Q&A 36: All About Tanks, with Nicolas Moran (the Chieftain)

Published on December 26, 2019
Duration: 112:45

This Q&A session with Nicolas Moran (The Chieftain) delves into various aspects of armored vehicle weaponry and design. Key discussions include the reliability issues of the M85 machine gun versus the M2, the effectiveness of different machine gun mounting locations on tanks, and the viability of the 25mm cannon and TOW missiles on the Bradley. Moran also touches on the evolution of tank armament, from early machine guns to modern remote weapon stations, and the role of small arms for tank crews.

Quick Summary

The M85 machine gun often suffered from reliability issues, requiring specific operational 'tricks' to function, unlike the more forgiving M2 Browning. Coaxial machine guns are considered the most effective tank armament due to integration with the main gun's fire control system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction & Q&A Setup
  2. 00:01:12M85 Machine Gun & M231 Port Firing Weapon
  3. 00:03:04M85 Machine Gun Reliability Discussion
  4. 00:05:46Machine Gun Mounting Locations: Hull vs. Coaxial
  5. 00:11:05Advantages of Hull-Mounted Machine Guns
  6. 00:12:50Sponson Mounted Machine Guns
  7. 00:13:52Coaxial Machine Gun Effectiveness
  8. 00:14:36AA Machine Guns & Air Defense Role
  9. 00:16:13Remote Weapon Stations (CROWS)
  10. 00:18:0625mm Cannon & TOW Missile Viability on Bradley
  11. 00:21:3725mm Cannon Effectiveness & HE Rounds
  12. 00:22:03TOW Missile Limitations
  13. 00:23:30Bird's Eye View Cameras on Tanks
  14. 00:26:52M1 Abrams & Bradley Secondary Weapons
  15. 00:30:56Spent Case Ejection in Tanks
  16. 00:34:02Cult of the Machine Gun in Tank Design
  17. 00:37:25Swedish S-Tank Design & Future Layouts
  18. 00:42:01Light Tank / Mobile Gun System Procurement
  19. 00:45:06Sherman 75mm vs. 76mm Gun Effectiveness
  20. 00:47:1420-30mm Autocannons as Secondary Tank Weapons
  21. 00:52:48Man-Portable Anti-Armor Weapons vs. Unmanned Vehicles
  22. 00:56:48Tank Crew Small Arms: Purpose & Use
  23. 01:00:07Carbine vs. Rifle for Tank Crews
  24. 01:06:16Oldest Tanks vs. Modern Tanks
  25. 01:07:14Coaxial Weapon Ammunition Types
  26. 01:09:48Effectiveness of Anti-Tank Rifles in WWII

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main issues with the M85 machine gun on tanks?

The M85 machine gun faced reliability issues, often requiring specific operational 'tricks' to function correctly. Compared to the M2 Browning, it was generally considered less forgiving of field conditions and more prone to malfunctions if not meticulously maintained according to technical manuals.

Which machine gun mounting location is most effective on a tank?

The coaxial machine gun is generally considered the most effective mounting. It's integrated with the tank's main gun fire control system, allowing for accurate engagement of infantry and light vehicles without needing to traverse the entire tank hull.

Is the 25mm cannon on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle still effective?

The 25mm cannon has limitations, particularly with its High Explosive (HE) round's fusing and charge. While capable against soft targets and older armor, it struggles against modern threats compared to advanced multi-purpose rounds with programmable fuses.

What is the primary role of small arms for tank crews?

Small arms for tank crews are primarily intended as escape weapons or for last-ditch defense. Their purpose is to provide a means of survival and to keep enemy infantry at bay during a retreat, rather than for offensive engagements.

Can older tanks defeat modern tanks like the M1 Abrams?

With highly competent crews and tactics, older tanks can potentially defeat modern ones by exploiting weaknesses, particularly side or rear armor. However, frontal engagements are extremely difficult due to superior armor and firepower of modern tanks.

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