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Sayeret
06-10-2004, 10:47 PM
http://www.defense-update.com/images/M-1A1-destroyed.jpg
Above: M-1A1 destroyed by RPG ambush. Successful attacks are scored at stationary targets, primarily from side or rear attacks, at the less protected parts of the tanks. Below - Palestinian militants equipped with RPGs.


In the continuing conflict in Iraq, shoulder fired rocket propelled grenades anti-tank (RPG) were once again proven a potent weapon. RPGs performed impressively in all post WWII conflicts, especially in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Chechnya. In the 1982 war in Lebanon, Israeli soldiers were confronted on by many RPGs. Palestinian militants are also using in the occupied territories, but Israeli heavy fighting vehicles are well protected to sustain such attacks while effective tactics are used to avoid exposure of softer vehicles to such threats.
http://www.defense-update.com/images/rpg-hamas.jpg
Inexperienced RPG operators could engage a stationary target effectively from 150 – 300 meters, while experienced users could kill a target at up to 500 meters, and moving targets at 300 meters. Casualties and losses suffered during the Yom Kippur War, from RPGs and anti-tank missiles, caused the IDF to deploy add-on reactive armor. The Israelis have used various types of add-on armor protection for their tanks and APCs. The most modern add-on hybrid armor package for M-113 and LAV is the L-VAS, designed under collaboration between IMI and RAFAEL. The Russian Army followed the same course as a result of its experience in Afghanistan and Chechnya. The Russians have also used cage armour, to protect against RPGs in Chechnya. In post war Iraq, RPGs have caused over fifty percent of U.S. soldiers killed in action.

http://www.defense-update.com/images/magach-reactive.jpg In Iraq, the US Army is using reactive armor to protect the Bradley M2, while the new Stryker APC is using an interim Slat Armor until the new add-on plate armor will be delivered in 2005. Placement of sand bags and supplies boxes outside the turret and hull are also creating a gap between the RPG and the steel armor, that could degrade and even defeat the HEAT warhead of the RPG.
http://www.defense-update.com/images/btr-80-cage.jpg
Designed specifically for close combat operations, this reliable, simple and affordable weapon poses a serious threat to even the heaviest tanks, when used by determined fighters, in urban and guerrilla warfare. In Guerilla warfare, the RPG-7 is an effective tool against convoys, isolated checkpoints, and observation posts, where it is frequently used in volleys, coordination with other shooters. RPGs are also used in certain conditions against low, slow flying or hovering helicopters, where the weapon is fired from maximum range (920 meters) utilizing the self destruct mechanism as a makeshift proximity fuze. The weapon scored few successes in hitting helicopters Afghanistan and Iraq.
http://www.defense-update.com/images/strykercage.jpg

Operation Ivy
06-10-2004, 10:51 PM
Cages are ugly though, and an Abrams/any modern tank can take an RPG hit unless it hits there "soft spot" which then doesnt even gurantee a kill.


http://www.defense-update.com/images/M-1A1-destroyed.jpg

The RPG didnt do that much damage as shown, wasnt it destroyed by the crew, or hit from the air so Iraqi's didnt get it?

Midav
06-10-2004, 11:28 PM
I know of at least M1 that was actually destroyed by multiple RPG's that hit the grill.

This may be it.

talib_killa34
06-11-2004, 12:19 AM
Cages are ugly though, and an Abrams/any modern tank can take an RPG hit unless it hits there "soft spot" which then doesnt even gurantee a kill.


http://www.defense-update.com/images/M-1A1-destroyed.jpg

The RPG didnt do that much damage as shown, wasnt it destroyed by the crew, or hit from the air so Iraqi's didnt get it?

It looks like "Cajone Eh" and yeah it was destroyed by friendly air to deny the enemy access to it.

Old ass RPG-7's ARE NOT killing modern MBT's like the M1-A1. External fires on the engine are the culprit.

Say what you will haters, it just does not happen! :bash:

Vance
06-11-2004, 12:20 AM
Looks cool though.

Sayeret
06-11-2004, 12:56 AM
Say what you will haters, it just does not happen! :bash:

I'm not a hater of the M1 and neither are the people of the article. They were just saying that RPGs are a threat to many vehicles. Just because the M1 was destroyed by an RPG doesn't mean its a bad tank. Also the warhead used that destroyed the tank I heard was a newer type and also supposedly it hit a weak area of the tank.

MEGR
06-11-2004, 01:16 AM
Just like the Death Star, the Abrams has it's weaknesses.. RIP to the dead of the M1 kills, and the death star.

Midav
06-11-2004, 01:20 AM
Sayeret never said he hated the M1 and Devgru hit the nail on the head.

Every vehicle has its weakness.

If something is made by a man, it can and will be destroyed by another man.

Ngati Tumatauenga
06-11-2004, 01:40 AM
Nice article Sayeret.

talib_killa34
06-11-2004, 01:50 AM
Sayeret never said he hated the M1 and Devgru hit the nail on the head.

Every vehicle has its weakness.

If something is made by a man, it can and will be destroyed by another man.

True and true, but the question still remains: "Was this M1 brought down by an RPG?"
Technically, yes. But what the Army really cares about is "Crew Survival". That tanks crew all survived and the damage there was caused by a A-10 with a Mav. "Catastrophic" damage is what the Army calls any tank that loses it crew to ammo cooking off inside the tank after a direct hit and the turret pops off. (Like T-72's have been known to do) That has not occured to an M1 if memory serves.

Regards fellas.

Abbyy
06-11-2004, 01:52 AM
Cages are ugly though, and an Abrams/any modern tank can take an RPG hit unless it hits there "soft spot" which then doesnt even gurantee a kill.


http://www.defense-update.com/images/M-1A1-destroyed.jpg

The RPG didnt do that much damage as shown, wasnt it destroyed by the crew, or hit from the air so Iraqi's didnt get it?

I guess this damage is not due to RPG hit but due to tank was put on fire. But this fire can be result of lucky RPG hit(s). Or if you remember iraqis often like to burn vehicles they disabled (see everyday pics from iraq today).

Abbyy
06-11-2004, 01:56 AM
"Catastrophic" damage is what the Army calls any tank that loses it crew to ammo cooking off inside the tank after a direct hit and the turret pops off. (Like T-72's have been known to do) That has not occured to an M1 if memory serves.

Regards fellas.

M1 dont have HE shells among standard ammunition. They usually main cause of such spectacular explosions as i understand.

talib_killa34
06-12-2004, 01:07 AM
I don't know about no HE, but the ammo's stored in a space with armored doors separating the crew and also has blow out panels on top to dissipate the blast up and away from the interior. ;)