Matthew, an excellent primer. Would you be able to adopt a similar approach to help the broader British public understand defence? I think the public believes that the U.K. is defended by the British military, with little understanding of NATO. The Government has, for the last twenty years or so, allowed the delusion of British military strength to go unchecked. Events may shatter it. Apologies, I realise that this has little to do with AFVs however it would be helpful to have a more open public debate in UK.
But you need the idiot journalists to read this to stop my choking over their useless reporting. How about an article on the relative scale of battle v skirmish etc, as most seems unable to distinguish in their reports between different sizes of engagement, with everything being huge all the time.
Fascinating read Matthew. I’ve practically lived on the road most my career as an entertainer. Often I’d see trains of these vehicles being transported or caravans of military vehicles while driving cross-country. Especially near Barstow,California where there’s a huge military installation. I always thought to myself the work required to maintain these massive AFVs. The hippie in me prays for peace on earth ✌️ 🕊️☮️🤍
Good article, and in my opinion the Merkava is definitely a tank. Being able to carry a section of infantry for a short time, doesn't change the vehicle's role, it just makes it more capable. My understanding is that the rear 'troop compartment' is used most often for quickly reloading ammunition. But is also used to evacuate casualties, or if required for the crew to escape. The other thing I bet the rear compartment gets used for a lot, is to shelter command discussions, or orders for instance when a tank troop links up with an infantry company for an activity.
Matthew, an excellent primer. Would you be able to adopt a similar approach to help the broader British public understand defence? I think the public believes that the U.K. is defended by the British military, with little understanding of NATO. The Government has, for the last twenty years or so, allowed the delusion of British military strength to go unchecked. Events may shatter it. Apologies, I realise that this has little to do with AFVs however it would be helpful to have a more open public debate in UK.
Thank you! Yes, that is my eventual intention!
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute.
Thank you! I'll have to see how the blog develops, but worth a conversation later on down the line!
Political stuff is also used for defense... like the EU... 10 billion a year that probably equates to a million troops in a tank each... ooops!
But you need the idiot journalists to read this to stop my choking over their useless reporting. How about an article on the relative scale of battle v skirmish etc, as most seems unable to distinguish in their reports between different sizes of engagement, with everything being huge all the time.
"anti-tank missile launchers (whoosh-boom)."
Yes 😄👍. Excellent article, thank you.
Thank you for reading! Glad you enjoyed it!
What will you call a ZTL-11?
Tank destroyer? Assault Gun?
Personally I'd go for Assault Gun! That weird species of light wheeled vehicle with huge gun is a bit of an mutant....
For Type 16 MCV? (In JGSDF they put it on "reconnaissance combat" bn)
What an odd vehicle! I'd say for that it entirely depends on usage. If its meant for recce then its a recce vehicle.
Armored combat recon and light armor killing as that thing (Japanese Type 16) is like centauro I (uses 105mm gun)
Also this means you will call "tank" for M10 Booker, Elbit Sabrah, CVRDE Zorawar, Harimau Hitam (Kaplan), ZTD-05, and ZTQ-15.
Light tracks with turreted 105mm guns.
Fascinating read Matthew. I’ve practically lived on the road most my career as an entertainer. Often I’d see trains of these vehicles being transported or caravans of military vehicles while driving cross-country. Especially near Barstow,California where there’s a huge military installation. I always thought to myself the work required to maintain these massive AFVs. The hippie in me prays for peace on earth ✌️ 🕊️☮️🤍
I’ve been having a friendly debate for years with a Tanker that the Hussite Tabor war wagon was the first tank.
There were at least 2 engagements with cannon on the move, although war wagon laager defense was the preferred tactic.
An armored wagon, fought from, including cannon.
The Czech Tabor pioneered by Jan Zyzka was the first tank. IMO.
Great effort. Nice and succinct with some great photos.
Thank you!!!
The Merkava is; ??
A very odd MBT!
Good article, and in my opinion the Merkava is definitely a tank. Being able to carry a section of infantry for a short time, doesn't change the vehicle's role, it just makes it more capable. My understanding is that the rear 'troop compartment' is used most often for quickly reloading ammunition. But is also used to evacuate casualties, or if required for the crew to escape. The other thing I bet the rear compartment gets used for a lot, is to shelter command discussions, or orders for instance when a tank troop links up with an infantry company for an activity.
But it’s also an APC. I think a good concept.
And israelis love their heavy APCs converted from tanks, started from achzarit