M8 on display at Technical and Historical Society museum

“It is a process to get a monument vehicle from the U.S. Army,” said Chris Causley, president of the society.

However, the effort paid off when the Army agreed to “loan” the museum an M8 Armored Gun System (AGS), a light tank that FMC Corporation developed as a potential replacement for the M551 Sheridan and TOW missile-armed Humvees used by the 82nd Airborne Division and 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, respectively.

“It is a very significant moment for the society,” Causley told Military Trader and Vehicles. “After years of trying, everything fell into place.”

In 2015, the society launched its “Operation Buy a Tank” campaign, which went viral online, drawing national attention.

Yet, it only raised $1,200.

Fortunately, thanks to determination and some luck, the pieces came together this year; notably, when the city of Eastpointe offered to sell the building to the society for just $1. Renovations have still been costly, however, including the installation of a new roof, but now the museum can focus on improvements and upkeep.

Christmas came early when the M8 AGS was delivered to the museum, coming from nearby Warren, Mich., where it had been in storage. As the tank was operational at the time of its delivery, it was able to be driven onto the 10-inch-thick reinforced concrete pad where it is on display, making the process a bit easier.

“The Army technically still owns the tank and can get it anytime they want,” Causley added, but acknowledged it would be harder to move it again.

That’s because, as part of the loan from the United States Army, its diesel engine had to be disabled, along with the fire control system and, of course, the 105mm main gun. All of the hatches will also be welded shut. Causely explained that the dismantling was an easy process, but it was one he wished he didn’t have to do, especially as the M8 had only around 1,300 miles on it.  

The museum is now seeking volunteers who will help clean and maintain the tank — no small task given Michigan’s long, cold winters, spring rains, and hot summers. However, for military vehicle enthusiasts, such endeavors are likely to be a labor of love.

Following the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army first sought to find a replacement for its M551 Sheridan light tank, which fared poorly in the conflict. FMC Corporation’s close combat vehicle light (CCVL) was selected over the Cadillac Gage Stingray, General Motors LAV-105, and the Teledyne AGS. Although the FMC CCVL eventually won out, becoming the M8 Armored Gun System, the United States Army cancelled the program in the mid-1990s with just six prototypes built.

Fortunately, all have been preserved, with the M8 AGS in Michigan becoming the first reported to be displayed as a monument vehicle.

• Main armament: M35 105mm rifled gun with a 21-round autoloader

• Secondary armament: 7.62mm coaxial M240 machine gun and a .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun for the commander

• Ammunition: 31 rounds total (21 in autoloader, 10 in hull)

• Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V 92TA, 550 hp (410 kW)

• Maximum speed: Approximately 72 km/h (45 mph)

• Range: Approximately 450 km (280 miles)

• Armor: Modular design with three levels, including a base aluminum hull and bolt-on appliqué armor

• Level I: Protects small arms and artillery fragments; weighs approximately 18,052 kg (39,800 lbs.)

• Level II: Offers higher protection; weighs about 20,820 kg (45,900 lbs.)

• Level III: Provides maximum protection; weighs roughly 23,586 kg (52,000 lbs.)

• Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)

• Length: 8.97m (29.4 ft)

• Width: 2.69m (8.8 ft)

• Height: 2.55m (8.4 ft)

The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society first opened its doors on Nov. 11, 2011. It is dedicated to preserving the history of Michigan’s military service members from World War I to the present. The 11,000-square-foot museum features a collection of donated equipment, weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts, while it also highlights Michigan-made military items and vehicles.

It is open from Friday to Sunday. The address is: 16600 Stephens, Eastpointe, MI 48021

For information, visit www.mimths.org/