Author Topic: Gimme a tank destroyer (Read 1040 times)

Baine · « **on:** September 05, 2005, 06:21:27 PM »

Was watching "Mail Call" segment on the difference between tanks and tank destroyers and I've decided that the next gv we get should be a U.S. tank destroyer.
While lightly armored, the tds carried a powerful cannon and could move really fast _ 45-55 mph _ sort of like mating an M8 with a panzer. Since the turrret was open, they also had good visibility for the crew.
According to R. Lee's explanation, US doctrine in WWII called for tanks as infantry support while tds were tasked with taking out enemy armor. Problem was, few actually followed doctrine, so Sherman's often found themselves going up against panzers and tds found themselves trying to take out fortified enemy positions.
This is one new gv that I can see getting a lot of use, whereas something like a Sherman would fill a gap but probably wouldn't see much actual use in the MA

MOIL · « **Reply #1 on:** September 05, 2005, 06:28:58 PM »

I like the idea, but then again I like the idea of any new GV!
Especially the 88 and Wirbelwind:D

SMIDSY · « **Reply #2 on:** September 05, 2005, 07:22:55 PM »

what Mail Call didnt tell you was that almoast every country had tank destroyers. the germans were famous for their exelent tank destroyers like the jagdpanzer, jagdpanther and other such armored assault guns. most did not have a turret, but were still very effective. the german assault guns (most famously the StuG series) were heavily armored and had a low profile unlike the american equivilents. also unlike the american equivilents, the Stug was used from the beginning of the war till the last day.

this pic shows a late model StuG

Raptor · « **Reply #3 on:** September 05, 2005, 10:44:47 PM »

I would like to see the M18 Hellcat, saw service until 1996 in parts of the world.

AmRaaM · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2005, 07:14:22 PM »

and then a tank destroyer destroyer , and after that a tank destroyer destroyer destroyer.....and.......

finally,, little annie firing them 180mm or so nuclear shells.

SMIDSY · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2005, 08:35:03 PM »

i dont think you understand the concept of a tank destroyer. it has thin armor so it doesnt sacrifice speed for a larger gun. tank destroyers are fast and agile so they can flank enemy tanks. however the thin armor on late-war american tanks could be taken out with ease by a pre-war AT rifle. so in fact, the tank destroyer destroyer is the tank itself.

analogy:
its like trading in a long sward and a shield for a two-handed sward and losing the shield: you gain offencive power but sacrifice defence.

Baine · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2005, 09:59:20 PM »

what Mail Call didnt tell you was that almoast every country had tank destroyers. the germans were famous for their exelent tank destroyers like the jagdpanzer, jagdpanther and other such armored assault guns. most did not have a turret, but were still very effective. the german assault guns (most famously the StuG series) were heavily armored and had a low profile unlike the american equivilents. also unlike the american equivilents, the Stug was used from the beginning of the war till the last day.

I've seen lots of pictures of the Stug and the Russian TDs _ the ones I've seen look alot like the German models. But I have to admit I'm not all that familiar with the capabilities of the Stugs and jagds _ were they as fast as the American models or was their chief advantage the lower profile and ease of manufacture?
The thing that attracted me to the American tank destroyers was the speed plus hitting power, two attributes that I think would see it get lots of use.
I get frustrated sometimes crawling to an objective only to get knocked out the minute I get there. I'd much rather race to my doom.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 06, 2005, 10:05:10 PM »

Well, in the hands of two people manning the tank. One driver, one gunner, it would be tough to beat.

SMIDSY · « **Reply #8 on:** September 07, 2005, 02:12:48 AM »

the german assault guns were not as fast as the american tank destroyers but they had a FAR lower profile. the guns on the german ones were a bit better than that of the americans.

Suave · « **Reply #9 on:** September 07, 2005, 08:39:11 AM »

Wittman started out in a stug.

If they ever introduce some early to midwar tanks I think that they would need to implement and evolving GV set.

parin · « **Reply #10 on:** September 07, 2005, 03:10:28 PM »

One of:
1943 USA Gun Motor Carriage M36 "Slugger"
Mounted on a M4A3 Sherman Chassis.
Armament: 1- 90mm gun in new turret
1- 0.5" MG AA
Engine; Ford GAA, V-8, gas, 500 hp
Speed: 30 mph
Range; 150 miles
Crew: 5
Weight: 31 tons

Entered service in Europe in late 1944. Proved very
successful in anti-tank role. Equipped with 90mm gun.
Replaced M-10. The high velocity converted AA gun with AP
ammunition, could destroy Panthers and Tigers at long
range.

these.