Name/Title
M8 AGSEntry/Object ID
2025.16.1Description
The M8 armored gun system (AGS), sometimes known as the Buford, is an American light tank that was intended to replace the M551 Sheridan and TOW missile-armed Humvees in the 82nd Airborne Division and 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR) of the U.S. Army respectively.
The M8 AGS began as a private venture of FMC Corporation, called the close combat vehicle light (CCVL), in 1983. The Army began the armored gun system program to develop a mobile gun platform that could be airdropped. By 1992, the AGS was one of the Army's top priority acquisition programs. The service selected FMC's CCVL over proposals from three other teams. The service sought to purchase 237 AGS systems to begin fielding in 1997. Key characteristics of the AGS are its light weight (17.8 short tons (16.1 t) in its low-velocity airdrop configuration), field-installable modular armor, M35 105 mm caliber soft recoil rifled gun, 21-round magazined autoloader, and slide-out powerpack.Motor Vehicle Type
Armored Fighting VehicleCataloged By
Chris CausleyAcquisition
Accession
2025.16Source or Donor
US Army Tank Automotive CommandAcquisition Method
LoanVehicle Numbers
Number Type
Serial NumberNumber
0005Location
Location
* Untyped Location
Museum LawnCategory
Exhibit