Since Abrams drivers sit in their own armored capsule, separate from the rest of the crew, when will this be modeled to help control the ridiculous spalling that occurs in them? The wall behind the driver is missing on all models.
2 Likes
Well it’s not exactly “armored capsule” (I think only the AbramX has that for the entyre crew)…
…and we do have in game…
3 Likes
What wall?
In this video you can see the turret basket rotating behind the driver (timestamped to 8:59):
2 Likes
yeah, that is just the turret basket right?
I think most tanks have a way for the driver to escape through the turret incase the tank is disabled with the gun blocking the drivers hatch, although it’s sometimes not exactly practical, I think the T-80s require the driver to remove some of the trays from the autoloader… probably not ideal in an emergency.
1 Like
Yeah… the (MBT) drivers in general are most screwed, when it come to emergency escape.
1 Like
I think the T-72 and T-80 tanks have an escape hatch for the driver below the drivers seat.
Click to reveal photos
( Tankograd: T-80 )
( https://www.guerra-acorazada.blog/leopard-2a4-vs-t-72b-m1989/ )
2 Likes
Oh nice, I’ve never seen that before, but you are definitely correct, I did a search on a T-72A manual I have and found this:
Spoiler
Which if Google translate is to be believed says:
“In the bottom of the hull, behind the seat, there is an emergency exit hatch, on the cover of which an infantry shovel and three covers for individual protective kits are attached.”
2 Likes
where did you find that manual?
I found them on here:
https://ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/publicly-available-soviet-union-tank-manuals-and-drawings-thread-t-34-is-t-54-t-62-t-64-t-72-and-t-80-tanks-including-tank-chasis-and-guns.58513/
Not entirely sure what a section on Soviet MBTs is doing in a WW2 aircraft forum, but Ill take it.
1 Like
I’m wondering anyone who sat in a tank before suddenly feels panic, I know I would because I am claustrophobic
What you’re seeing is the vented slat armor mounted to the front of the turret basket. There is an inner and an outer layer. It allows ventillation while still protecting crew.
Not exactly a capsule like the X, but when you’re locked in it would feel like one. Your first pic is a very old model. There is slatted steel mounted to the front of the turret basket behind the driver. Thats what you see rotating around. Pics are below. vids are easy to find. It’s not all open like your pic of the turret removed shows. It’s actually completely closed off when the tank gun is in forward fighting positions. It would def help in spall protection instead of being a straight shot into the basked!
That might be the case, but there is still no actual wall behind the driver as you stated in your first post.
Its just sheet metal. It provides no protection other than keeping the driver’s head from being eaten by the turret monster.
he is still completely enclosed…ergo a wall. a wall can be curved…it can be anything that acts as a barrier, defense, or ''ENCLOSING LAYER". TY. It offers protection and should be modeled. Those are actual definitions of wall.
too thick to be sheet metal. and why reinforce it with a horizontal rod? think that wont cheeze grate you? put your hand in it get a piece of clothing in it! Nice cope though.
The horizontal rib is because its very thin sheet metal. Think car fender thickness.
It won’t “cheeze grate” you unless you stick your fingers into it while the turret is spinning. Not recommended, but also very hard to do.
Not cope either. I was an M1 mechanic.
You can SEE it’s thicker than that!..well, maybe YOU can’t. It will still catch spall. Sure ya were…and no one cares. You obviously didn’t learn structure you learned engine if you were. Sheet metal can be any thickness and it’s measured in gauge, so saying sheet metal means little.
Its not thick its corrugated. Its a die cut and bent sheet of metal. Also a PITA to remove to access the elevation mech.
Believe what ever you want kid.