M247 Sergeant York

   In late 1970s some 35-40 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were under development in USA. These developments were carried under the DIVAD (DIVision Air Defense) programme. It was intended to replace the ageing M163 Vulcan SPAAG. The Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation had been selected as one of two companies to enter full-scale engineering development of the DIVAD gun system. In 1981 it's artillery system entered service with the US Army as the M247 Sergeant York. First 12 production vehicles were ordered the same year. A total of 618 units were planned, however only about 50 vehicles were built. Funding of the programme was cancelled in 1985 due to unsatisfactory performance and a number of technical problems. The main reasons were insufficient range of fire against air targets, low traveling speed and a number of troubles with the tracking radar. The M247 Sergeant York was withdrawn from service short after.

   The M247 is fitted with fully-stabilized twin 40-mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns. These guns have improved rate of fire. Vehicle can fire accurately on the move. The M247 fires HE and HE-FRAG rounds against air targets and AP rounds against armored vehicles. A total of 580 rounds are carried. Reloading takes less than 15 minutes.

   The Sergeant York is fitted with the Westinghouse AN/APG-68 search and track radar. It is a modified of the F-16 fighter aircraft fire control radar. The M247 radar has a range of 40 km. The Sergeant York is also fitted with a laser rangefinder and digital fire control system.

   The M247 Sergeant York has cast hull and welded turret. Hull provides protection against small caliber armor-piercing projectiles, however turret protection is only against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It was fitted with NBC protection system.

   Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   The M247 Sergeant York is based on the M48A5 Patton medium tank chassis. It is powered by the Continental AVDS-1790-2D diesel engine, developing 750 horsepower. It is worth mentioning that the M247 had a maximum road speed on only 48 km/h and it could not keep pace with the M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley vehicles, it was designed to protect.