- 12 Jun 2010 01:05
#13412944
Reposted, just in case the old site is lost.
Smilin' Dave wrote:I'm surprised by the number of positive mentions for the Merkeva, given their less than stellar performance in 2006
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Wadi_Saluki
It seems to me the 'toughest' tank is just as vulnerable to the current generation of AT missiles as any other. It doesn't seem the crews did too well out of it either.
Quote:
A maximum of 12 RPG rounds into the side of a tank with reactive armor will take it out of the fight. 12 RPG rounds are alot cheaper then a single tank.
How on earth are you going to get 12 RPGs pointed at a tank without somebody noticing and firing at them? The Chechens had some success with such tactics (although I think even they were working with less than 12 RPGs), but they had certain advantages
1. Urban environment (not uncommon admittedly)
2. Deficiency in Soviet/Russian tanks, which limit their ability to fire at targets that are too high or too low
Godstud wrote:Simple things like RPG cages are proving to be quite effective against older generation AT weapons. The newer ones(more like AT missiles than grenades) that strike the top of the tank are still quite effective.
Many of the top tanks are comparable. The advantages the M1 and some of the more battle proved tanks have is that they have been refined and many of their deficiencies have been discovered.
War Angel wrote:Yes - older generations of the Merkava, most notably, Mk. II and the non-improved Mk.III. The new Mk.IV and improved Mk.III performed well, very well in-fact.
They are being fitted with active defences, now. Crew\personnel protection and survivability is a prime concern in the Israeli military doctrine.
killim wrote:Every current/future tank generation is outfitted with active protection system, but to be honest it is a really tricky system in the field for usual tank tactics. However the RPG cages are really good, cheap and effective.
IMHO there is not "the" best MBT it clearly depends from the demands you have.
Jaded centrist. Wary Cautious liberal. Obligated Engineer(Civil).
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