{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.m56-scorpion","code":"thing-q542319","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q542319/","name":"M56 Scorpion","alternateNames":[],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.OBJ"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"The M56 Scorpion is a United States air-transportable, tracked, unarmored self-propelled 90 mm antitank gun developed for airborne forces and fielded during the Cold War.","purpose":"Enable an AI agent to recognise the M56 Scorpion vehicle type, distinguish original configuration from later alterations, and assess evidence needed for identification, conservation, display and movement.","scope":{"in":["Designation, recognition evidence and boundaries between production M56 vehicles, prototypes and conversions","Integration of the gun, exposed crew positions and tracked carrier","Propulsion, running gear and configuration-dependent transport characteristics","Original equipment, replacement components and restoration authenticity","Condition evidence and prerequisites for conservation, display and movement"],"out":["The general category of tank destroyers and its complete design history","The British FV101 Scorpion and other vehicles sharing the Scorpion name","Independent models of guns, ammunition, engines and transport aircraft","Individual vehicle ownership histories except as linked evidence","Combat tactics, targeting and weapon-employment procedures","Detailed repair, ammunition handling or weapon reactivation instructions"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["Check that designation evidence identifies the American M56 airborne 90 mm self-propelled antitank weapon; contemporary identification appears in [U.S. Army Infantry, July-December 1958](https://mcoecbamcoepwprd01.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/library/INF_Magazines/INFMAG_Jul-Dec_1958.pdf).","Check the combination of a compact tracked carrier, exposed crew positions and a single conventional gun against authenticated M56 photographs; a nameplate or silhouette alone is insufficient.","Exclude the British FV101 Scorpion family, including its 90 mm variants: sharing the name and nominal calibre does not establish M56 identity. See the [U.S. Army FV101 Scorpion 90 identification record](https://odin.t2com.army.mil/WEG/Asset/ac0e381731a48d71bd6d19ca6db06030).","Treat a different weapon fitted to an M56-associated chassis as a configuration question requiring provenance; contemporary discussion included alternative weapon platforms, which should not automatically redefine the production M56."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"m56-identity-and-lineage","name":"M56 identity and lineage","description":"Establish what counts as this registered vehicle type and how an observed example relates to it.","layers":[{"id":"designation-and-recognition","name":"Designation and recognition","description":"Combine documentary identity with configuration evidence.","findings":[{"id":"designation-requires-corroboration","name":"Designation requires corroboration","description":"Record how markings and the observed carrier-and-gun arrangement support M56 identity, including conflicting evidence.","questions":[{"text":"Which plate, marking or authoritative record identifies the vehicle as an M56?","id":"designation-requires-corroboration-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which observed features distinguish it from an FV101 Scorpion or another self-propelled gun?","id":"designation-requires-corroboration-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"production-and-alteration-boundaries","name":"Production and alteration boundaries","description":"Separate the production type from experiments, conversions and reconstructed examples.","findings":[{"id":"configuration-has-a-history","name":"Configuration has a history","description":"Associate each material departure from the reference configuration with evidence and a date or explicitly unresolved period.","questions":[{"text":"Does the evidence place this configuration in production, an experimental programme or a later alteration?","id":"configuration-has-a-history-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Does the alteration remain an M56 instance configuration, or require a relationship to a separately registered vehicle type?","id":"configuration-has-a-history-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"gun-carrier-and-crew-arrangement","name":"Gun, carrier and crew arrangement","description":"Describe the assemblies and exposed working layout that make the M56 recognisable.","layers":[{"id":"gun-and-mount-identification","name":"Gun and mount identification","description":"Record the identity and completeness of the installed main-armament assembly.","findings":[{"id":"installed-assembly-evidence","name":"Installed assembly evidence","description":"Treat gun, mounting, shield and associated equipment as identifiable assemblies whose presence and authenticity require evidence.","questions":[{"text":"Which markings and technical references establish the installed gun and mount designations?","id":"installed-assembly-evidence-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which visible assemblies are original, replacement, missing or inert reproductions?","id":"installed-assembly-evidence-q02","kind":"definition"}]}]},{"id":"exposed-crew-layout","name":"Exposed crew layout","description":"Represent crew positions and shielding without assuming tank-like enclosure or protection.","findings":[{"id":"shielding-and-access-boundaries","name":"Shielding and access boundaries","description":"Distinguish documented vehicle shielding and crew access from later covers, barriers and exhibit additions.","questions":[{"text":"What does the applicable reference show about crew positions, access and the extent of shielding?","id":"shielding-and-access-boundaries-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Which present-day additions change access or appearance without belonging to the historical configuration?","id":"shielding-and-access-boundaries-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"tracked-mobility-and-airborne-envelope","name":"Tracked mobility and airborne envelope","description":"Connect the M56's tracked carrier and airborne design role to measurable configuration requirements.","layers":[{"id":"propulsion-and-running-gear","name":"Propulsion and running gear","description":"Identify installed propulsion components and the condition of the tracked mobility system.","findings":[{"id":"mobility-is-assembly-dependent","name":"Mobility is assembly dependent","description":"Record propulsion identity and separate condition observations for tracks, wheels, suspension, steering and braking.","questions":[{"text":"Which engine, transmission and running-gear components are installed, and how do they compare with the applicable M56 reference?","id":"mobility-is-assembly-dependent-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"What inspection evidence supports any claim that this example can roll, steer, brake or move under its own power?","id":"mobility-is-assembly-dependent-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"configuration-dependent-transport","name":"Configuration-dependent transport","description":"Separate historical air transport claims from measured dimensions, mass and current movement constraints.","findings":[{"id":"airborne-role-is-not-transport-clearance","name":"Airborne role requires configuration evidence","description":"Record loading assumptions and applicable transport documentation before making a movement recommendation.","questions":[{"text":"What are the measured mass and external dimensions, and which loading state and gun position do they describe?","id":"airborne-role-is-not-transport-clearance-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which authoritative transport reference applies to the proposed carrier and this vehicle's actual configuration?","id":"airborne-role-is-not-transport-clearance-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]},{"id":"surviving-vehicle-assessment","name":"Surviving vehicle assessment","description":"Support conservation, interpretation and handling decisions for preserved M56 examples.","layers":[{"id":"authenticity-and-conservation","name":"Authenticity and conservation","description":"Connect material condition and restoration history to the assemblies that convey M56 identity.","findings":[{"id":"restoration-evidence-remains-visible","name":"Restoration evidence remains visible","description":"Record documented replacements and deterioration in the carrier, gun support, crew fittings and running gear without conflating authenticity with condition.","questions":[{"text":"Which records explain changes to the carrier, gun assembly, running gear and markings?","id":"restoration-evidence-remains-visible-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which observed deterioration or missing assemblies require a conservation assessment before movement or public access?","id":"restoration-evidence-remains-visible-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"assessment-and-action-status","name":"Assessment and action status","description":"Make handling conclusions traceable to dated assessments of the relevant vehicle assemblies.","findings":[{"id":"action-status-is-specific","name":"Action status is specific","description":"Keep static display, visitor access, towing and powered movement as separate assessment outcomes, with weapon status recorded independently.","questions":[{"text":"What competent assessment establishes the installed gun's status, and to which identifiable assembly does it apply?","id":"action-status-is-specific-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which proposed activities are supported by current inspection evidence, and which remain unresolved?","id":"action-status-is-specific-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"evidence-and-external-alignment","name":"Evidence and external alignment","description":"What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.","layers":[{"id":"reported-evidence","name":"Reported evidence","description":"Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.","findings":[{"id":"evidence-confidence-notes","name":"Check these first","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these check these first hold for the sense of M56 Scorpion this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-confidence-notes-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-identifiers","name":"Identifiers and schemes","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of M56 Scorpion this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-identifiers-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-real-world-use","name":"Real-world use","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of M56 Scorpion this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-real-world-use-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-measurements","name":"Typical measurements","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of M56 Scorpion this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-measurements-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards","name":"Failure modes and hazards","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of M56 Scorpion this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-neighbours","name":"Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of M56 Scorpion this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-neighbours-q01","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Describe the self-propelled gun's design for airborne forces and its Cold War service.","Support museums and historians in cataloguing surviving vehicles."],"mustNot":["Help restore its gun to a firing state or acquire functional armament.","Assist transfers of military equipment that breach weapons or export laws.","Glorify killing when describing its service.","Drive or move a vehicle without an authorised, qualified crew."],"requiresHuman":["Any decision on demilitarisation, sale or display of a surviving vehicle."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["Military vehicles record human cost; history should be accurate and not celebratory of harm."],"affectedParties":["Veterans and their families","Museum visitors","Historians"]},"owners":{"steward":"The armed forces or museum that holds a vehicle; weapons authorities regulate any armament.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q100708505","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.m56-scorpion","Wikidata: Q542319 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q542319)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Identity evidence: Links to designation plates, serial markings, technical publications and authenticated photographs","Configuration class: Production configuration | documented prototype | documented conversion | restored composite | replica | unresolved","Nominal main-gun calibre: mm; 90 for the identified M56 type","Installed gun and mount identity: Component designation, marking evidence and relationship to the documented vehicle configuration","Crew exposure configuration: Documented original arrangement | altered arrangement | incomplete | unresolved","Powerplant configuration: Installed engine and transmission designations, fuel type and supporting evidence","Vehicle mass and loading basis: kg, with fuel, equipment, ammunition and crew inclusion stated","Transport envelope: Length, width and height in mm, with gun position and removable equipment recorded","Running-gear condition: Tracks, wheels, suspension, steering and brakes individually assessed; inspection date and unknowns recorded","Weapon assessment status: Unverified | assessed inert | documented deactivated | other documented status"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["A small, low tracked chassis without armour carrying a long gun with a muzzle brake.","Exposed crew seats around the gun and a small shield at most."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Compare an observed vehicle with documented M56 configurations and report identification confidence.","Link component markings and historical records to distinguish original equipment from substitutions.","Identify missing measurements needed to review transport or display suitability.","Record separate conclusions for authenticity, mechanical condition and weapon assessment status.","Prepare a conservation or inspection referral that identifies unresolved M56-specific assemblies and evidence gaps."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["Crews had no armour protection.","Heavy recoil on a light chassis made firing hazardous."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"required","items":["The National Firearms Act, enacted by the United States Congress and administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, governs a surviving vehicle's gun when it meets the statutory classification of a destructive device."]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["This tracked antitank vehicle was developed to provide airborne forces with mobile gun support.","Surviving examples and archival records are encountered in military museums, conservation projects and studies of Cold War airborne equipment."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Wikidata item Q542319: M56 Scorpion","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q542319","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: M56 Scorpion","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M56_Scorpion","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["Does an existing Vercy world model already cover the M56 Scorpion, requiring this registry entry to link to it instead of creating another publication?","Which original technical manuals and revision dates establish production gun, mount, engine, transmission and running-gear specifications?","What authoritative values establish mass, dimensions, crew complement and stowage capacity, and which configuration and loading assumptions explain discrepancies?","Which documented prototypes or conversions belong under M56 configuration history, and which have independently registered identities?","Which historical transport approvals and present-day inspection or deactivation requirements apply to a particular surviving vehicle and proposed activity?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q542319/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q542319/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-12T11:05:39Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"filled","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T10:10:31+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 2 live sources; review by codex: pass"},"score":1.0}}