This 60 Year Old Tank Gun Fires Missiles... 152mm M81 Gun Launcher

Published on January 14, 2026
Duration: 12:09

This guide details the inspection of demilitarized ordnance, focusing on the 152mm M81 Gun Launcher and associated ammunition. It covers identifying markings, understanding demilitarization, and recognizing different projectile types, drawing on expert knowledge of historical military systems.

Quick Summary

The 152mm M81 Gun Launcher, featured on tanks like the M551 Sheridan, was a unique weapon system capable of firing both conventional 152mm projectiles and the Shillelagh guided missile. Its barrel markings, such as 'WVT 1968', indicate production at Watervliet Arsenal, and demilitarization is often visible as torch cuts on the weapon.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Unloading the M81 Gun Launcher
  2. 02:38Markings and Historical Context
  3. 04:38Technical Inspection and Demilitarization
  4. 06:475-inch Naval Ammunition
  5. 08:01152mm Training Projectiles
  6. 09:57155mm Chemical Munitions
  7. 11:37152mm High Explosive Shells

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M81 Gun Launcher and what made it unique?

The M81 Gun Launcher is a 152mm weapon system designed for the M551 Sheridan light tank and M60A2 Starship. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to fire both conventional 152mm projectiles and the Shillelagh guided missile, offering versatile combat capabilities.

How can one identify a demilitarized M81 Gun Launcher?

Demilitarization of an M81 Gun Launcher is typically indicated by visible torch cuts on the chamber and barrel. Markings like 'CANNON 152MM GUN LAUNCHER M81 WVT 1968' and weight stamps ('1125 LBS') confirm its identity and origin.

What types of ammunition can the M81 Gun Launcher fire?

The M81 Gun Launcher is capable of firing various 152mm rounds, including Target Practice Tracer (TP-T) like the M411A3, High Explosive Tracer (HE-T) like the XM657, and historically, the Shillelagh guided missile. It could also fire conventional projectiles.

Where were components like the M81 Gun Launcher and its ammunition produced or stored?

Components like the M81 Gun Launcher were manufactured at arsenals such as Watervliet Arsenal (WVT). Ammunition, like the 5-inch naval projectiles, was sourced from depots like Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot in Nevada.

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