Tanks vs trees: Abrams and KV-1

[John Kettler]

There has been intermittent discussion on CMBS and elsewhere regarding operating tanks in trees. What's seen here appears to fall between the terrain categories of Light Woods (passable by armor) and Heavy Woods (impassable by armor). Here, we have not just saplings, but spread out mature trees, strong enough to resist being pushed by an M1A1. They are not Abrams proof, for that sharp bow allows another sort of approach in this instance. It does, though, have a fundamental, potentially diastrous problem associated with that technique. Nor do we see what would happen were the tank to continue to move forward.

 

http://www.military.com/video/combat-vehicles/combat-tanks/m1a1-tank-removes-trees-in-australia/1716924710001/

 

Some of you may be familiar with the sort of KV-1 footage in the English subtitled doc shown here starting at around 1:12. There are major differences in play, starting with the fact the KV-1 is buttoned. Nor is it facing a tree with extensive strong branches. Instead, I believe it's attacking a birch, known for its delicate foliage. The top of the M1A1 has all sort of things which can be hit directly (sights with doors open), snag and be damaged or even torn off. By contrast, the top of the KV-1, save for a rounded episcope housing, is practically smooth

 

 

Food for thought.

 

Regards,

 

John Kettler

Edited April 10, 2015 by John Kettler