Demonstrates The Method Of Firing Each Of The Weapons On The General Sheridan Tank, Including The 50 Cal And 7.62Mm Machine Guns, 152Mm Gun/Launcher, And Grenade Launchers.
They called it the BGB, or Big Gnarly Boner, when the 152mm Gun/Missile system was fitted to the new M60A2. BGB is sort of a precursor to BFG . . . The 152mm rifled Rocket Launcher . . . I can't believe I just said that . . . was a great idea, in concept. I've watched the above "How To" video for the M551 and noted the degree of care with which the missile needs handled is more than excessive. Silk, no static, liners, gloves . . . reducing ROF to once before Judgment Day. The One Five Two (152mm) short HEAT round (semi-combustable cartridge) was just as bad. Still, the idea of a huge stick on a light, maneuverable, alltrack chassis haunts us to this day. What say: think the M81 152mm Gun/Missile System should've been given to the Armored Engineers? 6" HEAT (Petard, anyone?), PLUS a wireguided, missile for bunker and bridge busting. But, Imagine doing all that in a light tank, while PT76 or early BMPs are using you for target practice. "Damned wasps are everywhere today." "Sir?" "Crap." "What is it THIS time?" Of course, today he could just call his sales rep for real time customer service. "Welcome to Martin Marietta. Your call is important to us."
I love how their training to destroy hostile targets like bunkers, but the commander is leisurely 1/2 out of cupola with binoc’s for minutes. Then he nailed the tiny recon planes with M2, using iron sights and maybe 20 rounds.
Ayahhhh . . . punchline overload. The people most shot at by the enemy in any army in any war are the reconnaissance troops. Out there, literally, on the Front Line, trying to gain a clue in order to better prepare your general for making life changing decisions. Armored Reconnaissance has special considerations; engines are loud and tracks and wheels raise distinctive dust clouds that can be seen for miles. The enemy probably knows you're coming before he sees you. An Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle should therefore be: 1) Inconspicuous (small and simple of silhouette). 2) Fast (and maneuverable on OR off road). 3) Easy to use, especially in high stress situations. 4) Survival based on avoiding firefights if at all possible All that clear? Cool! Now meet the conceptual OPPOSITE of those sterling qualities.
@M Rolfe And if they had run into chemical agents they would have all been dead. At least in this vehicle you had a chance against such chemical weapons.
You can't always hide and avoid firefights. If you did, 4 dudes with an RPG (-2...) standing ahead of the main force would stop your recon in its tracks.
The coax was the same as we used in the M60A1, it was garbage and jammed constantly, the hull of the M551 could be shredded my .50 cal fire and if you hit a mine, it's all over for the crew. In the mids 70's the 2 worst pieces of shit were the M551 and the M114.
