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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Tank surface to air, anti missile capabilities
Message-ID: <1991May8.034514.11217@amd.com>
Date: 7 May 91 20:51:33 GMT
References: <1991May7.062305.12334@amd.com>
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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)


>From: kevin@ccs.QueensU.CA (Kevin Broekhoven)

1. Surface-to-air/anti-helicoptor capability.

Not much capability.  The commander's .50 is supposed to be used for
low-slow flying enemy aircraft.  In 1982, when the 3rd Inf Div was 
receiving their first M1s - I argued with the Tank Gunnery Table officials
that 1) the .50 was not capable of defeating the Soviet HIND-D and that
2) the only weapon the tank 'could' use was its main gun.  However,  
they didn't listen - and Tank Gunnery Table VII still required the tank
crew to engage the mock-up HIND target with the .50.

The M1A1 Commander's weapons is the M2HB .50 cal MG with 1,000 rounds.
Powered 360degree traverse; manual elevation controls; maximum elevation/
depression +65degrees/ -10 degrees.

However, the tank is designed to fight other tanks - leaving any 
helicoptor threats to other air-defense systems - Vulcan, Chapparell,
Avenger, Stinger.  The tank couldn't mount a mini-gun then have room
for all the ammunition - it's already crowded inside - and has to carry
40 rounds for the main gun. 

> 3. Why are the machine guns externally mounted, and manually operated?  

The machine guns are for engagement of other stuff.  Mainly, the 7.62
coax and the 7.62 loader's gun are for use against dismounted troops -
"troops in the open".  The .50 can engage 'soft skin' or 'thin-armor'
vehicles. 

Plus - they give something for the commander to hang on to when riding,
standing up in the open hatch - and a place to put your map - when you're
lost.

My .02

Mike Schmitt