan to Vietnam in 1965. This brigade was the only American Army brigade to have its own organic tank support, D company 16th Armor. With the exception of the 173rd, units deploying to Vietnam again encountered the same problems of infantry armor integration as was experienced in World War II and Korea. D company deployed with the M56 Scorpion SPAT. Due to the poor reliability of the SPAT, the company used the M113A1 APC as an interim vehicle pending its transitionto the M551A1 Sheridan tank. However, it was equipped with the APC during most of the war, which still employed tank company tactics.
M56 Scorpion Specifications
Crew: 4 members
Weight: 15,750 pounds
Gun Type: 90mm M54 Gun
Engine:
Maximum Speed: 28 mph
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