Author Topic: Tank question (Read 903 times)

SunTracker · « **on:** February 22, 2005, 06:03:46 AM »

Why did they do away with the tank commanders cupola (like on the M-60) on the M1 Abrams? On the M1, the tank commander has to be expose to fire his machine gun. On the M-60, the tank commander really does have a miniature turret where he can button up and fire at things with his machine gun.

Finrod · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2005, 06:14:08 AM »

The TC's(Tank Commander) 50 is fired electrically from inside the tank using the Commander's Override. The TC is only exposed when putting a new ammo can in place.

SunTracker · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:37:47 AM »

You can see by this picture that both the commander and gunner have to be exposed to fire their weapons.

SunTracker · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:42:11 AM »

This picture shows the M60s commander's cupola.

vatiAH · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:44:25 AM »

No they don't. The TC can operate the gun from inside the turret by means of remote controls mounted in the turret. The loader does need to expose himself if he wants to fire his gun.

Vati

SunTracker · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:47:05 AM »

I know the commander has a turret override control, where he can take control of the main cannon and the coax machine gun. But this takes away the gunner's weapons if they are buttoned up.

Or did you mean that the commanders machine gun on top of the tank can be remotely controlled?

VOR · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:47:35 AM »

On the M1 and M1A1, the TC fired his weapon from inside the turret using an electric switch to control the cupola's azimuth while turning a small crank (we called it the "eggbeater") to control elevation. On the M1A2, the "improved commaner's weapon station" was introduced, which requires the TC to expose himself and fire the MG from a relatively unsteady platform. Improved? No. More affordable given the overall increase of the A2 package? Most likely. Oh yeah, the TC's periscopes are larger, easier to see out of, and about 10x more reflective.

Finrod · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2005, 09:52:32 AM »

Nevermind my 24 years experience in tanks. What would I know.

Nilsen · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:00:54 AM »

I dunno... what do you know?

Finrod · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:03:58 AM »

That lute fish sucks.

Nilsen · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:14:45 AM »

yuck... I would never put mine in a lutefisk.

Monk · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:17:13 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Finrod
Nevermind my 24 years experience in tanks. What would I know.

With that sorry avatar, not much. j/k.

Suntracker, the picture shows the TC and loader unbuttoned and standing on the seats. Only the loader needs to be out to fire his weapon.

The TC fires remotely as Finrod said.

Finrod · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:24:31 AM »

My day simply would not be complete without at least one Norwegian drive-by Nilsen.

I'm working a staff job til retirement in October, but my fondest memories will always be of my time in the 2nd ACR. I suspect you were 11th Monk?

Otto · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:29:18 AM »

Why did they do away with the tank commanders cupola

I'm guessing it's because the Cupola adds height to the profile of the tank and would trigger any explosive round that hit it plus with the advances in electronics and remote control (see above) it wasn't necessary anymore.

Disclamer: No one on the Design Team ask my opinion.

Monk · « **Reply #14 on:** February 22, 2005, 10:30:16 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Finrod
My day simply would not be complete without at least one Norwegian drive-by Nilsen.

I suspect you were 11th Monk?

nope, 2/2