AboutPeter Eriksson Expertise Im capable of answering many of your questions about modern Main Battle Tanks and their configuration/construction/sub-systems. I can also tell you a thing or two about MBT ammunition like the DU-projectiles and Hollow Charge munitions if you like.
Experience I work as a technical officer in the Swedish armoured corps. I work on a daily basis with modern systems like the Leopard 2 MBT and the CV9040 IFV. This is something I have done for almost 4 years now and on my sparetime I sometimes help to restore old armoured vehicles. In addition to that I have a website at www.mainbattletanks.net dedicated to swedish armoured vehicles.
Question Hi, lets say the tank crew is locked in their tank -- and they know that the enemy foot soldiers are clambering all over the tank.
The crew don't want that.
I think I was told about modern tanks firing a grenade upwards then it exploding. This had the effect of killing the unwanted enemy scambling over the tank, but not harming the tank because of it's armour.
Have you ever heard of such a thing? If not -- what do tank crews do if there are 5 enemy personnel scrambling around on the roof and they want rid of them?
Thanks,
Dave
Answer Hi
On modern tanks ther are some ways to prevent enemy soldiers to climb "onboard".
1: Speed. Makes it hard to get on the tank. Its though to get up when a tank i still, imagine when it is driving along in 10 km /h
2: A tank is never alone. Another tank can easily hose the other tank with machinegun fire to get rid of soldiers climbing on top.
3: There are systems like the french GIAT GALIX that can fire smoke grenades as well as high explosive grandes that detonate right outside the tube covering the tank in shrapnel
An enemy that has the chance to climmb up on a tank is doing something that can easily be described as suicide. It would be much better to sneak up within close range and fire an rpg or place an explosive device. Which would in any scenario, be classified as suicide attempt.
