Q&A #28 Questions Go Here
Added 2023-07-05 19:26:20 +0000 UTCYou know what to do by now, I think.
Comments
Do you have a post office box if I want to send you something, non-toxic, non-flammable,non-explosive, etc
ROBERT NABORNEY
2024-01-06 19:44:41 +0000 UTCI think it was because they needed them on the Iron curtain just incase the Reds crossed and there wasn’t a significant armor threat in the jungles and the 90’s HE did well as infantry support. But I’d love to hear more about tanks in Vietnam, they seem to be forgotten about a lot
Little Z
2023-10-27 14:46:47 +0000 UTCWhat are the benefits or downsides between using a Bustle Autoloader compared to using a Carousel Autoloader on an Unmanned Turret Tank such as AbramsX or M1 TTB?
Spaceman 28
2023-09-22 20:04:42 +0000 UTCDid the US or other allied ever have a programme similar to the Air Force's Constant PEG with the 4477th TES, but for tanks? Were soviet tanks ever tested in the context of western armour doctrine to see how they would fare?
piritskenyer
2023-09-12 16:17:59 +0000 UTCHere is my question. Why did some tanks, specifically Soviet Heavies among others from other nations, have a rear mounted machine gun on the turret and why did it stick around even till the IS-2?
ATurkishGamer
2023-09-10 12:08:54 +0000 UTCHello! First of all I love your work! Second of all, besides the Entwicklungspanzer Series (E5, E10, E25, E50, E75, E100) and the swiss Pz.58, Pz.61, and Pz.68, I can't think of any other tank using Belleville-washers type suspension... Any idea why? And how does it compare to other types of suspensions such as leaf springs, VVSS, HVSS, or torsion bars?
Maxime Lormant
2023-09-09 11:25:19 +0000 UTCWhy are IRCMs so rare on tanks and other AFVs ? Is it just not working or too expensive ? Edit: i should precise: such as the ones on the T-90.
Aelis
2023-08-19 18:35:07 +0000 UTCCan you please do a video or Talk about the aberdeen proving ground report for the t34 and kv1 like you did with marmon- Harrington.
Joe Poloway
2023-08-11 06:21:41 +0000 UTCThat is a great question. But if I do remember correctly the Army liked the M4A3 with the Ford V8 engine and the marines like the M4A2 with the Diesel engine
Little Z
2023-08-03 15:40:38 +0000 UTCTL;DR: Can you shed some light on the XM800/ARSV program that hasn't been stated by you already? And would a fully-tracked, limited or lack of dismount reconnaissance and scout vehicle be preferred now seeing most countries either use fully crewed IFVs or wheeled platforms? This is my first time asking a question and it's effectively two questions, but I really wanted to learn more about the XM800/Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle program. I couldn't find anything more on the matter than GAO's report to cancel the program, a terrain technical report (that doesn't seem to talk about the vehicles or the program), and "Reconnaissance Mission Model for Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle (ARSV) Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis" file that can't be accessed through DTIC because it lacked an electronic version. The only other sources I've been able to come across are the stub Wikipedia article, Matsimus' video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLOf6c7nho&t=436s], Armored Warfare's page [https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/vehicles-focus-xm800t], and you. You mentioned in the "Bradley Development: What Pentagon Wars got right." that the XM800/ARSV program was canceled because when the Army factored in all considerations, the M113 was doing a better job and was kept as an interim vehicle (the GAO report mentions continuing to use the M113A1 and M551 as scout vehicles). In Q&A 24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjRinstp_gI&t=3383s], you mentioned at the US Cavalry doctrine requires dismounts, and a dismount-less MPF would be unsuitable. In Q&A 20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEuaNdxCKD4&list=PLEAEU2gs2Nz_BRQXiEAgI3H87r7eJ2SLm&index=22&t=1700s], you stated if were up to you, you would have a smaller Bradley or an enlarged XM800T as a dedicated Cavalry vehicle. In Q&A 18 1/2, [https://youtu.be/0hIbsdvliik?t=1875] you didn't think a separate platform might be needed, given a CFV on an IFV chassis could be 95% effective, and in Q&A 11, that the Bradley might be a little big for scouting, but can provide a strong firepower. Would the "XM87 Moran" be similar to a British Ajax vehicle that doesn't carry dismounts or a smaller M3 Bradley CFV that carries a small dismount? Seeing how most countries either used tracked IFVs (Bradley, CV90, Lynx, etc) or wheeled vehicles (EBRC Jaguar, Rooikat, Piranha 8x8 derivatives) for the recon/scout role. I'm sorry if this sounds like an interrogation, but I feel even more confused with the information regarding a recon/scout vehicle, particularly from the US Cavalry's requirements. I love your work as always.
Raptorteam
2023-08-03 00:06:50 +0000 UTCHow did the US GMC truck compare to the German Opel blitz in regards to how well they preformed their task such as lugging around logistics reliably or on time. Or to haul different guns to designated spots of operations. Finally, what were the opposing sides opinions on each others logistical vehicles
Little Z
2023-08-02 13:54:41 +0000 UTCWhy did early 76 armed Sherman’s and hellcats not have a muzzle break but added it on later? Did they add it on because it reduced the recoil thus increasing safety or better loading speeds?
Little Z
2023-08-02 13:51:51 +0000 UTC(1.)What are the advantages and disadvantages of HESH and why did the British choose to stick with it for so long? (2.) What was the Soviets opinion on valentine. {I’ve heard conflicting conclusions}
Con_of_Class
2023-08-01 00:22:55 +0000 UTCI'm being greedy: Can you explain the IS3 and the "fear" it allegedly inspired in west?
MasonicRat
2023-07-21 17:09:53 +0000 UTCWhy did the US only use M48s in Vietnam instead of M60's?
MasonicRat
2023-07-20 19:08:45 +0000 UTC2 questions: 1. Why do Ukrainian airborne troops use T-80's (or any nation with airborne troops that use MBT's?)? Might be a misunderstanding on my part of what these nations are considering as "airborne" troops, but I wouldn't consider 45+ tonnes of tank to be fitting typical airborne doctrine. 2. Russian carousel autoloader vs French bustle style. Which is better?
MasonicRat
2023-07-18 18:28:27 +0000 UTCWhat was the moste overrated ww2 tank of any nation?
Oscar
2023-07-14 09:42:36 +0000 UTCTwofold question here, thankfully devoid of opinions on sci-fi tanks. 1: What is the status on the Stryker Dragoon? I've heard whispers of it being fielded for years now, but haven't seen much evidence of it in any substantial numbers. My understanding is that it was intended to counter BTR-90s and BMD-4s in eastern Europe, a scenario much more relevant in light of the Ukraine war. Has the project been shelved? Or are the Stryker Dragoons actually going to be fielded in masse? 2: Why is the US looking into both a MPF vehicle heavier than a light tank, and the new Abrams X lighter than the previous generation main battle tanks? Surely both vehicles fill a role of "big gun, adequate armour, and not TOO heavy to actually get to wherever the US needs to project its power"? Why are two different vehicles needed for what is to my mind, a similar set of requirements?
Jamie McMillan
2023-07-14 05:33:53 +0000 UTCHow does a commanding office decide if an immobilized Abrams should be salvaged/towed or destroyed? Also, assuming the crew are not injured, do they get a ride on the other tanks/armored vehicles or are they evac along with the injured?
Sface
2023-07-13 15:14:29 +0000 UTCWhy. wasn't the M113 ACAV used in Vietnam adopted for use in Europe at least in the interim until the Bradley was available.
USAUSA
2023-07-12 21:36:14 +0000 UTCWhat do you see as a viable defence against drone swarms at say battalion level in the next few years. IE energy weapons, improved EMP, or Gatling weapons in 20-30mm range, or larger weapons like 50-75mm proximity fused rounds.
John Kettner
2023-07-11 17:16:52 +0000 UTCI have heard stories of Soviet doctrine of "scientific war," with formulae for how many tanks, artillery, troops and so on that you need to perform a given military task. Some commentators say that recent events show that this system is especially vulnerable to bad inputs such as subordinates overstating their own unit's performance or readiness. I imagine this becomes even more acute when forces have to be rationed, so over committing to make sure of the result isn't really an option. First, I'd like to know if this is really how the Soviets and later the Russians do/did things, and if it is also the case in the West. Second, if this approach is followed, how do you mitigate for incomplete information on friend and or foe.
Oisin Creaner
2023-07-11 10:13:21 +0000 UTCQ&A: During ww2 the us army tanks used a variety of engines (radials, multibank, V-shaped ones) and it looks to me like they chose randomly on what tank should get what engine. But I kind of doubt that. Could you talk about how they (tank and engine) were paired up and if it mady any difference to the crews? Was one model preferred or disliked? And most importantly: could you recommend literature on this topic?
Reichsbierminister
2023-07-10 16:36:45 +0000 UTCHi, Hope you can help. I'm hopefully getting a gaming PC soon and was wondering if there's any good tank sims. WW2 for preference but will give anything a go. Thanks
Ian Barlow
2023-07-09 10:50:45 +0000 UTCHi Couple of questions if I may. 1 How much work goes into commonality between vehicles? For example, some of your comments on the XM1302 compare it to the M1- is it intentional to minimise the training burden on crew? 2 When competing vehicles are being developed, what’s the position on “borrowing” features from the competition? Should the XM1302 have something shiny that the Army wanted to see on the XM10, is that possible? Would BAE just license the feature to GDLS? (I’m thinking that nifty fibre-optic sight) 3 Do autoloaders have a default round? For example, in an anti-armour engagement the crew manages to expend all their APFSDS rounds; does the autoloader just refuse to do anything or does it just have a pre-set “general purpose” round (I’d assume HEAT) 4 Given your adventures in contortionism getting in and out of the drivers hatch on the XM1302, is it possible that the Army could introduce a height limit the way the Russians used to do? 5 The British Army is spending a fortune on Ajax which has got itself a reputation even before entering service. What can it do that a Boxer with an appropriate module can’t? I’m trying to see why it’s needed other than the posh Cavalry types in the UK refusing to share a platform with the common oiks in the line regiments. OK, so that’s more than a couple :D
Ian Shaw
2023-07-08 17:51:22 +0000 UTCThere are many examples of naval guns modified for, or directly installed into tanks by many nations. How about the opposite; During WW2 and Cold War many nations had some gunboats and patrol craft which were fitted with tank turrets with their respective armament. Some examples from the UK and USSR are such as Valentine, T-34 (both 76 and 85) and PT-76 turrets installed as main armament on boats. These may have existed more out of necessity and cost saving than being optimal for the purpose, but are you aware of the US ever sticking tank turrets onto their vessels? Amphibious tanks don't count. Do you think the idea would be feasible in modern day?
Synalra
2023-07-08 14:07:22 +0000 UTCTwo as usual! Cheers Chief, hope you had a good 4th of July. 1. The Abrams seems to be one of very few modern MBTs that actually gets solid plate side skirts. Leopard 2s, the slew of ex-Soviet T-tank designs, and even the more modern Chinese MBTs seem to all go with rubber or at least somewhat flexible side skirts. Why the solid metal side skirt for Abrams, or why not for the other nations? Or are we getting a dedicated Tanks 101 on side skirts? 2. It's often seen in games, but was zig-zagging whilst motoring at high speed ever done as a way to make it hard for the enemy to get a bead on your vehicle? I ask this with particular note concerning something like the BT, but would it be possible with other fast tanks such as a Hellcat, or even wheeled vehicles like German 222s or 234s, or US M8? And does the advent of triple axis stabilizers on modern MBTs make this a more feasible tactic, or utterly useless because of laser rangefinding (survivability onion layers don't be seen and don't be acquired)?
Kazuki K.
2023-07-07 22:21:12 +0000 UTCHi, been following you for a while now. Thanks for the great content. Hopefully simple question, the Calliope (T34) shows up frequently in games as an 'artillery' tank. Was it actually effective? Or was it meant to simply scare the other guy. Any nations have luck with their own rocket tanks besides the silly Sturmtiger?
Erien
2023-07-07 10:55:29 +0000 UTCTo swim or not to swim? So it’s time to design a new armored reconnaissance vehicle for the cavalry, as the Bradley is getting long in the tooth and yes you’re bringing back the ACR’s. In view of having to possibly fight the “Umpteenth Battle of the Masurian Lakes” in the Suwalki Gap, which has an abundance of what engineers refer to as “wet gaps,” do you make the vehicle amphibious? By amphibious I’m thinking fresh water lakes, rivers, and marshes not going surfing in the oceans like the marines. Also once you’ve made the decision, if you go amphibious do you opt for a “run out the trim vane” like the M113, inflate the balloons like a Korean K-21, or raise the skirts like the M2/3 Bradley before they added everything on it and how do you propel it, track paddling or propellers/pump jets?
John Cryer
2023-07-07 06:18:50 +0000 UTCSince many others are doing twofers, I'll forgo my usual silly question. You've worked directly and indirectly with many different nations' militaries, are there lessons or ideas you've encountered from other nations that the US would do better to adopt or consider? I know you've mentioned the Irish strategy while patrolling for the second to last man to watch behind so as to keep an eye on the last man.
Thunderchild
2023-07-06 21:57:59 +0000 UTCDoes the destroyer v Tiger at Salerno count?
Thunderchild
2023-07-06 21:54:17 +0000 UTCHowdy Howdy Chief, Got two questions for you again. 1) In your remake of your "Why the Sherman is the way it is" video, you mentioned the Gyro Stabilizer on the Sherman was initially hated because no one trained troops on how it worked or to how to maintain it. Are there other instances of this happening? (I.E. equipment being added in with no training). Did other armies have similar occurrences? 2) As much as we poke fun of the Bob Semple tank. what about the other tank New Zealand tried out; the Schofield tank?
Teku
2023-07-06 19:07:02 +0000 UTCGreetings Chieftain, keep up the great content! 1st time I'll be asking a question here I have a question which I'm not sure has been asked before or answered for that matter but why were Tank Destroyers more commonly used in Urban combat? There's a few pictures of U.S M10s being used in a fire support role in cities like St. Lo, France or Manila, Philippines, but wouldn't open top tanks be more susceptible to enemy infantry returning fire from higher vantage points within the city? If this has already been answered in a previous Q/A then I do have another one instead Given the current circumstances in Ukraine with the Ukrainians losing Leopard 2s and Bradley's in minefields or river crossings is this a case of the Ukrainians lacking training or a doctrine thing, or is it just simply bad luck?
WookieeDavidson
2023-07-06 16:21:23 +0000 UTCGreetings Chieftain. 2.5 questions for you 1 & 1.5 I’ve noticed that since 9/11 the US military seems to have shifted away from using the Division and has a larger focus on the “Brigade Combat team”. Was this transition meant to be permanent? And do you think we will return to the traditional units of battle in the next major conventional conflict? (Battalion, Regiment, Division) 2. What is your favorite North American built Diesel-Electric Locomotive?
CPTTANKER JOE
2023-07-06 04:13:49 +0000 UTCOne serious question, and something completely different: 1) In John Weeks's "Men Against Tanks" he describes the measures taken by both sides of the Spanish Civil War to handle enemy armor. Aside from the more proactive measures of actually trying to destroy the tanks, he speaks of measures meant to trick or scare tank crews; things such as placing dinner plates across a road to stop an advance for fear of mines, or hanging sheets across a narrow street to keep the tank crews from seeing what was at the far end. These apparently proved somewhat effective, but seemed to be largely helped by the relatively poor training received by Spanish crews. I am wondering if any such measures were officially adopted by forces going into or through World War 2. Of course there were measures like the famous antitank rock, as well as a plethora of other obstacles and obstructions outlined to most forces, however this was still intended as a means of physically stopping a tank. Were there any officially directed measures taken by any side that intended to simply scare tank crews into stopping their advance; purely psychological measures meant to deceive or even disorient? 2) I have spent a great length of time trying to put my finger on it, and have at last come to the conclusion that you remind me of the late, great Graham Chapman. I realize this may set a precedent, and is not really a question, so I completely understand if you choose to decline, but; Would you very much mind saying for us "One thing is for sure. The sheep is not a creature of the air."? Thank you.
Felicity Longis
2023-07-06 03:38:50 +0000 UTCHi Mr.Chieftain,two questions for you. If you don't mind answering. 1) With the acceptance of the M10 Booker taking over from the M1128 MGS. What will happen to the MGS in service? Will they be put in reserve, scrapped, or used as training vehicles for the M10 Booker? 2) The M10 Booker do you know what it would be classified as? Is it more of an assault gun like the German STuGs since its suppose to support the infantry or a tank destroyer like the original M10 GMC that was used to kill tanks, but majority of the time used to support the infantry with supporting and covering fire? Thank you for taking the time to read our questions and hope you had a Happy 4th of July!
Josh Conti
2023-07-06 00:23:44 +0000 UTCWhat was the best place you’ve been to film (ie accommodating, space for gear, etc)? What was the “least fun” shall we say?
Caleb Engelhardt
2023-07-05 22:36:05 +0000 UTCOh, I second that question. Would there be a situation where an actual penetration would still consider the tank recoverable/fieldable?
B-7
2023-07-05 22:14:07 +0000 UTCHey Chief, I have a couple. 1. I understand that arguing about classification is silly, and it often is arbitrary, but silly things definitely happen on this channel. So: what exactly makes M47 an MBT, but M46 not? With British it's quite clear: the Centurion was designed to replace both mainline British types of tanks, cruiser and infantry. Same with the USSR, where T-54 was developed as a replacement for both T-44 and IS/T-10. But in the US there was developed and even fielded the M103, so M47 wasn't immediately replacing heavy tanks, so it should be considered a medium? And the first American true MBT, marked by the discontinuation of the heavy tanks development, was the M60? What's your take on that? 2. And from silly to... Well... Taking into account world building and setting, tank depiction, and every other conceivable factor, what would you consider more realistic: Girls und Panzer or World of Tanks? Or rather, which one of the two gaslights you less? (The question is a product of a well lubricated brain at the time, please understand.)
B-7
2023-07-05 22:06:59 +0000 UTCIf a Sherman or other American tank was hit, other than complete burn out, what types of damage would be considered "recoverable" verses complete loss/salvage for parts, I am aware of things like the bogeys could be switched out and transmissions, I guess I am asking what parts were NOT shipped over?
Robert Henry Illston
2023-07-05 21:48:12 +0000 UTCWhat is the strangest and weirdest tank engagement or battle in history and why?
WhiteSagettarius
2023-07-05 21:34:57 +0000 UTCWhat is your opinion on Boxer compared to Stryker?
Alexander H.
2023-07-05 19:54:55 +0000 UTC
