Tank Main-Gun Launched Missiles?

Over on strategypage the general opinion with tankers is that ATGMs through the gun tube aren't all that great, nor do they offer too much of an advantage. The Russians developed them because their guns, fire control, and ammo aren't on par with western tanks.
 
I believe that the M60A2 and the M551 used the Shillage ATGM

Lil Hulk, you are correct.

We referred to the M60A2s as "Starships" because the control panel looked like the thing that Mr. Sulu used to play with in the old "Star Trek" TV series.

The M551 Sheridan was allegedly air-deployable (NOT air-droppable) out the back of a C130. Most of the 1960's era electronics didn't like that very much, so you usually ended up with a 15 ton radio track.

The Shillelagh (Irish for big stick) missiles were wire guided (like TOW missiles). They were tough to get used to firing, and too expensive to get much practice. Most of the "Starship Troopers" I knew spent most of their time with gunnery with the 152mm round.

The ATGMs had about the same killing power as a TOW, but in a much bigger launcher -- not a very useful concept. You can mount a TOW on a jeep -- much cheaper.

Kinetic energy rounds (APDS and APFSDS) replaced the HEAT-type rounds as weapons of choice for killing tanks and that pretty much put an end to ATGMs on tanks.
 
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