Whether it improves the development schedule or the weapon system itself is unknown. I expect the Sheridan to be more successful as a result although the US will want to increase firepower eventually.įinally, the cancellation/non-existence of the Shillelagh means that more money is available for TOW instead.
So it will end up more akin to other light tanks of the era, and therefore will be simpler and probably a lot more reliable. However, they are likely to rely on a 90mm or 105mm low-pressure HEAT thrower as suggested as an alternative during the OTL programme. My guess is that a DELTA 120 M60 enters service down the line, with a new turret or still the same with some refinements.įor Sheridan, the concept was again developped independently from the gun-launcher and the overall design of the vehicle probably won't be affected by it (they still want something light and amphibious). The low-profile turret can be developped independently from the gun, so a DELTA 120 version could be chosen. The fate of the interim M60 variant is interesting. DELTA 120 may compete against the German L44 with the best gun being picked. MBT-70 is likely to be built around the gun, although it is still likely to fail for other reasons. IMO, this has a high chance of success and should lead to a new gun+APFSDS combination by the early 1970s so the US wouldn't be stuck with the 105mm and having to use the German 120 later.
The most sensible thing is therefore to keep going with the DELTA 120 APFSDS programme instead of cancelling it in 1965 to finance the gun-launcher program. No Shillelagh could be achieved if the ARCOVE's results are different and they say that gun-launched ATGMs aren't ready yet.