boebert@SCTC.COM (Earl Boebert) (03/06/91)
From: boebert@SCTC.COM (Earl Boebert) While watching CNN I caught some footage of the Marines and the Kuwaitis proceeding up the coast road to Kuwait City. The shot showed what I first thought was a burned-out M1 by the side of the road, which upon later reflection (and hearing the official results of the engagements) could not be the case. The tank was tan, like most of the Coalition armor; I cannot recall whether it had the /\ symbol or not; and its turret had the faceted look of an M1 (which led to my initial confusion). The shot showed the rear of the tank, which had two large rectangular grilles on either side of an (open) crew hatch. I call it a "tank" because the vehicle looked too squat, the gun looked too big, and the hatch too small for it to be an APC. Any armor experts catch that shot and have an ID of this machine? Earl
kinney@mailer.cc.fsu.edu (Mark A. Kinney) (03/13/91)
From: Mark A. Kinney <wku_unix!kinney@mailer.cc.fsu.edu> Regarding Earl Boebert's post about that tank: I haven't seen the footage you mentioned, but from the description, might it possible be the current British frontline MBT (I think it's the Chieftain - my references are at home) ? It has the faceted turret you mentioned since the M1 borrowed the Chobbham armor concept which pretty much limits you to such boxy shapes (according to James Dunnigan's HOW TO MAKE WAR) that was used on said tank. The only other candidate I know of that would fit the description wouldn't be there-the Leopard II. If anyone can correct me on this, I'd appreciate it. Mark Kinney kinney@wku.edu