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From: v059l49z@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Paul C Stacy)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: "Dusters" (?) of Vietnam
Message-ID: <1991Feb27.020538.20931@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 27 Feb 91 02:05:38 GMT
Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker)
Organization: University at Buffalo
Lines: 22
Approved: military@att.att.com



From: v059l49z@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Paul C Stacy)

I've seen pictures of vehicals used in Vietnam I believe were called "Dusters".
They were M-48 tanks with twin Grendade launchers replacing the main gun (and
looking something like the Sgt. York).

I was wondering if any of those are still lying around somewhere?  They would
seem like a good weapon to have in the Gulf against light armor and equipment/
people concentrations.

				Paul "Joe Friday" Stacy

[mod.note: That's the M-42 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun System
(Duster).  According the Jane's, it is a unique chassis, not based
on the M-48.  It carries two 40mm cannon, not grenade launchers and is
apparently manually aimed; no radar-control.  As of 1976, US service
was limited to reserves, and the last of 3700 vehicles had been built
in 1957.
	I would bet that a Bradley would be more effective in the roles you
specify than a Duster would be. - Bill ]