In 1978 most Sheridans were phased out of service. However, the 82nd Airborne Division decided to keep the air transportable Sheridan airborne assault vehicle
It is armed with the M81 dual-purpose gun/missile launcher. It can fire conventional HEAT antitank ammunition for shorter range targets, or the MGM51 Shillelagh (pronounced shil-laylee) anti-tank guided missile, which was more effective at longer ranges
