For A Change

I've been participating in a spirited discussion about tanks on a forum and it's been nice to be able to talk about something I actually know a bit about.

Instead of sitting there trying to absorb stuff I don't know a thing about.

It all started with someone posting an article about what a death trap the Chrysler XM1 was and its numerous deficiencies that will get our boys killed dead if we ever have a war with the Rooskies.

An article from 1980.

I remember the talk about the shot-trap and how the bottom of the turret and top of the hull would channel a round into the turret ring to the dismay of the crew inside.

Except...

The rounds that would be so deflected don't have the penetration to do any damage once they get there.

Sabot rounds don't ricochet like that.

HEAT and HESH might, but the "pinball" effect will either detonate them too soon, doing little damage; or slow them so much they don't detonate, doing no damage.

The rounds that gave rise to the term "shot trap" armor piercing ballistic cap and armor piercing hard core (APBC and APHC) do ricochet as predicted.  And lose so much energy in the process that they will not damage the turret ring, let alone penetrate.  APBC and APHC are obsolete rounds.

I'm also enjoying all the tank cliches being spouted as absolute facts.

Things like the Sherman being more fire prone than any other tank.  It wasn't more prone than any other before wet stowage, and far less prone after.

You were far more likely to survive your tank catching fire if it's a Sherman than any other tank of the war.  Crew egress is excellent.