Stingray Light tank image

The Stingray light tank was developed by Cadillac Gage as a private venture. It was aimed at the export customers. The first prototype was completed in 1985. It entered service with the Royal Thai army in 1988. Thailand purchased a total of 106 Stingray light tanks.

The Stingray was developed to with increased strategic and tactical mobility in mind. This light tank is air transportable. It can be airlifted by C-130 Hercules or similar cargo aircraft.

Gun and turret of the Stingray are similar to those of the Cadillac Gage V600 Commando fire support vehicle, which was also developed as a private venture in the early 1980s.

The stingray is very lightly armed. Front armor can only withstand 14.5-mm ammunition, however additional armor protection can be fitted.

The Stingray is armed with a fully-stabilized 105-mm Low Recoil Force rifled gun, derived form the British L7A3. This gun is identical in performance to the one used on the M1 Abrams main battle tank. It can fire a full range of NATO ammunition. This gun is loaded manually. Eight rounds of ready ammunition are carried in the turret. Remaining rounds are stored in the hull.

Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

The Stingray light tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

Vehicle is fitted with a Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA diesel engine, developing 535 horsepower. Engine, transmission, suspension and tracks of the Stingray are standard components, used to reduce procurement and servicing costs.

Further development of the Stingray became the Stingray II. It has a number of improvements, including increased armor protection, mobility and improved fire control system. However the Stingray II has not entered service with any country yet.